Movie Munch

This stuff totally rocks!! It is also simple, easy, and quick to make. It took me about 10 minutes total to make (there is an hour or so that it needs to cool in the refrigerator to set though...). We are enjoying it tonight with a movie!

Movie Munch
from Crepes of Wrath

1 bag microwave buttered popcorn
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 (12 oz) package white chocolate chips
1 cup Cheerios (you can use Coco Krispies, Rice Krispies, or any other cereal)
2/3 cup M&M’s (or whatever candy you like)

1. Microwave the bag of buttered popcorn and set aside to cool.
2. In a bowl, microwave the peanut butter and package of white chocolate chips until smooth (in 30 second increments).
3. Take popcorn out of bag by hand, so you don’t get any unpopped kernels, and put in a large mixing bowl. Add Cheerios to popcorn and mix. Slowly pour in the melted chips and peanut butter and mix into the bowl until it’s all coated.
4. Add M&M’s or candy of choice. Spread mixture onto waxed paper on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for about an hour.
5. Break popcorn up into clusters and serve in a big bowl. Store in the fridge so it doesn’t get too melty.

Lake Geneva

On Monday we took a short day trip up to Lake Geneva, WI. What a great place! I can hardly believe I have lived here for 8+ years, and have never been to this wonderful lake that is a short hour drive from our home. Cute little town with lots of fun shops, restaurants, beautiful fountain, and beach. We even ran into good friends that we haven't seen for awhile, Greg and Heather Johnson, and their kids. I definitely want to go back soon...

The fountain...

Family pic at the fountain...

Matthew and me on the pier...

Some pics of the beach...

Dairy Haus

On Sunday evening we went up to the Dairy Haus in Rockton, IL for some yummy ice cream. (Undoing whatever good we did with the bike ride...ha.) Their ice cream is the best!

The Dairy Haus, and Matthew enjoying the ice cream... (He was bouncing up and down in the stroller wanting more.)

Family Bike Ride

True to our word, we purchased a toddler bike seat for Chris's bike so we could go on family bike rides. (We enjoyed doing this on our vacation at Hilton Head.) So far we have been on two bike rides since Sunday. Matthew likes to wear the helmet only in the bike seat, go figure...

Cool Dude

Matthew trying on a pair of sunglasses yesterday while we were at the cottage in Lake Mills, WI. He is such a ham... (Yes, it was only 65 yesterday, hence the outfit.)

Grandma's Little Cheddar Meat Loaves

My Grandmother Selzer makes the best mini meat loaves! She has always been a really great cook. She loves to prepare meals for the whole family when we visit. These were prepared for us when we visited during the 4th of July. Chris loved them so much, I knew I had to have the recipe. I made them this past week and served them with mashed potatoes, and a salad with fresh ingredients from our Farmer's Market. Comfort food at it's best!

Dorothy's Little Cheddar Meat Loaves

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. lean ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. prepared mustard

Beat egg and milk together. Stir in cheese, oats, onion and salt. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves, then place in a greased 9X13 inch baking dish. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard, and spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until no longer pink.

Madison Zoo

This past Tuesday Matthew and I went to the Madison Zoo with Kristin Schmidt and her two kids, Annalise and Ian. The best thing about the zoo is that it is free! Matthew LOVED watching all the animals. He was quite animated when pointing to the different animals, and making funny sounds. He also had his first carousel ride. It was a great outing, and we will definitely be going back in the future.

Some of the animals...

Matthew, Annalise, and Ian enjoying their time watching the animals...

Matthew in the polar bear face...

First carousel ride...