MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Hanging out with cousin Mason

Ryan & Nolan meet Handy Manny!

Lovin' my new highchair

Tough decision...Which one do I read first?

We love when Papa comes to visit!

Sampling some homemade holiday cookies

Getting into the holiday spirit

Daddy's little helper

Happy boy

Best friends

Love my exersaucer!

So much to say!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

O-R-A-N-G-E

Pumpkin Decorating

Ryan got to choose his pumpkin this year while on a field trip (with his preschool class) to Gallrein Farm in Shelbyville. From what I hear, he put a lot of thought into the selection process. He couldn't wait to decorate and display his pumpkin on the front porch!

Boo at the Zoo with Nana

Introduction to rice cereal= a huge mess!

Brothers

Big boy!

We had Nolan's 4-month check-up today. He's grown so much over the last few months! He's already up to 17 lbs., 12 oz. (90th percentile) and is 27" long (97th percentile). I think we may have a basketball player on our hands. (-:

My new hobby

Mission accomplished!

A visit with my cousins

First time in my Bumbo seat

Male bonding

Megablocks creations

Getting big!

At 3 months, Nolan already weighs a whopping 16 lbs., 9 oz.

Ryan's "Smart Cookie" Recipe

Ryan had his first experience in making Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. We tried a healthier version called the "Smart Cookie" from a Kroger ad. We were so pleased with the results that we decided to post the recipe....

1/4 cup applesauce
2 tbsp. butter (no substitutions)
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, OR mini M&Ms (We combined mini M&Ms with semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together applesauce, butter, and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir flour mixture into first mixture and mix well. Then stir in oats, followed by the chocolate. Place rounded teaspoons- full 2 inches apart- on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes 18 cookies.

My favorite "lovey"

Talking to my fish

Teaching Nolan about zoo animals