Using the Nubs....

As the phrase states, "waste not, want not" and in today's slumped economy, avoiding waste certainly is a financially sound idea! Even in the most tiny of ways, the Kingdom has diligently worked for many years to use resources smartly, recycle aggressively, and appreciate all that we have. So, when it came to the bottom of a Ruffles potato chip bag filled with sad, broken chip nubs, we were temporarily left scratching our heads. Since Queen Wendy has a culinary background, the most obvious use was breading--so off to bread tilapia filets she went--and of course, the result was crunchy/salty deliciousness. However, the Kingdom's royals (and our favorite Uncle Peter) love chips...so we have lots of leftover 'nubs' that cannot be placed as breading each and every time. So, this morning, we tried something new--potato chip cookies! Not only was it a fun activity for the kids--to crunch the crumbs into fine bits, but allowed us to be a bit creative! Instead of just doing potato chips, we added chocolate chips to add some chocolately sweetness! You can also put in coconut, pecans or even walnuts to zoom up the flavor and texture--but for our little ones--chocolate chips seemed a necessary and in they went! So, here are the royals working on a new kingdom staple--potato chip cookies. Next time you pop by, ask us for some, and we'll gladly bake you some!

Prince Alec crushing up the nubs....

Princess Abs begins to place all ingredients in the bowl for blending....

Alec takes the reigns and decides to do the mixing---although it got a little challenging at the end, so he asked for help! :)

And here's the dough and cookies before they go into the oven. Pretty fun way to use what would otherwise be tossed away. And, have we mentioned that the cookies actually taste GREAT!?!? :)

After the flood....

Sitting within the heart (or sink hole --- depending on your view) between the Merrimack and Shawsheen Rivers has both its advantages and DISadvantages as the royals have learned after establishing the boundaries of the kingdom in the Northern New England region. There is much beauty, geographic expanse, closely meshed communities, and of course, lots and lots of water.

In the recent spring 'melt' of snow and additional rain (courtesy of Mother Nature) the castle received a few extra inches of water which temporarily uprooted its residents. Alas, spring cleaning commenced as usual and the benefactors of this unexpected weather incident were the kingdom's fair royals--who earned themselves a brand new, pristine new playroom!

Previously thrown together just to keep them at bay, the new play area boasts new carpeting, colorful decorations, lots of soft, cushy spaces for all kinds of horseplay, and even a 'Snack Shoppe' complete with lollipops, M&Ms, pez and a few other goodies--for both royals and guests to enjoy! :) Signing Time videos (including Princess Abs who stars in several of them) are on hand as are a number of Disney favorites to ensure that all guests have something to watch as sleepovers transition from full-on playtime, to reading, storytelling and movie time.

On the opposite side of the play area (photos to come) is a lovely bar/lounge area for the adults so that all have a spot to enjoy. In the end, while we would have been happier without the extra H20, the old adage remains true....everything happens for a reason! We're even happier with our new 'digs' and look forward to sharing it with visitors, young and old, in the months to come!

Prince Ari reviews his new 'alphabet flooring'....

Prince Ari enjoys his car track ---way in the back... :)

Prince Alec marches around his tunnel forts with cars firmly in hand....

Princess Abby investigates the new toy shelf and Snack Shoppe...Yum! :)

Easter 2010....

HAPPY EASTER 2010!

The Kingdom was abuzz with activity as the warm weather returned to the region and major flooding began to subside. It was a joyous time for all as we emerged from winter's grasp and springtime's rage--enjoying the bounty that comes with the Easter holiday. King Tony invested much time in teaching the fine art of egg coloring so that the Easter Bunny would have many items to hide around the royal grounds...and each of the royals is now able to fully participate in the artful process!

King Tony teaches "Egg Decorating 101"....

Our sweet nanny, Carol (or K-WOL as the kids say), helped the twins get some coloring done as we had to color nearly 4 dozen eggs this year! She's super at doing tye-dye eggs!

The next morning, the royals find a special note and 'remains' from the Easter Bunny!
And, a GIANT basket filled with all sorts of goodies, games and fun stuff for each of them! Lucky little guys. Soon after, the egg hunt begins...

Aramis finds a lovely orange egg...

Princess Abigail and Prince Alec both seek out the brightest of eggs...and cross paths many times...

The day culminated as family and friends dined on delicious rosemary-encrusted lamb with all the trimmings (including adult libations). This indulgence obviously led to behavior entertaining both children and adults alike! Thank you Godmother "Left Eye" Abra for some of the funniest photos we've ever posted! We love you!