Sawyer's Arkansas overnighter

John's mom and step-dad live in Marble Fall, Arkansas, about an hour and a half from our house. They asked if they could steal Mr. Sawyer for a night of fun with his mawmaw and campaw (in his words), so we got a night out. How sweet!! On the agenda for him was feeding the deer (they have private land and lots of wilderness), baking s'more cupcakes and playing with his new truck. He had a blast and talked about it the whole way home Sunday! He can't wait for another Arkansas sleep-over. I got to get a mani/pedi before John and I had a night out, it was heavenly! We met some friends for dinner at the new Aviary and drinks at the cute little Barley, Wheat and Rye Social House, all at Farmer's Park. 

Thank you so much Donnetta & Derrick, we appreciate everything greatly!!!

First stop was Walmart for a new toy. Spoiled much?

Playing with killer

Obsessed!

Baking Success!

Another fun new you!

PB&J pancakes for breakfast Sunday morning

Meanwhile,

PARENTS NIGHT OUT....

Amanda, me and Nicole at the Aviary. 

Jamie, John and Chris

Back at Barley, Wheat & Rye

The Boyce's

Sunday School

This is a week after the fact, but I always like to blog Sawyer's "firsts" so I can look back and remember those moments. Sawyer had his first day at Sunday school at Redeemer Lutheran last Sunday, March 30. We started the morning with our usual, traditional Gailey's breakfast and then headed to church. While he was a little uneasy with us leaving, fabulous Aunt Trina sat with him when we left for church until he got acclimated. He was just sitting at the table playing when we got back. His teacher said once they started singing and reading bible stories he had a great time (boy loves to sing!) He came home with coloring pages and verses and a fun cd of bible songs. Must have loved it because he talked about going to Sunday school all week! Can't wait to come back! The weather was great that day so we ended up getting to play outside and BBQ with my parents. 

Getting ready with daddy, have to have some cologne!

Dropping him off, his farm shoes kept falling off!

Leaving Sunday school had to get a picture for his baby book

Missed Mawmaw, was happy to see her after.

We've recently taught him to climb in his own seat...he's way to heavy to maneuver .

Back to grandpa's house to mow

Loves picking flowers!

Kitchen Experiements: Kale Chips

Yummy!!

Fine, I'll admit it...I'm on a total kale kick. It is perfect to hide in foods for my little guy so he still gets his veggies. Plus, its nutritional facts are awesome. The most impressive fact I found was that per calorie, Kale has more Iron than beef (more benefits of eating kale). Alternate sources of iron is super important for my family since I don't eat red meat which spills over to the things I cook for Sawyer and John.
This week I decided to try Kale Chips and they are Oh My Word delicious, addictive and the best snack. I know I am a pretty adventurous eater so maybe I am over-hyping but I recommend trying them for a healthy snack. They remind me of flash fried spinach. I know they have to be good because John LOVED them...almost ate the whole bag. Sawyer hasn't tried them yet, he has issues with the way they look since it still looks like grass...

KALE CHIPS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch kale (I use curly kale)
• Olive Oil (extra virgin oil oil)
• sea salt
• lemon juice - I added this for my flavor preference but feel free to leave out or use Parmesan

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Wash Kale completely
3. dry completely. I laid mine out on paper towels in stacks and let sit for an hour

dry completely!

4. cut off stems and cut into desired size for chips
5. In a freezer bag, I added a bunch of the dried, cleaned kale and poured in olive oil and lemon juice, toss until all leaves are completely covered. May have to do a few time to get the whole bunch

Toss to cover all leaves

6. After Kale is covered in oil/lemon juice mix, lay out on nonstick baking sheets and dust with sea salt (as desired). I had to use 2 sheets for the whole bunch
7. Bake for 8-12 minutes, they cook fast so check often. Do not let them burn! As soon as they look rigid and crisp, take them out. I took mine out at 8 minutes and they were perfect.

Crispy and reading to snack

Enjoy!

Sawyer + Kaiden's Build-a-Bear Adventure

Sawyer's aunt Cindy, uncle Rob and cousin Kaiden gifted him a Build-a-Bear gift certificate for his 2nd Birthday. I think this was partially because John's sister Cindy knew John was totally against the idea of taking Sawyer there (that's what sisters are for, right?) but also because it was a chance to have a field trip with our little guys. 

John, Sawyer, Cindy, Kaiden, Grandma Donnetta and me met at the Branson Landing for Sawyer and Kaiden's first BAB experience. And to John's surprise, Sawyer loved it and I think he had some fun too. Of course, he picked out the most expensive item...a Tiger dressed as a hockey player.  He named him T.T Oshie (Truman the Tiger Oshie), for you non-Blues/ Mizzou fans that is a mix of T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues player) and Truman (Mizzou's mascot). Kaiden made a monkey that he let Sawyer name, he picked Truman....again. Sawyer even helped him fill and wash him. Thanks to Cindy & Rob for a great gift and a fun day!

Picking out his tiger

Filling him up 

Adding a heart

Hug test to make sure he is soft enough

Bath time

Now time to help Kaiden

Dad got him all dressed in his uniform 

Getting T.T. Oshie's and Truman's Birth Certificates

All set to bring our new friends home

KOL Show - KC

John and I got to take a short concert getaway Wednesday night to see Kings of Leon for our 6th time (might be 7th, I've lost track) at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. This was by far the largest venue we have seen them at  but was an excellent show. We got to meet up with Trina, Megan Weaver and her close friends Kerry and Cory for drinks/food at Johnny's Tavern prior to the show and a mean game of Cards Against Humanity at the hotel after.

Thanks Mom & Dad for keeping little man! 

Our tradition before the concert Hotel pic. 

A little pre-show bevs

Loved this chair!

One of our favorites:

http://youtu.be/cY-RX4D5A-Y