Summertime fun

This week started off really warm! My father-in-law described a hot day as "like a hot cup of coffee", I think I'll be working that phrase into conversations... what a perfect way to describe summer. In honor of summer and a visit from Grandma Sneen, the boys indulged in a banana split at the kitchen table. So much fun and joy was found in that huge pile of ice cream and whipped cream! I hope the boys remember the fun occasions as they grow and remember that happiness can be found with good company and loved ones around the kitchen table.

Quentin had the pleasure of hosting a garden tour for his Pre-K teacher and a group of summer school kids this past week. Quentin successfully described: the fruit trees in the yard, proudly showed off the bat and birdhouses he built with Jamie, explained the water collection system, as well as explaining that you may not eat rhubarb leaves due to them being poisinous. He also graciously explained to his friends that they may not walk on the soil in the gardens, because it would compact, making it difficult for worms to dig around and poop their powerful poop.

The kids and I packed up and visited the beach for the first time this summer! We had a great day at Willow River State Park! We arrived just in time to see thousands of tadpoles swimming in the shallows next to the beach. The boys had fun capturing and inspecting the little creatures, they were corralled into lovingly dug pools and channels. Quentin described them as a "marching band of tadpoles". The weather was great, and fortunately I was the only victim of sunburn on our expedition.

We have all been so pleased with Lars language development during the past few weeks. The little guy repeats just about everything he wants to and some he shouldn't. He has begun to hold his own ground a bit with his older brother, which has led to some heated discussions between the two small red heads in the house. Despite the bickering between the boys, Lars has develped a lovely appreciation for our four legged companion. Bryson is the object of many hugs during the day. Lars has discovered that kissing a furry beast is not always as pleasant.

Tonight as I tucked my little angels into bed the little angel said clearly enough to melt any heart within ear shot... " love you Mommy"... If only I had the pause button to freeze time and make those precious little bits of time last a bit longer....

And still trying to organize the mountains of recipes...this week, granola.

Granola
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup vegetable oil
3 tblsp cinnamon
Mix the first three together.

8 cups old fashioned oats
½ ground flax meal or flax seeds
¼ sunflower seeds
½ coconut
1 ½ cup walnut (or nut of choice)

Mix dry ingredients into wet until well coated.
Spread in 2 large baking dishes. Set oven to 225. Slowly toast for 30 minutes. Stir and rotate pans. Toast for another 10 minutes or until desired dryness is reached. Allow to cool completely, store in sealed container for up to two weeks.
Suggestions for additions after roasting:
Raisins
Dates
Cranberries
Dehydrated apple
Dehydrated apricots
Dehydrated pineapple

We like this granola mixed with yogurt or sprinkled onto a bowl of fresh fruit with a little milk.