Trials and tribulations of a passport

Josh has started the paper work process to becoming a US citizen. Let's just say that taking passport photos at 8 1/2 months is not an easy task.

Angus and Ben

We just spent the weekend in Dunedin catching up with friends. Our antenatal class had its 3rd reunion. I'm just in awe how fast time goes and how much the kids continue to grow. This photo is of Ben and his friend Angus at the Otago Farmer's Market.

Thinking outside the box

We've had a week of too much time inside. Ben came down with conjunctivious and we had to cancel all playdates, preschool and social engagements. With the weather being a bit icky we've spent far too much time at home, inside. Today Dan came up with the great idea that I could ride the bike trainer w/ the toddler seat on the back. I'm happy to report that not only did I get my workout, but Josh fell asleep! I was able to transfer him to his bed and then continue exercising. Ben was watching Shrek 2 while this was going, fyi. So thank you Dan for being able to think outside the box and help keep me sane.

This week's first

I am in constant amazement over the milestones that my children reach and soar past on a daily basis. I try to document the various events, but it's not always easy. But yesterday was a pretty important one in the land of Erin & Dan.

Ben rode the chair lift for the very first time!

Food for Thought

Food, always a near and dear topic in our house. Ben and I continue to whip up fun food in the kitchen. Today he discovered that he quite likes licking the bowl. I'm amazed that he hasn't caught on to the secret ingredient agenda in our food, today's was spinach. He even watched me cook the spinach... amazing what a little chocolate and sugar will do for the picky eater.

And speaking of the polar opposite of a picky eater- Josh. The little guy will seriously eat anything you put in front of him. The recent addition to the list of firsts include: veggie sausage, chicken sausage, cookies, risotto, meat pie, tater tots, muffins, sand (okay that's not a food, but he did eat it).

Cheers

Life seems to be ticking away over here... sometimes the days just blur together and I look at the calendar and go, "Where has the time gone?" In the last couple of weeks we've survived a few bouts of the flu, celebrated Dan's birthday, had a bump surgically removed from Ben's face (he's fine, but did have to be put under for them to remove the damaged skin), entertained my sister and her boyfriend, been skiing...

So, cheers, to good health, birthdays and family!

Kitchen Wonders

Ben and I have been playing in the kitchen lately. I was given a copy of the cookbook "Deceptively Delicious"" by Jessica Seinfield as a birthday present from our friend Wes. Ben has taken to the book so much that we're on a mission to make as many of the recipes as possible. Today's task was french toast (with the hidden ingredient of sweet potato and flaxmeal). Everyone in the family liked the brownies (with the hidden ingredients of spinach and sweet potato). The photo above is a rare opportunity for Josh to play in the "helping spot". His eating has taken off as well- I've just discovered that he likes the Kiwi stable of roast chicken and vegs (potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and kumara). Now if only we could get Ben to eat a dinner like that! I guess the trick will be to hide it a loaf of banana bread or something like that.