Cookies with a Twist

Made these last weekend, using my favorite oatmeal cookie recipe, but with a few substitutions. In place of butter used earth balance, in place of the egg used 1 T flax seed meal + 3 T water (to make them Cole-friendly), and in place of raisins made half a batch with chocolate chips (Ghiradelli semi-sweet, which are dairy-free) and the other half with butterscotch chips. So yummy.

Hoop Girl

Lauren shocked us at the community 4th of July celebration with her hidden talent :) She won the contest for her age group (1st grade and under), then wanted to continue on with the big kids. She hadn't tried the 'turn' move yet, but has been practicing in the gym at school ever since. She informed us at dinner tonight she can now hula hoop while hopping on one foot, and also while walking on her knees. Where does she learn this stuff??? :)

Quiet Time

After a very loud car ride home after an outing with the kids on Sat, we announced there would be 30 min of quiet time when we got home. I intended to have them spend the time in their rooms, doing something pseudo-intellectual (like a puzzle or reading).


Well, Cole settled in the family room, and played with Thomas (whining only periodically, when his multi-car train fell off the track rounding a bend).


And after a considerable amount of crying and protesting, Lauren became very quiet, and I found her in her room, fully accessorized.

Stew and I spent our quiet time preparing dinner. And believe it or not, the 30 min extended to a full 50 min or so. It was magnificent; we will attempt to implement quiet time every weekend.

The Chatwal

On our recent vacation back east, we made a quick trip up to NYC to visit with friends (a special thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for watching the kids!). We wanted to use our Starwood Points and decided to stay at The Chatwal, which opened last year and recently joined the Starwood Hotel Collection. We had a great stay.


The hotel was in a great central location, in the Times Square area on 44th between 5th/6th.


The hotel was designed in a cool 1930's deco style, but with lots of technology and modern features.


They even loaned out iPads (or a laptop if you prefered). Although you had to sign a substantial waiver!


They provided some low-tech in-room entertainment as well, if that is more your thing :)

Waste Not

We went to Yollipop yesterday - free frozen yogurt for all dads for Father's Day! Cole was not about to let one drop of his go to waste. They also had a new refreshing citrus flavor called 'summer'. I was tempted to get an additional taster cup even after I'd finished :)

Project Garden: Day 71

The harvest - radishes! They were about the only thing that survived, although we still have some hope for the tomatoes. Lesson learned: plant earlier next year....

Frappe Happy

Safeway's Starbucks had $2 grande frappuccinos this past weekend... Yum.

Because I'm Four

Lauren truly believes that since turning 4 this week, she has magically developed several new skills and abilities. So sweet, and so innocent, it just melts your heart :)


"Mommy, today [at school], the chalk was up high on that thing, and I was 4, and I was able to reach it!"


"Look they fit! Because I'm 4!", as she tried on her new sandals, a birthday present from Grandma.


And, she has been very eager to climb the rock-wall at the YMCA, where the minimum age requirement is 4. Today she got to climb it. She had a lot of fun, and made it about halfway up. Later, I said that with a little practice she could make it all the way to the top. She says "Yeah, maybe when I'm 5."

The Birthday Interview

Last year, we asked Lauren a series questions on her birthday - and videoed it too! We did the same this year. Here are her answers, and last year's too, for comparison :)

The Honest Truth

Lauren to Cole: "Cole, you're making me crazy! I don't want to be telling you so many times. You're turning two, and you shouldn't be picking your nose. Because that's respectful."