Summer Boredom

        Schools out and summer camp doesn't start over here until July! What kinda craziness is that?! Shouldnt all summer camps start like, hours after school ends? Don't kids lose something like, 90% of what they learned in school during the summer because of summer camps not starting the learning immediately?? Ok, so maybe I need to check my facts, but, I've got 3 bored kids and I need to blame something!

 (This picture and about 15 just like it are what happens when you give your bored 5yr old the camera)

        Lately I've found my go-tos for bored kids are baking and cleaning. They hate the cleaning and can suddenly find a way to not be bored anymore, but the BAKING?! They LOVE it, and the excitement, (and sugar rush) from it lasts alllllllll day.

Source: Giverslog

         For on the spot boredom killing baking, you gotta go with whatcha got. Don't have butter on hand, try using oil or applesauce! Don't have sour cream? Use yogurt! Our house is big on fruit, I buy tons of bananas and some weeks the kids eat them all in two days, other times, they're all about apples and the bananas go black. I throw the unwanted bananas in the freezer (skin and all) and pull them out when its time get baking!

Source: Kayla K's

This time we used a simple recipe for Banana Cupcakes (didnt have butter, we used oil and they were just as tasty) and we added a twist! I get all the ingredients together beforehand and let each kid pour something in the bowl. Everyone gets to mix something and the baby is extra good at putting the paper cups in the muffins pans. Using an ice cream scoop to dish out the batter not only makes it easy for little hands, it ensures each muffin is the same size. (eliminating future complaining!)

       For the twist, I had about a 1/2cup of leftover Oreo cookie crumbs lying around so I added a little melted butter and we put about a Tablespoon of the mixture in the bottom of each muffin cup. Smashed it down flat with the bottom of a spoon and scooped the batter on top. After they cooled, I iced them with an easy buttercream and Black Bottom Banana Cupcakes were ready for dessert!

And voila! Happy Kids! Well, at least until the cupcakes are gone. :)