A new little obsession - Bento style snacks?

Nothing like cute or pretty presented foods, right? At least I think so!

A while back I learned a bit more about Bentos, in a more traditional manor. Then I met a gal who does this Bento style packing/preperaions of food for her kids - simply for fun! I learned more about it online -- Here are some *fun* bento links (not traditional - very american) - http://bentoanarchy.blogspot.com/ http://www.bentocorner.com/roller/page/bentoblog?catname=%2FBento http://ss-biggie.livejournal.com/

I have tracked down some supplies. Cute little boxes for traveling about our day, little ramekin styles dishes in fun animals & shapes, fun picks for foods, etc... Holly *loved* shopping with me and picking out items that caught her eye. Better yet, this was all at a dollar style store -- how great is that, find a new little thing that a dollar store can support. I am in heaven! :)

Here are some of our fun finds we will be playing with over the next few weeks as we master our packing of foods for lunches out and about town, snacks at home for fun and some to share when we attend events with our friends or family.

Just Some Fun

All dressed up and ready to go...

The Beach & The Mountains...

What a fun weekend we have had! We went over and stayed with Grandpa at Anderson Island. While we were there we went beach combing ~ although it was pretty cold, we had fun! Holly enjoyed the childhood fun of tossing rocks in the water, collecting white rocks and we even found some sea shells. While we were there she also discovered the water fountain. Here she is trying to figure it out!

We also headed up to Mt. Rainier for a fun day in the snow. It was a beautiful drive, stunning views, elk & deer. Can't beat that! When we arrived at Paradise (Mt. Rainier) we got out to play... and let me just say, it was COLD and WINDY!!! I can't even imagine what the wind chill factor was - but, it was low! We had lunch and then headed out to play - for about 45 minutes. Much too cold for a 2 year old to enjoy. Holly didn't want to leave, but didn't want the wind in her face - that is a hard goal to meet. We decided to pack up and head home. We will head up again later in the season - we have a year pass - so, we will be sure to do it again. Mt. Rainier - what a beautiful sight!

The House... What to do?

The holiday decor is all put away and we are back the bones of our home. The evergreen garland can no longer disguise the insulation that sticks out around the door ways. Little fingers can once again discover the joys of picking it out. No, not Holly -- usually an unsuspecting playmate. >cringe<

So, as the blah of missing holiday decor settles in ~ Bryan & I once again discuss our direction with the house. Should we stay? Should we go? Do we need a neighborhood for Holly? Is a big yard and all the upkeep that comes with it really worth it? Just how much do you do to a home if you're just not sure you want to stay? What kind of financial commitment is worth it without killing the prospect of retirement *with* health insurance, potential for travel and hobbies. LOL!

Now, those who now us closely are most likely beyond tired of this topic :) We understand! But, a home... well that is pretty important. It is your sanctuary, where you rest your soul at night, play with your family, entertain for fun and hope to just relax and ponder the joys of life. Sometimes that can all be hard when your task list is looming overhead. I am sure you all face this, in some sense.

We went and checked out some new homes this weekend. They are beautiful of course! But, lack any kind of reasonable space called a yard. No where for us to run & play, for Holly to stretch out as a child and explore and little space for private entertaining. I mean, you can't light a fire, roast marshmallows and drink wine with the neighbors bedroom window right there... they just might not appreciate it :)

This ending to Winter will most likely focus on house discussion for us. Our two year mark, glorious capital gains, is glimmering on the horizon... oh the temptations! But, in my heart I think we'll stay - put in a lot more blood, sweat & tears. After all, at some point you do have to stay put - right?