What have we been up to?

Well. Life has been busy and good. We’ve been enjoying these warm October days. This summer weather can stay as long as it wants to!

We went to 2nd cousin Katelin’s 6th birthday party! We loved all the sugar we got to have there.

Chase and Charlotte have mainly just been busy being cute.

Chase loves to create things. Especially his own concoctions and recipes in the kitchen that make a HUGE mess. I just hyperventilate, that’s all. I don’t want to curb his creativity, but MAN our kitchen has just been trashed lately. Sometimes it’s good that Chase is so eager and curious because it motivates us to make cute things like these wheat pancakes.

Yesterday we made a volcano together with play dough, (add baking soda & vinegar to make it erupt), which was really fun. That was one of the tidier projects he’s done, along with the Lego one below. I love seeing what he builds.

We have also been spending money, which stresses me out. I’ve bought some new clothes for the kids, including some snow clothes. Today I found some good deals at 7 Circles Outlet in Orem. But kids are expensive, I’ve decided.

So are houses! We had to buy a new garbage disposal and Pace chose and put in a new kitchen faucet as well. I love it. Yay for Costco being way cheaper than Lowe’s! And yay for Pace knowing how to perform such intense home repairs! He does a TON around the house. I can’t believe his skills—how did I catch such a guy??

Chase enjoys preschool almost as much as I enjoy having him at preschool. I went with his class to the pet store for their monthly field trip. Chase & Charlotte were both very brave, petting the snakes, iguana, the hyper chinchilla, etc. Chase loved this blue parrot that kept vigorously flapping its wings.

OK I’m sure everyone already knows how to make homemade play dough.  I’ve tried a few recipes myself. But I want to share this one because it makes a very soft, low-mess play dough. It’s my favorite recipe so far because it doesn’t stick to the counter much like some of the other recipes I’ve tried!

Play Dough Recipe

2 c. Flour
½ c. Salt
2 c. Water
2 T. Vegetable Oil
¼ c. Cream of Tartar (found in spice section)

Pour all ingredients into a large saucepan. Food coloring can be added here if desired, 5-7 drops. Turn to med-high heat and stir constantly until the mix becomes very warm and starts to form together, about 3-5 minutes. Do not over heat, it will burn. Continue stirring until the mix forms into a playdough ball. Remove from heat and pour ball onto a wax paper sheet. Let cool for a few minutes and then knead until soft, 2-3 minutes. Food coloring can also be added during the kneading process as well, especially if you want to split the dough and use 2 or more colors. I suggest wearing baggies over your hands if doing this. Store your play dough in a ziplock bag and in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or until little white spots develop.