Cheesy Family Fun

No common themes running through the week. Just family fun on the road and at home. 

On Monday, we took the kids to Imagymnation Gymnastics Center in Simi. As we traveled, we followed the rain, so we were treated to a rainbow for most of our trip as we watched it start, develop into a full bow, and eventually fade.

(The photos don't do it justice.) 

It’s been a while since we have been able to get the kids into gymnastics, and they seemed to appreciate getting to run and tumble.

Positively vibrating with excitement!

After gymnastics, we went over to visit Grandma and Grandpa O. and Marali (we’re sticking with that name for now, at least in print).

On Tuesday, while Mike was looking after Eliza, he got it into his head that he wanted to make Cheez-Its, his favorite crackers. They are apparently extremely simple to make: 1 cup flour, 1 cup grated cheese, ¼ cup butter, and a few teaspoons water (they are not low in calories). Making them is so simple, even a child can do it, as Eliza proved. She helped measure and blend the ingredients.

Then she rolled out the dough.

Then she cut it into one-inch squares (or close enough). Each square gets skewered with a hole in the middle.

Into the oven at 350° F for 15-20 minutes (get them a nice golden brown).

Et violà! Bon appetit!

(These need a bit more time in the oven. Practice makes perfect. On to another batch!)

Mike liked them so well, he made another batch on Friday. That time, he substituted a cup of ground whole wheat flour. These crackers turned into an amazing Cheez-Its/Wheat Thins hybrid. Wow. Soooo Goood!

We finally got our papel picado hung up under the pergola, adding some vibrant color to the back yard.

On Wednesday after Eliza went to bed, Mom, Dad, and Landon built LEGO spaceships together and had epic interstellar battles.

Hallie straightened Eliza's hair with a flat iron Thursday. Eliza is now big enough to fit into a dress Hallie had when she was little. Eliza likes to twirl around in it.

Saturday night brought with it welcome rain, much to our delight (as it keeps the hills green and hopefully helps with the drought) and to the cat’s chagrin. All evening long he paced and meowed in frustration at not being able to go out and carouse.

Hallie persuaded Eliza to wear the dress we bought her on Olvera Street. She told her it was a costume. 

Ready for the runway