Food Playdate: Let's go Vegan!

Wendy, a veteran vegan, hosted us to take a taste of foods with no animal origin.  The results were varied and delicious and we did not miss meat or dairy at all!  We munched on vegan mac & cheese, risotto stuffed mushrooms, black bean cilantro hummus, black bean & sweet potato kale chip nachos, chickpea wat and followed up with some amazing desserts: coconut cream pie and almond sunbutter cups.  I ate to my hearts content and basked in the camaraderie as everyone helped each other get things in and out of the oven, scooped up children, and chatted along the way.  It might have been cold outside but it was all warm and fuzzy inside! Thanks to Wendy for sharing her knowledge, kitchen, and totally kid friendly living space with all of us!

Van Saun Zoo and Park Meet up

Amanda TK anticipated a break in the winter weather just long enough for us to enjoy the zoo and playground at van saun park. We wandered at a toddlers pace enjoying the sights.  We saw sheep, a big horse, bobcats and mountain lions, llamas, rheas, owls and even some reptiles and fish inside.  It was refreshing to be outside with the little ones.  We ended our visit playing, climbing, swinging, and sliding at the playground.  Thanks to Amanda TK for her great idea!!

Kiddie Koffee Konnect at Cafe Suzanne

Suzanne set out to host a relaxing tea time play date for moms to chat and relax into the new year.  Little did she know we'd be braving a snow storm to get there but boy was it worth it!  Suzanne treated every lady as a guest at her coffee house making lovely mocha's chai's or whatever concoction we could think up served in style inside a glass mug.  There were treats galore from cookies, French toast, and fruit to croissants and baklava.  Those of us able to face the snow were certainly happy to cozy up to sweet treats, warm drinks, and the great company of other patrons at Cafe Suzanne. And oh yeah, the kids had a good time too. ;)  Alicia kept a watchful eye on the babes who traipsed from room to room playing, exploring, and being adorable.  Thanks Suzanne for hosting a fabulous event that certainly accomplished what it set out to do!

January Big Play: Music!

We decided to ring in the New Year, literally! There were xylophones, bells, drums, whistles, and all the jazz!  I was happy to bring along my ukelele for a few plunked out sing alongs and some impressive strumming from our little ones.  An interesting addition this time was the use of a side room for snacking that turned into another little gathering zone for chatting and mingling. Crash! Bang! Boom! I think we shook the whole room! We may have some prodigies on our hands. What a great start to 2014!

a musical circle

The snackroom gathering