Now comes the Future Chef!

As I said, Will has many diverse interests. One that has been growing for the past couple of years is cooking. He loves to help me bake cookies and cakes (mostly so he can lick the bowl and the spoon!) but more recently he has begun to take a real interest in helping to cook whatever is on the menu. We both watch the Food Network alot and any time he hears someone say "New York City", he always says "that's where Bobby Flay lives, mommmy".

Today was a chilly day and I have not been feeling well, so I thought I would try to make a pot of vegetable soup. Well, my little assistant chef insisted on making his own pot of soup(although he will never even try my vegetable soup). He cut up a carrot, some celery and used the potato skins to complete his veggie soup. Then he used just about every spice in the cabinet to add flavor to his pot of soup. After creating and stirring for quite a while, he decided it was time to taste. I warned him that since he didn't like veggie soup, he might not want to try it, but he assured me it was "just pretend". I believed him until I heard him announce "ooohhh, that's nasty!" Lesson for today- good cooks, NEVER admit their food is "nasty" and NEVER make something they themselves won't eat!!

Introducing the Next Food Network Star!

Future Hiker? Future Chef?

Will is becoming more and more a diversified little boy. While he likes rough housing and romping, he also has a very strong interest in singing, dancing, and cooking. While these talents have been emerging over the last year, imagine my surprise one day about a month ago, when Will announced that he wanted to go "hiking in the mountains". Well, the mountains for me are a challenge as my fear of heights prevents me from venturing too far up windy mountain roads, but as a mother, I want my child to experience all that he has an interest in. So, being the quick thinker that I am, I suggested his cousin Rob Anderson, who is an avid hiker and who also happens to be a good buddy of Will's. Well, every day or two, when we would pass a mountain area Will would point in that direction and ask "Mommy, Can Rob take me hiking in those mountains!"

Finally the day came this weekend when Rob took his buddy Will hiking!!! Rob chose a very "small hike" for Will's first adventure into the wilderness, but to Will it was a mile high mountain. For those of you familiar with this area, the group of rugged outdoorsmen, hiked up to Big Levels, near Stuarts Draft. Scott, Dave Anderson and Mark Anderson joined the hiking duo to complete the group. Rob's dog Mia also went along! Will truly seemed to enjoy the hike and the outdoors and when I asked him if he would like to go again he said "No mommy, Rob can take me to a different mountain next time!" A new hiker has been created!

Rob and Will along the trail

Rob with Mia

Rob, Mia and Will, hiking buddies!

The View from the top!