Blog Archives

EASTER CAMPOUT

3/31/2013

Spring Break Fiasco - that's what prompted this backyard campout. The reality is that as a little family we need to take breaks when they are needed, conserve our energy and realize that rest is very important at this stage of our family life. We intended to head to a sweet spot right on the Pacific Ocean - Costanoa - instead, we ended up in our backyard. Now, our backyard is a few acres on a wildlife refuge, so great substitute. Papa Bear had an even better idea, campout on Easter and wait for the Easter bunny. We were pleasantly surprised with a trail of eggs, leading from the door of our tent, all the way back to the house. Fun & relaxing :)

PAINTED BUNNIES

3/30/2013

CARD GAME FUN

3/29/2013

Go Fish, Old Maid, War and others are on M&H's list of favorites. This afternoon they played for a few hours while sitting outside on their hammock.

We like finding activities that can be done outdoors, like cards, reading and even schoolwork. Taking it outside makes it all that more interesting and fun.

As M&H get older we find that games in general are a great connection - any age can participate and everyone has a great time.

EASTER EGGS

3/28/2013

EASTER COOKIES

3/25/2013

Warm, toasty cookies!!

Easiest way to dress up cookies for the Easter holiday. Just recently we had a nice neighbor kid - selling the usual cookie dough - and we are suckers for kids at the door and cookies. So, this we took the snickerdoodle cookies and dressed them up with an Cadbury chocolate Easter egg on the top of each cookie. It was quick, easy and really special - according to M&H. Winner all around, well - except for the fact that these frozen cookie dough balls have 7 grams of fat each - that I can ignore for a toasty cookie hot out of the oven.

ORGANIC POPCORN

3/24/2013

It all started when Maverick became pretty obsessed with popcorn, she just adores it. First, we started with the microwave version - the healthier the better - then, her consumption levels just became too high. I started to think we needed to go all homemade with this one, to ensure that we had organic corn, minimal butter and overall - the healthiest popcorn we could get. Given the fact that Maverick demanded a bowl a day. Now, we have an air popper that is fun to watch, easy to use and allows us some peace of mind. :)

BOATS - WOOD & PAPER

3/23/2013

Much to the dismay of M&H, the pool is just too cold for swimming these days. Ahhh, we long for the day when we finally heat the pool... hopefully with solar power.

Until then, M&H have found a new hobby to utilize the beautiful blue water - hand crafted boats! Made all on their own, these boats zoomed across the pool. With that came a little lesson on the dynamics of wood. These boats were pretty durable as well and will last for many days of fun. They even convinced Papa Bear to make a double (parents) boat to race as well.

SPRING SOCCER

3/22/2013

Great group interaction, lots of foot/eye coordination and serious time playing outdoors are just some of the reasons why we love the sport of soccer. Another reason? The running! What could be better than running around, full throttle with a band of munchkins chasing a ball - nothing! Maverick is on season 4 and Haywood is at a point I can barely count - 11 or so. It's been a grand adventure that we hope to continue for many years to come.

Futbol has also allowed an increased level of curiosity in foreign countries that take soccer seriously - Argentina, Brazil, etc. Great connection!

SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

3/21/2013

Bear River Valley - you may have seen these awesome cereals at your local grocery store. A couple of highlights - they use natural ingredients, low-waste packaging and renewable wind energy in production. A great company making strides to keep business green and healthy. Plus, the kiddos like Marshmallow Avalanche better than the Lucky Charms. For us, the outdoor themed branding is the icing on the cake.

OUTDOOR ART

3/20/2013

GOLF AM

3/19/2013

Sometimes the best way to start off the homeschool day is to get outside and do some PE. M&H especially love golf early in the morning and we are lucky to have enough space for this activity. Both kids have a nice set of Kids/Youth clubs and then a set of plastic balls that can take a whallop and not create the dangerous environment of an actual ball. After attending golf camp for a couple of years we keep all the same drills in rotation. The best part is expending some physical energy allows M&H to run back into the classroom more focused, relaxed and ready to work.

FARLS, CORNBEEF HASH, SWEETS & IRISH FLAIR

3/18/2013

IRISH SODA BREAD FARLS

3/17/2013

Soda Bread Farls - the traditional version for those of us from Northern Ireland. A simple quick bread.

1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk

Mix well, knead lightly, form into a flat circle and cut into quarters. Cook farls on a hot cast iron pan with a bit of butter. Wonderful when hot, right off the pan, with a little more butter.

CORNED BEEF - READY TO COOK

3/16/2013

We cannot take all the credit for this beautiful corned beef. Grandpa was nice enough to put up an extra for us, as he was prepping for St. Patrick's Day.

We turned and turned for a good 2 weeks and then cooked this in a dutch oven. 3 hours at 300 and this was delish!

Thanks Grandpa!

BASEBALL

3/14/2013

MOTH RELEASE

3/14/2013

This moth has a great story. We went up to Mt. Shasta this year to cut down our Christmas tree. Well, tree is cut and brought home - then, Papa Bear goes to work trimming and getting the tree set in the stand. He noticed a chrysalis on one of the branches and decides that we cannot just leave this in the burn pile with the other branches. So, we bring it inside and set it up in our butterfly enclosure. I was about to give up hope, Papa Bear starts rattling off information about long incubation periods and we keep watching. Then three months later, this little guys pops out! We let his wings dry for a few days and then released him. :)

TICKET TO RIDE

3/13/2013

HEALTHY PLATE

3/13/2013

This healthy plate includes:

Red Bell Peppers
Blackberries
Blueberries
Green Onion
Pesto

JUMP FOR JOY

3/11/2013

Haywood has become a master at the front flip on his trampoline. Sometimes he gives lessons to Maverick and at other times he is tutoring the next door neighbor. Best part is watching his physical skill and his leadership skills. He is a thoughtful teacher who carefully spots each one of his students. He gives them motivation, tips and encouragement along the way. This type of development is especially amazing to see develop in and 8-year-old.

BLUE PANCAKES - GOING FAST

3/10/2013

** PANCAKE LOVE **

Pancake love is a serious thing in our house, everyone adores pancakes. If I even mention buttermilk pancakes, kids and Papa Bear come running. This batch is made with blueberries, diligently dropped onto each pancake as they cook. Topped with bananas and a caramel/vanilla/maple syrup, they are the ultimate treat.

HEALTHY BOWL

3/8/2013

This healthy bowl includes:

Orange Bell Pepper
Pink Lady Apples
Ham
Blackberries
Sunflower Seeds
Pesto

PINWHEEL FUN

3/6/2013

BABY BAT VISIT

3/5/2013

What a cute bat?! Well, some would find them cute, some would beg to differ. This little guy ended up in the dog pen, on a low lying tree branch. Needless to say, our dogs were barking up a storm. M&H helped Papa Bear rescue the bat and take him over to a safer tree. The kiddos were enthralled, watching him inch his way backwards up the tree!

COUNTDOWN TO ST. PATTY'S

3/4/2013

We celebrate this holiday days before and days after the actual day - when you are Irish, there is never enough celebrating.

M&H consistently learn about their Northern Irish roots and take great pride in learning all there is to know about this part of themselves.

CELEBRATE SEUSS

3/2/2013

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