Max's Dinner

This one is dedicated to all the parents out there with more than one child...

Dearest Max,

This last year has been challenging!  Becoming an older brother has been tough.  Sharing mommy and Daddy has not been an easy task.  But, you have taken it all in stride.  We could not be more proud of you!  Overnight you have become your sisters protector, storyteller, dance instructor, interpreter, and life coach.  Your compassion has been so heartwarming to watch!  Though, I know you think we've been distant, preoccupied and busy, I want you to know that WE SEE YOU and WE LOVE YOU!!!  We see how much you have grown over this last year and how having a sister has made you more compassionate.  We see how you are an amazing dancer!  We see how much you love music!  We see how much you love anything ninja!  We see what a fast runner and bike rider you are!  We see your love for nature!  We see your curiosity!  We see your humor! We see your heart!  And we see your LOVE!!!  Though you are no longer our one and only, you are our first love!  And we will always love you more than you see!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy  

Max and his ninja brigade

Ninjago City

 As Ella is still so young and breastfeeding, she's attached to momma almost 24/7 and this has been very challenging on my oldest.  I do my best to give Max one on one time while Ella is napping, Daddy has her, or while she plays independently, but as you all know life happens.  So, Max and I have decided a great way to get "mommy and Max" time in is to cook a meal together once a week!  My goal is to have Max pick something new each week containing a protein, vegetable, fruit, and carbohydrate.  Maybe it will spark creativity and adventure in our meals.  Max's first dinner request was hot dogs, carrots, peas, and apple!  LOL!  So much for adventure, however; this is "mommy and Max" time, so hot dogs it is! But, we have decided to transform our boring hot dog meal with these minor adjustments:

Max's meal:

Mummified Hot Dogs

Jack-O-Lantern Fingers

Peas

Poison Apples

I thought it would be fun to turn his meal into a Halloween dinner! 

Max's music request while cooking:  Curious George Soundtrack

Mummified Hot Dogs

Max was afraid of opening the dinner rolls - I was too - it scares me every time!  Unroll dough and cut into thin strips.  Wrap dough around each hot dog to resemble a mummy.  Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and cook in a pre-heated 350° oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

                  

 

Max was REALLY into the mummy theme!

Caramelized Carrots

Wash, peal, and cut carrots into desired size.  Steam carrots until just tender.  Transfer carrots into a saucepan and add a tablespoon of brown sugar, tablespoon of butter, salt and pepper to taste.  Caramelizing will take about 5 minutes.  Finish with lemon or orange zest.

        

 

Mummy Max

Poison Apples

Slice apples into wedges and using a straw punch a hole into the apple slices.  Slide a jelly worm into the whole.  

Max and I had a blast cooking together!  I love his passion!

ENJOY!!!

Max set the table and and it was his idea to lite candles for ambiance!

Max and I had a great time cooking together he was excited to try something new!  We have borrowed a lot of books from the library to spark out imagination in creating our next meal - till next week!