We just got back from our first ever family trip to Disneyland!

Our youngest Drew finally reached the magical height of 40 inches so we thought it was the perfect time to make the trip down to the Magic Kingdom.

Things were not looking so magical though when the moment we arrived at our hotel, Drew was struck by the flu!  Fever, chills, shakes and aching all over, the only thing Drew wanted to do upon our arrival was take a nap.  Thankfully, I had prepared for the worst.  Children’s Motrin, Tylenol, Benadryl and cold medicines had all been packed in the car “just in case”.  After giving Drew some medicine to bring his fever down, he was back to his silly self within an hour.  So off we went…

2 days at Disneyland, 2 days at California Adventure, I day at Legoland, 5 nights in a hotel with 3 small children.  I really wasn’t sure what to expect but I can honestly say that we had the best time ever!!!

Taking the kids to Disneyland and experiencing it through their eyes truly was magical.  Watching their faces, their reactions, their little eyes lighting up, it was incredible!

For one solid week, Kevin did not go to work, the kids did not attend school, I did no laundry or dishes or carpooling.  Our one and only responsibility was to each other, to embrace each moment of togetherness and to have fun!  And that we did!

We arrived home happy and exhausted late Thursday night.  The harsh reality set in when I was struck by the flu two days later…

I’m on my way to recovery now so I thought I would share this delicious apple snack with you…

Citrus Soaked Apple Slices
2 apples (I like Gala)
1 large orange
1 small lemon

Juice the orange and the lemon into a glass dish.  Set aside.

Cut the apples into thin slices.

Place the apple slices into a shallow glass dish.
Pour the orange/lemon juice evenly over the apple slices.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

My kids love these apple slices too!
Perfect for an afterschool snack as well as a too much sugar at Disneyland detox :)

source:  adapted from Lets Talk Fitness

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I always thought that one Halloween all three of my kids would wear coordinating costumes.  I see other families with a Mickey and a Minnie, a Luke Skywalker and a Princess Leia, a princess and a knight.  It’s cute, it’s adorable!  I like the whole sibling costume coordinating thing but it’s just not going to happen in my house.  Each year one of my children is insistent upon being a certain something and as much as I try to coerce the other two into complimenting roles, they just won’t have it.  This year is no different.  After much thought from each of them, this Halloween I will be out trick-or-treating with a Star War’s Storm Trooper, a Cheerleader, and a Race Car Driver.  Totally random but they will still be just as cute as ever.  While they’re knocking on doors asking for candy, I will be munching on these roasted pumpkin seeds.  How about you, what will your kiddos be this year?

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Use a spoon or your hands to gut the inside of your pumpkin.

Remove the seeds from the pulp and set aside.
Rinse the seeds and allow to dry overnight (if you can wait that long).

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
Combine the melted butter, worcetershire sauce and all the salts.

Pour the butter mixture over the pumpkin seeds and toss to coat.

 Place the seeds on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.

Bake for one hour stirring every 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

source:  adapted from allrecipes.com 

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WARNING:  Highly Addictive!

May cause intense sugar high,

uncontrollable urges to consume more,

sudden weight gain,

and the strong desire to put on elastic waist pants.

Continue reading at your own risk!

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

1/2 bag of Mini Pretzels

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chip

fleur de sel  or sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.

Melt the butter with the brown sugar over low heat.
When the mixture begins to boil continue cooking over low heat about 5 minutes until it thickens and forms a soft caramel.

Pour the caramel evenly over the pretzels and place in the oven to bake for 5 minutes.

 While the pretzels are baking, place the milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small sauce pan.  Cook over very low heat until melted and smooth.

Remove the pretzels from the oven.

Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pretzels and use a spatula to smooth.

Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
Place in the fridge to chill and harden for about 2 hours.

Break into pieces and try your very best to resist eating the entire pan.
Enjoy!

source:  adapted from Mama Say What?! 

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Snack mixes are definitely the way to go when feeding a group of hungry kids.  Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, a little of everything is sure to please a crowd.  After a recent soccer game, I passed out this Halloween Snack Mix to team of six and seven year old hungry boys.  It was a total hit!  My favorite little soccer player is still requesting more :)

Mix it all up and serve!

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