Cars and Trucks on St. Patrick's Day

Graham loves pretty much everything about life, but I'm always looking for what will keep him busy and happy for a few minutes while I do X, Y, or Z.  He was having fun with some small trucks in Jackson's room (these small Chuck the Truck trucks that are a great gift, especially paired with something like this), so when we came downstairs, I pulled this car ramp toy out of the playroom for the boys to play together.  (We LOVE all of the Wheelie cars that go with this toy and a couple others we have.)  They LOVED it and played so happily together :)  It made my heart SOOO happy!!!

Graham really liked the little spinny party ;)

Checking out some new-to-him trucks.  These are one of my favorite gifts to give to little boys--perfect for little hands discovering the wonderful world of things with wheels :)

Such a big boy...

Making a move...

LOVE this sweet little face!

Brothers and their trucks :) :) :)

While this fabulous playing was going on, this AMAZING corned beef brisket was cooking away in the Crock Pot.  It was SOOO yummy!  I cannot wait to make it again!!!

Grandma Cullen's Irish Soda Bread and Cinnamon Jell-o rounded out dinner.

Grandma Cullen's Irish Soda Bread

Makes 2 loaves

4C Flour

1/2 Sugar

1T Baking powder

1tsp Baking soda

1tsp Salt

1/3C Butter

1 1/2C Buttermilk

(1 1/4C milk + 1/4c vinegar or just buy reg buttermilk)

1 Egg

2C Raisins

Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry blender. Add buttermilk, egg, and raisins and mix well with a wooden spoon. Knead for a minute or two to fully incorporate. Separate into 2 balls. Place in greased round pans and smash down to fit. Slice deep crosses into each loaf. Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes.

Enjoy!!

 For dessert, we had Shamrock Protein Shakes.  Josh loved them--they were more like the shamrock shake that hooked him years ago.  He felt the ones last year and this year were not living up to the original standard...  I think we are on the right track, but I think I would like regular vanilla yogurt better rather than the Greek yogurt.  Plus, the mint extract is REALLY strong--beware!

Overall we had a great St. Patrick's Day!  Jackson was full of fun facts about leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, and all things green thanks to school :)  I LOVE all of the facts that he is packing into that head of his!