Liv got a cookbook for kids a while ago from her (great) aunt. She was dying to try her hand at cooking us dinner. She picked out a "creamy noodle' recipe and made us a wonderful dinner.
She did it mostly on her own...she wasn't comfortable with pouring off the hot water yet :)

also...I told you I would give you the chocolate chip recipe I use grandma, so here it is. Maybe it will work for you, it is our favorite around here.

           
 Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 12 tbsp. butter...melted!
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 
• 325 degree oven 10 min or until light brown

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips

       The kids started swim lessons last week. Today was our second saturday going and they are doing great. Olivia is swimming perfect back stroke the length of the pool, with no assistance....she is really loving it. She always has a huge smile on her face and is picking up the techniques quickly.

Lincoln is doing good as well....they are trying to teach him proper form and what not...his favorite part so far seems to be the hot showers afterward.

                   working hard on our snow man!

winter came

   We finally got some snow around here. We had been thoroughly enjoying the jacket only weather...but oh well I guess it is January. Lincoln was very excited to try out his "waterproof snow suit" for some reason he was really into it being waterproof. He is waiting for Liv to get home in this picture. They went sledding on the tiny hill in the neighbors back yard most of the afternoon. We had soooo many snow days and snow delays last year in Fort Wayne I was half expecting to have one this morning. No such luck, as Liv really wanted to sleep in this morning. She has been staying up to late at night reading....there are worse things i guess. 

We are finally back and into our old routine again. The kids started back to school today and I spent the day doing some serious laundry....almost done. We had a really fun road trip and a great time in Utah. Olivia always looks so forward to going and spending time with her cousin(s). The kids did amazingly well in the car for such a long time....and the dog did even better. The weather was lovely, Jonny and I ate waffles with friends in Salt Lake...outside for dinner. That's a pretty big treat in December.

My back is starting to hurt and my body is getting swollen....from this sweet baby. My dr. visits are 2 weeks apart at this point and I'm getting closer. Well...hopefully these blog posts will be more regular now that things are back to normal....at least until march:)

Grandma....I think lincoln may be ready for a bigger apron :)