Lego Minifigures

Lego has started selling packets of minifigures. It looks something like this (well there are a couple of series, so some packages are different colors). It is a surprise what your minifigure will be. Connor has a knack for picking the same one over and over. Kelly on the other hand, takes her time and feels the package. She picks a different one each time.

 Here are some of her minifigures she has:

I just love the disco guy!!!

Well, she surprised me one day with my own mini figure packet:

And inside:

How appropriate! I love it!!

In addition to mini figures, we also love the Lego Architecture Series.

This one is the Farnsworth House, which the actual house is just outside of Chicago. We want to take a field trip there to see it in person.

Lego Hotel

I love when the kids build things out of Legos. It makes me a bit sad because they are spending less time building Legos than a couple of years ago. I love to see them change and grow, but it makes me a bit sad because they used to spend so much time on Legos. Here they built a hotel - complete with roof-top pool (notice the girls hair - the rest of her is supposed to be underwater), restaurant, rooms and lobby.

Great New Blog

There is a great new blog out there called Through the Lens. It was created by none other than my firstborn! Connor received a Nikon D1X camera (on loan) and some initial instructions from his Papa. He then played around with it for a bit and decided to post some of his results. I, of course, am super biased - but what mother isn't? I have to add that my dad is a super great photographer. If you've received my Christmas cards over the years - that is always his work!

Lollipop Centerpiece

Who doesn't love candy now and again? We have been a enjoying Dylan's Candy Bar book ever since Kelly received it for Christmas.  We decided to make our own table decorations - a lollipop tree (which is not in the book - but something we just decided to make).
It is super easy - all you need is a pot, a styrofoam ball to comfortably fit on the pot and lots of lollipops!

Just start sticking them in all over the portion of the styrofoam ball that is sticking out of the pot and eventually it will look like this:

Now just try to keep the kiddies from "picking" the tree too often!

Cantaloupe, Mozzarella and Proscuitto

I love this dish. It is easy to make and looks pretty and keeps your kitchen cool on a hot summer day. I found it in Martha Stewart's Everyday Food from May or June.  I cannot find the link on her website.  Sometimes I really find her website difficult to use. Anyway, this is great as an appetizer or main dish with some crusty bread.

1 cantaloupe balled using a melon baller

1 container of bocconcini (small, fresh, mozzarella balls)

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt and pepper

1 package proscuitto

fresh basil leaves

Arrange on platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!!