Lunches from the past two weeks

Cheese cubes, clementine, graham crackers, teriyaki tofu, grape tomatoes and carrots

Almond butter and raspberry preserve Sammy, carrot flowers, string cheese, Annie's cheddar bunnies, and a black plum.

pineapple chunks, edamame, red grapes, happy quail eggs, organic saltine crackers and laughing cow cheese spread.

 red & green grapes, apple bunnies, carrots, pea crisps, turkey & cheddar croissant stars with spinach.

 grape tomato mice, strawberries, ants on a log, and cheese pretzel sandwich.

turkey, cheese & mixed baby greens wrap, Annie's Cheddar bunnies, shortbread cookies, kiwi chunks, and grape tomatoes.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     



I've had so much fun making these lunches for Kai, but the cuteness of his lunch has created a problem during lunch time at school. His lunches are so different from the other kids that they are often grabbing at his bento box to see what he is having or teasing him because he eats vegetables!

My poor kiddo is so upset at lunch because the other kids are too curious about his lunch, that I had to make the traditional brown bag lunch (PB&J, chips & milk) a couple times the past two weeks so that the other children would loose interest in what he is having for lunch. On those days he is always so hungry when I pick him up. I am finally seeing that we are not normal and it will be hard for my children to fit in. My children are such little gourmands, I can't help it that we have passed our love of food down to our little ones. I grew up eating a varied diet and appreciation for all cuisines, I just don't see why there has to be food prejudices or fears. Our house rule is, you don't have to eat it, but you do have to take one bite to taste before you judge on appearance. Kinda like not judging a book by it's cover when it comes to people.

I finally found a thermos food jar that he likes and have sent him to school with raviolis. I plan on sending him with a warm lunch twice a week. He's requesting meatloaf with mashed potatoes and broccoli....hmm. I don't know how I would fit all of that in one thermos...I think that would be a two thermos lunch. I'm not taking pictures of the food jar lunches, but will if anyone is interested.

I hope these pictures are giving some ideas for your children's lunches. I am trying to find a balance between cute and normal so that my boy can still have a fun lunch. I have a ton of bento supplies now, so at least once a week something will be cute...maybe Friday lunches.