Marianna is learning to ride a bike!

This is only Marianna's second time on a real bike without training wheels. Methinks she takes after her papa and not her mama.

Savoyarde Fondue!

We finally had a fondue night! Some of the cheese was pricey so it was definitely a treat, but yummy indeed. The girls liked the fact that it was a "fun meal" but weren't super into the strong flavors of the cheeses.
Our spread consisted of Savoyarde Fondue (made with four cheeses and cooked with white wine), grainy bread, veggies and pineapple. Tasty!

For some reason this last picture would not turn. I kept getting an error when I tried to turn it...sorry! Livvie loved the pineapple, but the cheese, notsomuch.

The belly wiggle to get the lost toy

Louis searching under the futon for a lost toy. Eventually giving and pulling stuff off the couch instead. His mission: search and destroy. Successful? Always.

Louis playing with the deck door

Washing dishes together

Menu Plan

Monday: Smoked Chicken, Scalloped potatoes, peas (yum...everyone loved this meal, even the girls and louis) The girls don't like chicken except for this kind

Tuesday: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole, Broccoli

Wednesday: Sausage and Bean Ragout, fresh bread, cheese

Thursday: Spagetti (mine is over zucchini), green beans

Friday: Burgers, Homemade oven fries (we just slice somewhat thinly lengthwise, lightly coat with oil and sprinkle sea salt and seasoning salt over it. Bake at 400 or higher until the outsides are a little crisp and the insides are soft! Salad

Saturday: Leftovers: we have a birthday party at some French friends house to go to this evening and a ladies' event in the mid-day so I won't cook much today.

Sunday: Maybe a picnic in the park? Baguettes, cheese, fruit and raw veggies!

Made these bean blondies tonight and they were terrific. I modified the recipes as I didn't have all the right ingredients.

Noisy boy

Luncheon on the "deck"

Daddy made a nice picnic for the kiddos on the deck the other day while I was at school. Looks like the kids had a blast! I think it was nice for daddy to have the noise outside (rather than inside) too:) Louis apparently enjoyed his first grilled cheese sandwich.

More Park Pics (w/mommy too)

New park for three energetic rascals

Menu Plan

Monday: Split Pea Soup, leftover cornbread
Tuesday: Chimichangas (didn't get to this last week), fresh peppers/dip
Wednesday: Chicken, baked potatoes, and whole carrots in the crockpot, whole wheat bread & real butter, salad
Thursday: Chicken Noodle Soup, bread from boulangerie
Friday: Cheeseburgers, homefries, fresh veggies, dip
Saturday: Beef Rice Casserole, broccoli (didn't get to this last week)
Sunday: Clean out fridge, leftovers, or something else if inspiration strikes

Hard work in the kitchen

Cooking ensemble

Louis has a new favorite activity: stirring in bowl type containers with a spoon or the like. Its really cute. I imagine he learned it from the sisters cooking at his level, but maybe from mommy too. Its the one safe thing he likes to do (you know...as opposed to rooting through the garbage, swishing in the potty, etc.;)

Loading the crockpot w/Livvie & playground

My big helper "inspecting" the potatoes in the crockpot. Such a cute helper.

An adventure with daddy to another playground. Louis is really enjoying himself now when we go. We can tell he's been waiting for this day to arrive--when he could finally participate in the fun!

Menu Plan

We're busy preparing for the new school term and on our newsletter for this month. We'll have some new pictures and videos up soon! We're hoping to get a few good ones tomorrow since we don't both have to be at school (just one of us).

Monday: Chicken, baked potatoes, and whole carrots in the crockpot, whole wheat toast & real butter
Tuesday: Italian Braid Bread
Wednesday: Zuppa Tuscana Soup, bread
Thursday: Baked oven tacos (forget what these are called...) with toppings, fresh veggies
Friday: Cheeseburgers, homefries, fresh veggies, dip
Saturday: Beef Rice Casserole, broccoli (didn't get to this last week)
Sunday: Clean out fridge, popcorn