We are finally home and have no plans for the next 3 weeks! This is our first break since, well, the third week of May. We’ve had guests or have been on the road for several weeks and now it feels like we can breathe. I even told Mark today that it feels like we are on vacation. Crazy? I know. I even had time to go on a run tonight which hasn’t happened in about a month. So with our free time we’ve been hanging out and enjoying our freedom.
Brooks still likes to make faces –
silly face
silly face (again-this is a favorite)
happy face
and surprised face.
He is such a sweet boy.
And he loves to talk about his cars and trains, birthdays and parties, and the current happenings of Silas. We laugh daily at his words and phrases.
Since I’ve had a little extra time, I made granola. This task has been on my list for a couple of weeks now. Every time I make this recipe for friends and family, they want to know the recipe. Its so easy. (I know I say this a lot, but seriously its SO easy and worth it.)
Brooks loves to help in the kitchen. I try to let him sample all ingredients to prevent his little hands from being in the bowl. We are still working on it.
Fresh from the oven. Did I mention that it makes your house smell amazing?
It keeps for a few weeks in jars or any airtight container.
Granola
Adapted from Real Simple
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded or flaked unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup unsalted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) or shelled sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (do not use imitation)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or currants)
Preheat oven to 350 and prepare a rimmed baking sheet (or two) with foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine oats, nuts, syrup, oil and salt in a large bowl or directly on baking sheet(s).
Bake, tossing once, until golden brown and crisp. 20 to 25 minutes.
Add dried fruit and let cool.
Note:You could use any nuts in place of the almonds or pepitas.
Here’s another attempt at taking brother shots.
Always on the move.
Here is Silas’ smile. He is ridiculous and sweetly oblivious to the world. Always in something – literally. I find him under tables, in cabinets, under couches, in the pantry and the toilet – yuck! My precious little guy is no longer a baby. He is walking and fully independent of Momma. This is great because I can start leaving him overnight and I’m rejoicing that I have a healthy, growing boy. But we need to slow down just a bit so I can emotionally catch-up.
About A Boy 