Summer Water Fun, Homemade Granola, and a Safer Sippy Cup

I've been on blog hiatus for a week because the family took a trip to grandma's house. Luckily, we didn't have to go over the river or through the woods, just along HWY 5, and for the trouble we got the luxury of a backyard pool at our disposal.

Lilie got a taste of the pool last year, but this year she was old enough to have a little more fun. At 18 months she enjoyed splashing with her feet and hands, sitting on a floating mat being pushed by mom and dad, and standing on a step figuring out the dynamics of water. By the end of the week she was even trying to blow bubbles. Of course, introduction to water doesn't just have to be in a pool. If you don't have a nearby public pool or pool of your own, consider looking for a fountain in a nearby park or buying a sprinkler head that will hook on to your garden hose. It's a great way to beat the heat and to begin introducing the little ones to the joys that water can bring.

Recipe:

Almond Butter Granola

What better snack for the kids than homemade granola. It provides whole grains and protein with a touch of honey sweetness that they can eat by the handful or toss into yogurt. This healthy recipe was inspired by the Hillbilly Housewife's Peanut Butter Granola. Feel free to substitute or add your own favorite fruity and nutty ingredients.

Ingredients
2 Tbs. butter or Earth Balance
1/3 cup almond butter
1/3 cup honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/3 cup pistachios or pecans

1) Melt butter and almond butter in a small saucepan. Stir to blend. Add honey, vanilla, and salt. Stir until smooth and hot throughout, being careful not to let it burn. Take of heat and add oats, raisins, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Stir until everything is completely coated with almond butter mixture.

2) Spread the granola out evenly into an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for 10 minutes, or until brown and crispy. Remove from oven, and let it cool in the pan. Once it has cooled, break it up into pieces.

Product:

Kid Kanteen Sippy Cup

Klean Kanteen, a maker of stainless steel bottles, now has a sippy cup option. The 12 oz. sippy comes in plain stainless steel and a range of colors, and has a BPA-free polypropylene spout. Klean Kanteen suggests getting the plain stainless steel for any children that are still chewing on things.


Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit. -Bill Cosby