Just had to Share!

Luckily, this only happens every once in a while! Justin had no idea how to eat it, so I think he ended up dismantling it. It was quite the sandwich.

Climber on our Hands!

These climbing rocks have become Abby and Emma's very favorite place to hang out. They will literally climb for hours. Abby, especially, is really into climing anything she can find, trees, rocks, buildings. So, when we found this park with these rocks it was like a dream come true. She's got pretty good form for a 5-year old.

Oaks Park Amusement Park

Abby and Emma got some passes from the library summer reading program to go to this little amusement park close to our house. They loved it! Emma stuck to the carousel and a few other little rides, but Abby wanted to ride the big rides, including The Spider which ended up being our demise by the end of the 8 hours we spent there. Luckily, we made out better than many others that lost their lunch on it, we only felt like we were going to. The girls had their first roller skating experience there too, needless to say, the picture was before they started. Emma didn't look quite so happy by the time we left the rink. It was a great day and a fun way to end our next-to-last week of summer.

Good Book Review

I was thinking about this book today, although it's been a few years since I read it. I just had to put it out there as one of the best books I've ever read. It is such a great story of survival, leadership, and sheer tenacity to live. And, on top of all that, it's true. Every once in a while when I start to wish my circumstances were maybe a little different, I think of this book and what Shackleton's crew went through and I am grateful for all I have. Let's just say that I probably won't be taking a voyage to Antartica any time soon, even though if Justin has his way, we will be going there one day.

Dreamy Cobbler

Okay, I just had to post this recipe for blackberry/peach cobbler. I got it off the internet the other night because the girls had been blackberry picking and my sister-in-law had brought us a bunch of fresh peaches. It was so good and easy that I had to share.

1 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. white sugar, divided
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
6 T. cold butter
1/4 c. boiling water
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. cold water
1 T. lemon juice
2 c. fresh blackberries
2 c. fresh peaches, peeled and pitted (you could use 4 cups of whatever fruit you want)


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, 1/2 c. sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/4 c. boiling water just until mixture is evenly moist.
3. In separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water. Mix in remaining cup sugar, lemon juice, and fruit. Transfer to a cast iron skillet, (I just used our heavy skillet), and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Drop dough into the skillet by spoonfuls. Place skillet on the foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake 25 minutes in the oven, until dough is golden brown.


Enjoy

Happiness is . . .

Fresh peaches and independent children. I have to say that I had the happiest morning this morning. I woke up to the sound of Abby saying to Emma "No, don't wake up mommy, I'll get you breakfast". Abby poured them each a bowl of cereal with milk, they ate, and then went back to playing in their bedroom while I layed lazily in bed. I fully expected to be greeted by a huge mess of spilled milk when I came upstairs, but no. The milk was put away in the fridge with all dishes placed nicely in the sink. Ahhhhhhh. Then I remembered that we had spent the morning picking 33 lbs. of peaches yesterday and I fixed myself a bowl of vanilla yogurt, fresh peaches and grape nuts. What could be better. For lunch I think I'll have some of the homemade peach ice cream we made last night.

Reunited!

It is just the best to be able to see old friends. This month we got to see our good friends the Springers. This is Abby and her good friend from San Francisco, Camden. They had a great time playing together. Hadn't missed a beat.
We also got to see the Chamberlains up in Seattle. It was so great to see them and to catch up on old times. We love you guys!

Summer Fun in Oregon

Some pics of what we've been up to this summer! We've had such a great summer and are feeling like it is going way too fast.

Summer Fun