Gatti Town

The kids took their first trip to Gatti Town yesterday. They had such a great time. Ian especially enjoyed all the rides and games, and we found out when we got there that it was "Free Ride on the Carousel Tuesday!" We took advantage of that and rode it a couple of times. During lunch they got to watch a movie on the big screen while they enjoyed their pizza. It was a fun outing, compliments of Honey and Pappy.

Riding the Jeep together (I think Hailey enjoyed this ride more than Ian did.)
Learning to shoot (too bad Dad wasn't there to teach him how to really do it)

He actually did pretty good shooting baskets. He kept saying "Uncle B will be so proud of me."

Hailey checking herself out in the mirror while riding--typical girl!

So much fun!

Bubble Girl

Lentil Chili Recipe

Here's a great recipe for those who are looking for a slight variation on normal chili. A lady made this for me when I was traveling several years ago, and I tried making it myself after I got married. It's become a favorite family recipe now! The recipe makes enough to freeze some for later.

Lentil Chili (10 servings)

• 1 onion
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound dry lentils
• 10 cups of water
• 29 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups prepared salsa
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Chop onion. Spray a 5 quart pot with non-stick cooking spray. Add onion. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until tender (about 5 minutes).

Crumble in turkey and cook until opaque. Add lentils and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer one and a half hours.

Add tomatoes, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Simmer fifteen minutes.

Garnish with cheese before serving.

*Snow* Day

We (the kids and I) headed to Greenville for the big snow day on Tuesday and unfortunately, the forcasters were wrong, and we ended up getting nothing. Although we didn't get to see or play in the snow, we all had a great day and Ian's highlight was getting to build a fire with Pappy and roast marshmallows. They actually ended up getting more snow at our house in Columbia---only a slight dusting, though. Here are some memories of our day . . .

Helping Pappy build the fire

Lighting the fire with a little bit of help

Roasting some marshmallows for the family

Reading a 'snow' book with snowmen

Hailey loves getting a bath!

Storytime with "B"

Making a train with the Aldi boxes

Quiet Time

Coloring time in their new GIANT coloring book

Play Time

Having a Cheerio Picnic

This is Hailey's comfort bear blankie. She grabs the tags and puts them up to her nose with her right hand and sucks on her two fingers with her left.

Ian's lamb blankie that he just loves!

Feeding baby

Taking a nap in baby's bed

Ian had to take a turn, too!

Little Sister, Big Brother

This is what happens when you have a Big Brother . . . you wear tool belts and play with trucks!

Christmas in Kentucky

Hailey relaxing and reading her new book.

Cousin Delaney

Ian was very excited about getting some new bulldozers.

Seeing if the glasses fit from her new Mrs. Potato Head

Checking out her new Noah's Ark

Papa telling Ian all he needs to know about his new trucks

Swinging in the backyard

Aunt Heidi and Delaney