Chili

Tonight we made our own version of Debbie's famous chili.

1 can low salt diced tomatoes
1 can diced fire roasted tomatoes with garlic
1 can low salt pinto bean, rinsed & drained
1 pound ground beef
1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 beef bouillon cube in 1 cup of hot water
Black pepper, chili powder, oregano & salt to taste

Bring tomatoes and beans to simmer in a large pot. Meanwhile saute bell pepper and onion. Add to the pot. Brown beef. Add to the pot. Add beef broth and seasonings to taste.

Happy Birthday Terry!

Thai Temple, Bread & Super Bowl

We started out Superbowl Sunday at the Thai temple. Kit enjoyed the bbq pork with sticky rice.

Oh no, now Daddy wants to bake and make the kitchen all dirty again!

I have not made bread in years.

We used molassas as the sugar and replaced some of the wheat with oats. Yum!

Kit enjoyed watching the dough rise.

She played with a piece of dough.

It was soft and warm, not sticky.

Although she enjoyed making it, Kit refused to taste the bread rolls.

Recipe from the Tassajara Bread Book.

Swim Goggles

Kit swims every Friday. She is now in the big kids class yet no one else signed up for her timeslot so she effectively has a private lesson.

She loves her swim goggles. She can open her eyes underwater now.

Groundhog Day

Kit enjoyed learning about groundhog day. We talked about it at home then she learned more at school.

Where we live, a groundhog would not have seen his or her shadow, indicating an early spring.

Diane

Diane spent several hours with us last night while her parents prepared for their move to Portland.

After dinner they had some ice cream.

The two took a bath and got ready for bed.

We will miss Diane very much.

Baking

Kit asked to bake cookies, but she didn't eat any of them. She just enjoys the process of making them.

We decided to finally get a mixer since we are baking often and it was on sale.

First thing we made:

Chocolate chip cookies!

Kit is a great helper.

She is very proud of her cookies and runs to tell mom about them.

Then she gave them away to neighbors.

Doctor Check Up

Kit had her three year check up today. She is in great health despite having a cold.

She got to wear this cute paper gown. She liked it so much she brought it home with her.
She is on the petite side:
28 pounds (25% weight)
3 feet tall (25% height)
50% head size

Lake Tahoe - Sunday

We went to play in the snow one last time before heading home... and before a storm arrived.


Kit with Auntie Bora.

Kit says Auntie Bora screams the loudest!

Kit with Uncle Sunny.

Kit also went down the hill solo.



Tuk stayed nice and warm in her jacket.





Auntie Kathleen with Kit, Bryan and Diane. They had fun making a snowman.

Nice picnic on the snow before everyone heads home.

Another stop at Emerald Bay.

Chain control over I-80.

Tons of snow. It was lovely.

Lake Tahoe - Saturday

Saturday had ideal weather for playing in the snow.

Kit worked on making a snowman.

Diane and Kit were proud of their creation, with some help from the moms and dads.

They also made some snow rats.

Throwing snowballs!

Kit, Sophia and Diane.

The girls were making snow angels when Kit decided to climb on top.

Silly Kit!

Then they decided to tickle me.

Tuk and Kit sledding.

Daddy too!

Kit found she didn't need a sled. We wore the track down to the rock.

Auntie Kathleen and Bryan had fun too.

Afterwards, the girls warmed up in the hot tub.

Kit read Diane a story before they both went to bed.