Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Flying high

Our weekend was filled with fun and adventure! Saturday morning we drove over to Snohomish for some skydiving. We were happily surprised they had a parachute tiny enough to fit Lew! Juuuusst kidding, not till he's at least16;)





The parachutes are tiny pinpricks of red,white,and blue. Almost too tiny to see!


I never thought I would be interested in jumping out of a plane but watching Jeff do it definitely made me want to go some day! 
After a quick lunch we packed up again and drove north to meet up with Heather and Eric to take a tour of the USS Nimitz. Such an amazing tour!



These are the chains for the anchors. Each link weighs over 300lbs and the anchors themselves weigh 60,000!

The never ending hallway
so great to see uncle Dennis and aunt Phyllis too!


Thursday, September 6, 2012

memorial day fun

We had such an amazing Labor day weekend! We picked blackberries, talked with friends, ate delicious pastries, watched movies, baked, and brewed.
Lewis was crossing his fingers, hoping that Jeff would remember to take him out of the pot before boiling the water...
Just started crossing his fingers last week! So funny and cute
It was so nice having Jeff home on Monday. He brought us some yummy pastries from a french bakery nearby and starbucks for breakfast. We were able to go on a family run which we have been doing more and more frequently, he and Lewis swam in the pool, and we were able to just relax and enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having. I can't think of a more perfect day! So thankful to be able to spend it with my two favorite boys






Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Blackberries for Lew


Saturday was a beautiful summer day so we decided to head outside to pick some blackberries! The title of this post is somewhat misleading as Lewis didn't actually get to eat any of the berries...more for us!

They were so delicious: sweet and juicy, very unlike blackberries from the store. Lewis was in the Ergo on my back for the first time and seemed to enjoy it.

It is still amazing to me that fruit like this grows so abundantly here in Washington. Such a blessing to have access to such yummy food. 
I cooked up our bounty on Sunday along with some fresh rhubarb and plums. Thank you Karin for inspiring me to bake! I whipped up these delicious tarts Sunday afternoon, they were amazing. 
Rhubarb blackberry

Rhubarb plum

Blackberry Rhubarb tart
preheat oven to 400

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups rhubarb
  • 1.5 cups blackberries
  • 7 Tbs brown sugar
  • 1 Tbs meyer lemon juice
  • zest of lemon ( I used meyer but any kind will work)
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeded
  • Pastry puff dough / pie dough - I didn't have the time or desire to make my own so I used pepperidge farm puff pastry sheets
Cut your rhubarb length wise down each stalk and then into 1/2 inch cubes. Combine rhubarb, blackberries, sugar, and vanilla bean + seeds in a heavy bottomed pot. Cover and heat on low for 15 minutes until the rhubarb has released some of its juices. 
Prepare crust by either unfolding (puff pastry sheet) or rolling out and setting in a lightly greased pie dish
Uncover mixture, add lemon juice + zest, and increase heat to medium and cook for 15 more minutes until the mixture has thickened. 
Discard vanilla bean pod and pour into the prepared pie crust. Bake at 400 for 30 -35 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown on top 

Variation: Rhubarb plum tart
  • 1.5 cups Rhubarb
  • 1.5 cups plums
  • 7 Tbs brown sugar
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeded
  • Pastry puff dough
Follow directions from above!
These would be delicious served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or whipped coconut milk!
To whip coconut milk: place a can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Drain liquid from the top and whip all the yummy leftovers just like you would cream! It has such a great flavor. Here is an awesome tutorial if you need pictures!


Monday, September 3, 2012

Mexican hot chocolate green smoothie

light and chocolatey with a hint of cinnamon and spicy cayenne pepper, this green smoothie is the perfect refreshing treat for a lazy September day. 

Mexican hot chocolate green smoothie
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/2 cup kale
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup chocolate almond milk (or chocolate milk)
  • 4 ice cubes
  • 1/4th tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
Throw it all in a blender and blend away! Add more milk or water if needed