We took the girls to the Topeka zoo today to celebrate what feels like the first day of fall.
We seemed to catch most of the animals mid-nap.
These guys weren’t sleeping as soundly as I would have liked…
Any guesses as to who will not take a nap?
Archive for the ‘Ava’ Category
21 Aug
A&O Fix
When Olivia needs assistance, she says “Help you?” Fortunately, Ava is always right there to lend a hand.
13 Aug
Summer supper
Lately, I have been looking for main dish recipes that don’t involve a lot of starches, and I thought this one for Balsamic and Tomato Roast Chicken was particularly pretty. Plus, it made use of the eggplant Bryan picked up from a co-worker, and—of course—basil.
Ava and Bryan, though, were not pleased. Bryan picked through it, asking me three times if eggplants were really supposed to be so seedy, and Ava was quite concerned about the capers. I thought it was great, though I agree eggplant is far better breaded and baked Liana-style.
The next night, I made a tuna, avocado and green bean salad. When Ava saw me crack the can of tuna, she said, “EW! I am NOT eating cat food!” I assured her that it was not cat food, but as we said down to the table she squawked, “MOM! I AM BEGGING YOU, PLEASE DO NOT EAT THE CAT’S FOOD!”
I finally talked her into trying it. Her response? “Yuck. That means ‘I don’t like that’ in Spanish.”
11 Aug
More fun at Gramma’s
These photos come courtesy of my mom, who was busy entertaining my children while I napped this weekend.
The girls played in the sprinkler and wading pool, and went for many walks with my mom. They came across a sailboat down the lane that Ava found particularly interesting.
Dave whipped this slide platform out the evening before we arrived. Olivia spent most of the weekend perched at the top, trying to give Mom a heart attack.
And speaking of Olivia, my mom tried to get a photo of her next to the shrub that was planted in her honor.
Really, if you want her to pose, it’s going to cost you a snow cone. Flavoring optional.
9 Aug
A weekend at the lake
Mom and Dave welcomed us for a short visit this weekend. As always, we made the most of the peaceful locale: we played golf, slept in, took long naps and let Mom handle Olivia’s 2 am wake up calls. Mom and Dave spoiled us–not only with round-the-clock childcare–but with fabulous food and a gorgeous view.
We’ll be back soon!
29 Jul
Adieu, ballet.
Ava had her final ballet class last night, and the parents (squirming toddlers optional) were invited into the classroom to observe and take photos. I’ll post videos later this week, but here are a few quick shots.
26 Jul
Roasted Banana Birthday Cupcakes
Ava and I made Roasted Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting for Tom’s 30th birthday, which is today. Happy birthday, Tom!
The recipe, from Martha Stewart Cupcakes, starts by roasting whole, unpeeled bananas in an effort to increase their sweetness. As a result, the recipe has a bit less sugar than other cupcake recipes. The final step is to incorporate beaten egg whites into the batter. I can’t quite master this technique–I either over-process the batter and eliminate any potential for the fluffiness that should result, or I don’t go far enough and end up with lumpy cakes. Any tips out there? This is a great recipe otherwise!
Smith Family Weblog 