Carnival 2011

We made it to the Midway today, the last day the carnival will be open. Lucky for us, it was "Dollar Day" - all the rides were a dollar (down from up to 3, maybe more). The first thing Nathan saw was a train. We paid our $2 each (this train wasn't part of the carnival company), and then he proceeded to tell us he didn't want to get on. Well, too bad! The bell and horn were too loud for him (hardly loud at all though).
This is the 2nd ride he wanted on. He went around 2 or 3 times before he started crying and had to get off. Someday he'll get it!

Then we all went on the "Bear" ride - it spun. We ran into Nathan's cousin, Anthony, who wanted to ride with us. All the guys like it, but I felt otherwise. I'm not a fan of spinning.

On our way out, we stopped at the petting zoo where kids could ride ponies or even a camel. Nathan chose the pony. He rode with a guy walking along side of him, but didn't need his daddy to walk by him this time.

And then it was time to go home and take a nap (that was the bargain - he got to ride the pony if he took a nap when we got home.)

Now he's ready to go to Sea World, talking about fish and whales and jellyfish :)

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers in 21 short steps

This is a recipe I just created tonight.

1. hollow out and boil bell peppers (I used red and green. I also like to cut them into thirds before boiling)


2. Set those aside.


3. Cook 2/3 cup dry quinoa (1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. cook it like rice)


4. thinly slice some carrots (I used 3)


5. cut up broccoli stems


6. cut broccoli florets into small ones


7. dice bell peppers (green, red, yellow, whatever you want, I used 1/2 green, 1/2 red)


8. dice onion (I used 1/4)


9. 2 chopped up baked potatoes (small)


10. some sliced/diced cabbage


11. dice a tomato


12. saute carrots, peppers, onion, & broccoli stems


13. add some shakes of Worschestershire sauce


14. add potato, cabbage, and broccoli florets


15. continue cooking for a few minutes


16. add tomato


17. continue cooking until everything is thoroughly cooked (or just hot)


18. add quinoa and mix


19. put bell peppers in a baking dish, "stuff" with the mixture


20. bake at 375 (or whatever floats your boat) for 10-15 minutes


21. top with parmesan cheese