Classic toys

When Laine was young I asked a couple friends what some "classic toys" were so we could have them on hand for her and any future children. Well, here's an example of one of those suggestions still getting good use with Mead.

Aside from these nesting blocks, other classics that were recommended include stacking rings, a push popper, blocks, a xylophone, and wooden puzzles. The nice thing about all of these is that they are also battery free!

New dollhouse

We acquired a new dollhouse this afternoon from some friends from church. Since it arrived about five hours ago it has been a big hit!

Laine and Mead, along with several of Laine's friends that were over this afternoon, have been busily playing with all the pieces setting up each room over and over again. Thank you, Medlocks, for the awesome hand-me-down!!

Pretzel recipe

I've had a few people ask for the recipe for these yummy treats, so here it is:

1 tsp. instant yeast
1 Tbsp. honey
2.5-3 cups flour (wheat or regular)
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk, warmed for 1 min. in microwave
1 egg, whisked
Kosher salt

Preheat to 425. Combine first 5 ingredients. Stir with wooden spoon until it forms a ball. Lightly flour a tray. Remove dough, place on tray, knead for 5 minutes or so - dough will have a satin-like appearance.

Divide dough into 8-10 pieces. Roll balls into short logs. Cover with a towel and let dough relax 5-10 minutes. Pull (or roll) logs into longer and thinner strips. Make alphabet letters on greased cookie sheet. Brush letters with whisked egg. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

Alphabet pretzels

Laine's teacher sent home a recipe the other day for homemade soft pretzels. The recipe was intended for children, so it recommended making the pretzels into alphabet letters. Laine and i had a great time making them! And then we all enjoyed eating them too!!

I always crave soft pretzels, but I especially crave them when I'm pregnant, so it was a nice treat to have plenty around the house for a few days.

First harvest

Here's a shot of our first fruits from the garden. We've been eating fresh lettuce and spinach salads for a few days now. So yummy!

Preview of the Flower Girl

Laine is in her uncle's wedding this summer, and she's so excited about it. She keeps telling us about her "wedding dress" and shoes that she'll be wearing. Then she says, "When I get bigger I'm going to get married!"

Well, here she is in her flower girl dress and pretty white shoes. Doesn't the dress look pretty? We're looking forward to the wedding and hope Laine makes it down the aisle without too much difficulty!

Garden Progress

Here's one picture update of what's happening in our garden. Any guesses as to what this is?