Why I Cook With My Children, Part 1

Audrey's first summer in DL.

Every year since Audrey was a baby we have gone to stay in Detroit Lakes, MN with my in-laws for some part of the summer. That first summer it was less than a week but the next summer ended up being a 7 week trip. I had a new baby (Maurene) and a workaholic spouse who decided his parents would do a better job of helping me through those difficult first weeks. It turns out he was right.

While we were there we fell into a routine. Well, as much of a routine as you can have with a newborn. I spent my time sleeping, feeding Maurene, and getting her to sleep. My father-in-law did a lot of the entertaining for Audrey. My mother-in-law still works so she was busy during the day a lot. When it came time to make dinner Audrey was eager to spend time with her.

Two year old Audrey, Papa, and Dayna.

In order to be able to make dinner and still have time for Audrey my mother-in-law pulled a stool up to the counter and started showing Audrey how to tear lettuce and build the family favorite, Strawberry Salad. This was a task Audrey took to immediately. Here is a picture of her with a face full of feta cheese. I do not know how we ended up having any left over for the salad.

One for me, one for the salad.

Family dinners during that blissful 7 weeks were planned, executed, and consumed together. I had no idea what I was missing until that trip. Audrey felt such a sense of accomplishment and inclusion and I enjoyed the regular meals with family. I vowed when we returned home I was going to continuing cooking with Audrey. It was easier said than done.

Next: Why cooking with my children is so hard for me.

Why I Cook With My Children, Part 2
Why I Cook With My Children, Part 3

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