No Crib For a Bed

After we got home from Costco today, Eliza and Zoie decided to pretend to be Mary (they learned about her this past Christmas).  They used the large packages of toilet paper and paper towels we just bought as their cribs.  Actually, Eliza said to me in a very serious tone, "Mom, this is the baby's no crib for a bed."  She loves the song Away in a Manger.  It's funny how somber she was about the whole thing (just look at her face in the pictures).

Yes, Zoie is wearing her swim suit.  It's a daily thing now.

Last Week

I've been meaning to document what an awesome week we had the week before last.  First of all, Aunt Liz came to visit for a few days.  All I can say is, we LOVE Aunt Liz!  Having her come is always such a treat.  She is an incredibly fun Aunt and sister.  We had a really great time together.

Here are some of the things we did (with pictures).  It is only now that I realize that Liz isn't in any of the pictures... because she took them all!  I am the worst when it comes to remembering to take pictures.  This has spurred me on to remember to take pictures of those who come to visit!

Aunt Liz brought the girls the perfect gift.  A little wooden apple pie.  It's adorable.  All the pieces come apart so that you can build it yourself.  This new toy is played with daily now.  Not surprisingly, these 21/2-year-olds have quickly become pie lovers.

Speaking of pie, what's a visit from Aunt Liz without eating some?  She made Alex a birthday pie that was delicious.  Note to self: candles work better in cake than pie.

While Aunt Liz was visiting, we all took an outing to purchase our first family pet: a fish.  It was awesome.

 Here are the girls looking at their new fish, Chester, in his new home on top of their dresser.

We met Alex at work for lunch twice while Liz was visiting.  The little cartons of milk were a big hit with Eliza and Zoie.

 A trip to the grocery store to get items needed to make the below cupcakes.  Car carts are the best!  I don't know what I'd do without them.  I'm speaking literally.

Liz helped me prepare for New Beginnings night in my ward.  She designed these cupcake toppers to go along with our theme, the 13th Article of Faith.  Aren't they so cute?  There were lots of them with different words from the scripture and very fun, bright colors.  They got lots and lots of compliments that night.

We went shopping the last day Liz was with us.  In one store (World Market to be specific... I love that place), the girls discovered and insisted on buying these backpacks.  We didn't end up getting them.  But it did make me think how sad I'll be when they are old enough to go off to school all day long.  I'll miss them!

A few days after Liz left, we celebrated Alex's birthday.  That day, we went to the Museum of Flight.  So fun.  We had a great day and weekend.

Yummy Yogurt Salad

I made up a side dish last night to go with our quiche for dinner.  I thought it was most delicious and worth sharing.  I call it yogurt salad.

Here is the recipe:

-  1 large container (32 ou) of plain yogurt (I used a mixture of 2 containers, half nonfat and half full fat yogurt... but make sure it is plain)
-  2 apples, shredded (I washed them well and left the peels on for added nutrition. You can't really tell that the peels are on when they are shredded)
-  2-3 carrots, peeled and shredded (mine were small carrots, so I used 3)
-  a handful of raisins
- a handful of chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans (I used pecans)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup of shredded, unsweetened coconut (If you have never seen unsweetened coconut at the store, it's because it is usually hidden in the "health food" section.  Or, they always have it at Whole Foods or any health food store)

Stir it all up and eat.  Trust me, it is delicious.  We had it for dinner and then again for dessert.  It's a great, healthy side dish.  No added sugar.  I even had some more for breakfast this morning.

I LOVE yogurt!  Yum.