Music City

Today we went to the Country Music Hall of Fame for their annual musical petting zoo. It was so much fun. It began with a demonstration from some seriously good musicians. They were all super nice and helped the kids play the instruments. Max started right in on the drums.

Max got a quick mandolin lesson from one of the pros.

I think the washboard was definately Max's favorite. Mia was overwhelmed and stayed glued to my side the entire time. Afterward we went to Trader Joe's and discovered wasabi peas.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped semisweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
   
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Drop by large tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 8to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

These cookies are amazingly delicious!

Target Shopping Spree!

We just got back from Target. My friend Alexandra let us know that they toys at Target were 75% off, so we had to go and have a look. They were pretty picked over but we found some great buys! I got the Playskool Cherry Blossom Market for Mia. It was marked down to $14.98. I am saving it for her birthday. By the time that gets here it will feel like her present was free. We found one of those Smart Cycle game systems for $24.98. Max had wanted it for Christmas but it was $110.00 at the time. He is very excited for his "little motorcyle". I could have gone crazy and bought more but I was trying to be good and live within our means. To top off our bargain morning, we took our free donut coupons to Krispy Kreme for a snack.

Temple Marriage

Hurray! Josh and Stephanie are married! It all happened at the beautiful San Diego temple. Ty and I originally planned to get married there, but family complications led us to choose Salt Lake. I am so glad that we were able to start our lives together in the temple. It was a wonderful day.

My mom made these gorgeous dipped pretzels for Josh and Steph's reception. I think it is my favorite wedding picture.

All I need

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
-Lucy Van Pelt (Peanuts)

Wintertime and Cute Hair

Oh what do you do in the wintertime when all the world is white?
Do you turn up the heat,
or hide under the sheets,
or bake a homeade apple pie?
Is that what you do? So do I!

All morning it snowed and snowed! It actually stuck to the ground this time. I am so grateful for our hard working heater. I spent some time doing Mia's hair. Every once in a while she lets me do it and I have to take advantage. I made a batch of play-doh. We made homeade granola. We played cars on the kitchen floor and we even got dressed all warm and went on a snowy day walk, which I decided quickly was kind of ridiculous. So maybe I didn't make a pie today, but I definately turned up the heat and tonight I will be under all of my sheets. Happy wintertime! (Here's hoping it warms up soon!)

Early Morning Movie

The kids woke up early this morning. It was pouring rain and very cold so I knew it would be an inside, movie watching, type of day. Max was set on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We put the movie on in his room. There was popcorn and muddy buddies for snacks. Mia did most of the eating. They were so cute at they're little matinee.

Where would you go in a priority mail box?

Goodbye Binkie

Little Mia lost her binkie the other day and we are not replacing it. She has had a few sad days but she is coping very well. I have been giving her larger than usual doses of hugs and chocolate. I am hoping she can find comfort in her dolls and teddy bears. We love you Mia!

Sunday Again

Yesterday we moved the couch so that it sat right in front of our tv. We had some friends over last night to watch the season premiere of "Lost". We ate nachos. It was very fun. Today is Sunday and the couch is back against the wall. It is the final week of January. I cannot wait for February. I love Valentines day. I am such a girly girl and I adore all things pink, especially when they are covered in hearts. It has been a great January. I discovered Starbucks herbal tea lattes, and we got a little taste of spring. I am looking forward to some warmer days and more American Idol.