This morning my Mom called and wanted to take the babies for the afternoon.

I snatched my Man and we went for an adventure.

We ran off to the forest to explore and enjoy the wonder of God's creations.

A simple day, but beauty filled. I just love being out in nature, it is soul food for me!

 

 

Oh Darling, lets be adventurers

I love adventuring with my family. While my husband was in school, we would find fun and inexpensive activities to take our children to do so that we didn't suffer from the "we're on a student budget and can't go anywhere" blues. I am so thankful for those times... because of them, little things are big things to us and our kids. They get so excited when we load up in the car and take them to explore in nature, on a hike or to a new place.

This weekend we were able to explore a new and stunning place we have never been.

Bloomington Lake!  I could hardly take in the beauty!

If you are looking for a fun and family friendly adventure with your crew, I highly recommend visiting here. Bring life jackets and swing off the rope swing into the lake, or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery from the edges of the lake.

 It is heavenly.

Homemade Avocado Ranch

You guys, I am such a ranch snob. Always judging restaurant ranch, in search of one that makes me squeal inside. The other night after we got home late, I dug around in the fridge searching for something to put together for a quick dinner. I found some items for salad, romaine lettuce, avocados, tomatoes, smoked turkey and olives. I made an easy chef salad with some shredded cheese on top and the only thing needed after that was some dressing. I love getting creative, so I whipped up this little recipe for homemade avocado ranch. It is really simple and really delicious! I wanted to share it with you.  

Homemade Avocado Ranch

Recipe source: Emmy in her Element

 

Ingredients:

1/2 avocado mashed

pinch of chopped parsley

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tablespoon hidden valley ranch powder

3/4 teaspoon rice vinegar

 

 

Blend milk and sour cream. Add remaining ingredients and mix well until smooth and creamy. Enjoy with veggies, on salad or as a dip.

 

Ps. I can't help but feel like this ranch would be excellent with crumbled bacon on top. Ooh eeee! Listen to me now!

 

            Need a quick and easy salad to use the ranch dressing on? Check this out...  

15 minute southwestern taco salad

   

Color on a rainy day

Today was rainy, and thundery and gray. It was quiet, and for several hours we didn't have power.

For some reason, I love storms. To me, they bring a comfort and a feeling of coziness. I took today's storm as an opportunity to get creative with my little ones. No TV, no electronics whatsoever. We had no choice but to bust out the puzzles, stamps and paints, books and rain boots. We played monster, ran through puddles, worm hunted and re connected. It was a wonderful and colorful day-

because we made it be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Rainy days are for pjs, big blankets, rubber boots, legos, worm hunts, yesterday's hair, lots and lots of books, paints, crayons and adventures.   Today was sweet, and I learned to let creative happen.  We depend much too much on unimportant things to entertain us.   Need something to help you feel creative? Make some moon sand! It's super fast and easy. Just mix 8 cups all purpose flour, and 1 cup baby oil. Mix with hands and play! I like to put it on a cookie sheet or 9x13 pan and give the kids cookie cutters and cups. Then they make moon sand castles.    

Happy Birthday AMERICA

Wow this summer is flying by and I have hardly found anytime to make a post! I miss it so much. I have a fun new bread recipe I will be sharing later this week.   I just wanted to check in and post a few pics from our 4th of July. I hope you had a fun and special day! We took our kids to the parade and then had a BBQ with friends in the evening and watched a big firework show.   I am proud to be an AMERICAN!