Chess Master

They’re consulting Mister B for his thoughts on their chess moves. Cute and inclusive, but not very strategic.

Tug-A-War

You should have heard the giggles during this tug-a-war.

Come Back!

A week with this gal was too short.

Little Helper Today

2 peas in a pod today.

Asleep Sitting Up

He was so busy protesting his afternoon nap that he forgot to lay down before falling asleep.

Falucca with a Friend

We love us a sailboat ride on the Nile! Even in winter it was lovely. (also A insisted on holding her cup of tea to her mouth like that because "I want to look like a Mommy." What? Do I do that?! Haha!)

Rubik's Lessons

Cube lessons with a friend. And yes, it involves writing down and memorizing algorithms and using phrases like 'zero corners' and 'white inverted up' and other things way over my head.

Maadi Island

Adventures at Maadi Island today. Having Atalie with us is such a joy!

Look at all the Toys!

Mister B sat staring at all the toys without touching for the longest time. I was so impressed with his self-control. Until he started touching and then throwing fits when he couldn’t play with everything. I didn’t get a picture of that... #toddlerlife

Lil Guy in Big Glasses

He knows he’s funny when he wears my glasses.

Fashionista

Snuggled with a Book

This kid is living my dream this afternoon... Snuggled on the couch with pillows and a warm duvet reading a Kindle.

Y is for Yogurt Cups

‘Y’ is for yogurt cups... one if the first recipes I could make independently as a child. Here’s to training up the the next generation...

Oven Door Selfie

Oven door selfie with this love.

His Favorite Spot

Possibly his favorite place in our apartment.

Keeeeyyyyy

He pushes the chair across the room first to the dresser so he can open the drawer and get the key. Then he pushes the chair to the door. Then he puts the key in the lock. It’s only a matter of time until he can actually open the door. He apparently really wants to make a break for it. Is it really that bad at home with meeeeee?! 😉

Tried and True Recipe: Mint Chocolate Cookies

I started making these cookies many years ago. I love them. And just this year for the first time, my kids were asking me about them before Christmas. So I guess that means they are officially loved by the whole family and are now a Christmas tradition. I just had to google this to find out where the recipe I had printed out came from. And it’s Rachel Ray’s recipe. Well, thankyouverymuch Rachel Ray. This recipe alone is worth the hassle of finding/bringing candy canes to Africa each year!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 stick (6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch salt
• Two 3.5 -ounce bars dark chocolate , finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes or candies

Instructions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until soft. With the mixer on low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until creamy, then beat in the egg. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa and salt; add to the mixer about one-third at a time, beating at low speed until smooth.

2. Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper on a work surface; turn out the dough onto the paper. Using your hands, shape the dough into a 12-inch-long cylinder; wrap tightly in the parchment and roll into a smooth, even log. Twist the ends to seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes; reshape the cylinder and refrigerate for 30 minutes more.

3. Preheat the oven to 350°; line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough; using a sharp knife, slice into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Place about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheets; bake until firm, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely. (I often take them out early, while they are still soft because we prefer a soft cookie to a crispy one.)

4. In a bowl, combine two-thirds of the chopped chocolate with the oil; microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. (If needed, heat for additional 10-second intervals.) Stir in the remaining chopped chocolate until smooth.

5. Using an offset spatula, spread a scant teaspoon of melted chocolate on top of each cookie. Sprinkle the peppermints on top and let stand until set, 2 to 3 hours.

At the Club

Happy outing to the club this morning.

KiloMinx

Another Rubiks cube conquered. A 2x2 kilominx to be exact. Bring it on Poppi and @davelong23

Book Time

Reading ❤️

Tiny Coloring

My girlie loves to color together. On the same tiny picture. At the same time. ☺️

Happy New Year!