Swim-boree

You may or may not have heard, but they're making a Finding Nemo 2 movie.  Right away Thatbaby knew he wanted to be a part of this.  Even though he wasn't around when the first one came out.  And he hasn't seen the first one.  My boy won't let little things get in his way.

He wants to audition for the lead.  Even though he doesn't know how to swim.  And he isn't animated.  Or a fish.  My boy won't let big things get in his way either.

Like any supportive parent, I'm here to help him achieve his dreams.  So Thatboy and I enrolled him in swim lessons.

When we mentioned we were doing swim lessons, Thatbaby's friend Jurisbaby wanted in too.  Which was great, because the two of them are fabulous at sharing.  If sharing means "give me the toy you have while you grab at the toy I have."  And this worked out well since toy ducks played a large roll in their first swim class.

The instructor had them play a bunch of games to get their arms moving and legs moving in the water.  They practiced getting out and "jumping" back in.  They started blowing bubbles in the water.

 Thatbaby loved every minute of it.

 
 He adored being in the water, splashing with his friends.  The instructor was impressed with his "excited kick."  We already knew how much he loves the pool since this wasn't his first time, but it was fun to see him actually partake in some swimming skills like kicking, reaching, and slapping at the water.  He's fearless in there.

And it tuckered him out completely, giving us a nice long nap when he finished!  We can't wait till next week!

And because I don't let things stand in my way either, I've become adept at crockpot meals during the week.  I've got it down to a science.  In the morning, I gather the ingredients together, chopping and browning.  Then it cooks all day so that when I get home from work, all I need to do is shred tender meat with a couple of forks and serve with some sides that I've already got ready.  I've found pork is the perfect meat for the crockpot, and we eat a lot of it.  Especially since it's Thatbaby's favorite meat.  This one takes an extra step - rubbing the meat with spices at night before bed and letting those spices sink in overnight.  But it's a quick step, easy to do, and it definitely makes for some flavorful meat.

Slowcooker Cuban Pork (From Elly Says Opa)

1 (2-3) lb. pork roast
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne
1.5 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ancho chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 large onion, thinly sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
zest of 1 orange
2 limes, juiced
1/4 cup chicken broth
Warmed corn or flour tacos, for serving

1. Rub the pork roast all over with the Dijon and oil. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 
2. Combine the cayenne, allspice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and oregano in a small bowl. Then, rub the mixture all over the pork. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
3. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the roast in the skillet and brown on all sides. Remove to slowcooker.
4. Place the onions and garlic on top of the pork. 
5. Combine the honey, orange juice and zest, lime juice, and chicken broth, and then pour into the slowcooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred with a fork and serve on tacos.