Fun In The Sun

It was fun times this week on the California scene. Canyon and Auggie have grown like weeds and will soon be ready for downhill races on their cycles. It is amazing to watch Auggie spin around his track in his backyard at lightning speed.... the kid is only two. We cooked up a storm and made all sorts of color concoctions and experiments. Canyon registered for Kindergarten while we were there... he is a sweet, thoughtful, and loving kid who soaks up learning anything new.... he will love going to school. Auggie is in constant motion.... he is always watching and imitating, and figuring out the best way to do things. He plays second fiddle to no one. I love it when he doesn't like what you are saying.... his hands go on his hips and you know soon he will be looking for something to throw. I wonder what it says about me as a grandma, when I am more endeared to my grandkids when they are about to do something naughty?

This is the best picture I had of Ryan and Alissa at their wedding. The sun made everyone squint. I will post another one when I get them from the other photographer. It was a perfect day, on Friday, March 27th. Alissa was beautiful in her silk purple dress. (Ryan was cute, too) They were married in Palos Verdas on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. It was sweet and simple. Ryan said his vows through choked back tears and Alissa said hers with a giddy happiness. That was the sweet part. Together they were perfection. Afterwards, Ryan treated us to lunch at their favorite Brazilian restaurant. They are honeymooning for the week in Japan. Congratulations, you two. We were happy we could help you celebrate such a memorable day.

Color Mixologist

So I'm still rummaging up activities to do with "the boys", and for Mackenzie when she comes in April for three weeks.... YIKES!!!! I bought this kit at Funfinity. It has different experiments for mixing colors and making colored crystals. When I opened it last night it looked like so much fun I wanted to transpose myself to Jana's kitchen right on the spot. All I'm missing is the black capes with the different colored stars and moons on them and saying Master Color Mixologist.

After we mess around with the colors there are a few art projects we can do. Using the eyedropper (this step is very important if you're going to be official about it) you put large drops of color (I think I'll add a little dry tempura paint color to the liquid colors) on white paper. Blow the color drops with a straw to make pictures. Then add a little dishsoap (1 Tbsp.) to the paint and pour it in a shallow bowl or plate and blow bubbles up with your straw. Place a piece of white paper over the bubbles to let them pop on the paper and make your design. Mmmm.... I think all these colors are washable, Marshall. However, I think grandparents don't worry about those things anymore. We just breeze in and out and spread a little magic.... then poof we're gone.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Erica made the cutest little cheesecakes for a family dinner today. If you haven't eaten anything Erica cooks you are missing out on a great pleasure in life. She is just amazing the things she makes.... the softest dinner rolls that literally melt in your mouth.... orange rolls.... she knows how to do almost everything.... she is a real Rennaisance Woman of the New Age.... she cooks, quilts, makes the cutest cards, is almost all the way through school for a teaching degree, recieving a scholarship so she will run on the schools track team.... she is fit from working out everyday.... she remembers where everybody puts everything which is great when she lives with everybody who can't remember where they put things.... whew.... I could just keep on going.... she is so amazing.

So..... this will be one of the projects to do with Canyon. (and of course cute little Auggie) I'm sure he will join in the mixing.....

Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg

Topping:
1 can pie filling cherries

Directions:
In a bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press gently into the bottom of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, sugar and egg.... beat until smooth. Spoon into crusts - pressing in gently. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes until set. Cool completely. Spoon cherries on top. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Erica also made some with 1/2 of an oreo cookie as the crust (put in frosting side up) and them she crushed the rest of the cookie and sprinkled it on the cream cheese mixture before she cooked it. (She is also so inventive and creative) Yeah, Erica!!!!!