I was so prepared this week to have nothing to write about. Probably because this weekend was just some yard work, cleaning, home school prep, and football (at home, not even a game to go TO this week). And then I uploaded my pictures, which made me realize we're always doing stuff-- and I always have something to write about.
We did some re-configuring of our usual schedule, and this week held Waterstraut Waffle Monday. It didn't quite have the same ring to it. Hayden made Panini Waffles for everyone for dinner, and they were really good. We all ate them up. Even Peyton liked his. And, they were super quick to make. We just made up some yummy sandwiches and stuck them in the waffle iron. It made for a fun dinner.
Now that it's October too, we've moved on in our Science unit to planets. So, Tuesday when we studied the sun we sewed our buttons to our burlap universe. We have a button for each planet so after we talk about them each day, and read about them we sew our button on. After we did it on Monday though, Calib asked what we were going to do with them. Peyton said we should turn them into pillows. Realizing the burlap would not be idea for this, I pulled out some other material and resewed the buttons to the much friendlier pillow fabric. Wednesday when we did Mercury, it was the new blue with stars material. Also, bonus-- it's totally cooling off and we can do some school work outside!
October also saw a new reading theme. It's Pirate Treasure Map Reading! X marks the spot for their reading place for the week. And if they follow it to all the X's and do all the reading time, they'll be some treasure waiting for them at the end!
Last October, you might remember, was no recipe repeat October. I try and cook something new each night- or put a twist on something we usually have. Funds are a little low this month, as we had to fix both cars in the same weekend (ugh!) so I might not be able to keep it up all month. It's easier to go back to some old stand-bys I know exactly how much a serving costs. But for the time being, everyone's loving it. We had a whole foods coupon, so Asa picked up some porkchops and made his famous- very delicious- Maple Glazed Porkchops with Corn Bread Casserole. So good. The boys were not crazy about the new veggie- they had never had brussel sprouts before. (And they never want them again)
We also started working on Prime and Composite numbers with Peyton on his new concept week. New concept weeks will alternate with Mastery weeks. This gives me time to have one on one time with each of them, and then let them do worksheets and things independently the next week to make sure they can do it on their own. Peyton made quite the list of prime numbers- 1 to 199 on some adding tape and happily hung it on the wall. It goes all the way to the floor! And it'll be a nice cheat sheet for him when we start doing LCM.
Wednesday Calib wanted to make dinner. He had picked Calzones, but we had a terrible time working with the pizza dough, so after he did the filling I ended up putting them together and putting them in the oven. They were mushroom and onion ones, and actually quite delicious. Hayden even ate his all up, and thats very unusual for him.
When we were at whole foods, I told the boys they could pick one thing out of the fruit section we had never had before to try. They ended up picking a Tai Coconut. We thought Wednesday night-- the night we all watch Survivor together-- would be perfect, so Asa cut it open and we all tried some of the milk and coconut flesh. Nobody was a real big fan, but we all tried it at least.
Before and after Survivor we had to check it with the Rays. They were playing in a winner takes all and advances in the playoffs game against the Indians. They ended up winning, and advanced to Boston. Since then though, it hasn't been going so well. If they lost tonight, they're out. Fingers crossed!
Thursday Asa had the day off, since he had picked up a Saturday shift and we headed out to Epcot for the food and wine festival. It's one of my favorites for sure. But, I loathe the crowds that come along with it. So if I can go on weekday instead of the weekend, count me in.
This year we picked up some of the passports for around the world that you get stamped when you stop by the booths to get food. Which coincidentally will make it super easy for me to tell you what we ate there. Usually, I have to look it up on the internet. So here goes.
Australia: Grilled Lamb Chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies
Verdict (out of 5- because theres 5 of us, duh)- 4 thumbs up
Mexico: Crispy Shrimp Tacos with Purple Cabbage
Verdit: 3 thumbs up
To be fair though, Calib took a big bite and Peyton got taco without any shrimp. So his vote is skewed.
Singapore: Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine rice and 'Singa' Sauce
Verdict: three thumbs up
Asa and Calib's favorite
China: Mango Silk Ice Cream Ribbon
Verdict: 5 thumbs up
(One of four things Hayden voted for, and tried-- all desserts)
South Korea: Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
Verdict: Two thumbs up
Just a spicy hotdog. Most of us were not impressed.
Poland: Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized onion, and cheese bread with house made ketchup)
Verdict: One and a half thumbs up
A grown up taste for sure- and the ketchup was a little spicy for me. But the Poland people were funny, and totally photo bombed the picture.
Italy: Canoli al Cioccolato
Verdict: Hayden tried it, because it was chocolate. 5 thumbs up.
Florida Local: Florida Grass fed beef slider with monterey jack and sweet and hot pickles
Verdict: Three and a half thumbs up. Not terrible unique, but tasty.
Florida Local: Florida Orange Grover, Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria
Verdict: Two thumbs up for the only people old enough to drink it.
A quick bathroom stop in Japan, and a check on the Koi fish before continuing on our way..
Belgium: Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Verdict: Five thumbs up! It's always a Waterstraut Favorite
Also in Belgium: (We couldn't resist the Waffles!) Potato and Leak Waffle with Braised Beef
Verdict: Two thumbs up. Asa and I were totally sold. The kids not so much.
Irleand: The one and only Lobster and Seafood Fishermans Pie
Verdict: Four thumbs WAY up.
Mine and Peyton's absolute favorite!
Last Stop: The Refreshment Port- Orange Dole Whip
Verdict: Not the pineapple goodness, but still SO yummy. Five thumbs up.
After our trip around the world, we stopped by club cool to try some of the pop from around the world. They were out of China though, and thats a popular favorite in our family.
We headed out of Epcot as the crowds were getting larger. Even weekdays at Disney get busy when the food and wine festival is going on!
We decided to head over to Blizzard Beach to cool off and enjoy the low crowds.
And as you can see in the picture, we had parts of the place totally to ourselves. It was awesome.
Peyton even did summit plummet. The largest and most terrifying waterslide ever. You won't ever catch me on that thing. But, Asa, Calib, and Peyton all did it this time.
Peyton even clocked in at 36 mph on his way down!!
Calib hit a solid 40!
And Hayden was really brave and tackled the slush n gusher! It's a pretty big slide in itself.
Calibs now too tall for the kids zip line, but Peyton and Hayden happily took a turn on it before we headed home.
We got home in time for dinner- which I had been cooking beef stew in the slow cooker. I know, you'd think I'd made it before- but nope. It was pretty tasty.
Friday I totally forgot to take a picture of dinner until all that was left was the three sliders I didn't put on anyone's plates. And even then I had to take this before they got eaten. It's basically publix chicken breast tenders cut in half and drizzled with honey, some asian slaw mix, and a few dill pickles on a slider bun. It was the publix featured dinner a few weeks ago. Everyone loved it. I'm going to have to make this one again!
And then as I mentioned, we spent our weekend watching football, cleaning, doing yard work, and prepping for school. I did make a very funny Odd Todd and Even Steven for Hayden's even and odd work this week.
Other Waterstraut news:
Josh Freeman is a Viking. I'm ok with this, because I totally could be a Viking fan again. Also, we're all on a 'tank for Teddy' campaign.
Calib is the fantasy football leader, and nobody's happy about it, except Calib-- who makes it known every second, of every day.
Next Up: Bucs and Eagles 5K for Asa and Calib, and hopefully not a win! We need Teddy!
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