Granola...

I'm slow with this request from quite a few people.  It took a phone call from my mom to light a fire under me!  We sure love this Granola recipe and it is the perfect thing to take along on summer outings, camping or impromptu road trips! Enjoy!

Granola
Combine the following (except vanilla) and boil for one minute. Stir in vanilla.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar 
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Combine the following in a large mixing bowl:
6 cups rolled oats (not the quick kind)
2-3 cups of assorted nuts (whole or chopped)
(almonds, cashew, sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 1/2 cups coconut

Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients and stir to coat well.
Spread onto two cookie sheets.  (If you have silpat liners they work really well
with this recipe and the clean up is a snap!) No need to grease the plain pan.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.  I bake two pans at once and stir and swap racks with
them at the 15 minute mark.  The Granola will not feel crunchy after thirty minutes
but it will harden up as it cools.  You want to see it turning a golden brown around the edges
after 15 minutes.  This is when I stir it up and switch places.  Don't over bake!!

Store in a covered container for 2 weeks.  But it rarely lasts that long!

You can also stir in dried fruit or raisins after baking. 

Finding The Path

Before...the garden in front was full of overgrown grasses and weeds.  Emily and I worked some early mornings to get things cleaned up.  Once again the little garden path is visible!  I do love getting my hands in the dirt and working out in the yard.  The weather has been spectacular here!!  This garden is mostly full of perennials but I have some annuals to fill in as well as some herbs and tomato plants.   Hopefully the deer will be on higher grounds this summer!

For Mother's Day, I picked out my own gift this year!  

I've had my eye on a macro lens for awhile and I think it will be great fun to play with!

A few shots fresh out of the box...

 This little flower is only about 1" wide.

 Ready for take off!

 Bees are tricky to catch ...lots of patience when you are 

trying to manually focus on the busy little things! 

I can't wait to experiment more with this new lens.

(PS...Molly, I have your zoo photos down below - after our DC trip.  Nice throw, by the way!!)

Kaelyn's Special Day

A name is something special.  It is generally something very difficult to decide on as it will be a life long attachment!  Parents want to pick a name that will be just right for the child.  I find it so interesting how no matter the name - it always seems to be perfect, every time!

Kaelyn Alayna was given a special name and blessing this morning by her father.  It was a very sweet time to share with them.  She is a beautiful little babe who fits in perfectly with her family.  We feel so lucky to be here and share in this special time.  It's amazing how they come pre-packaged with their own unique personalities and cute little quirks. Kaelyn may also be called Layney... time will tell!

We love this family so very much!

Not only is she beautiful...she has such a sweet, calm disposition.

These two peas in a pod gave kisses good bye this morning....see ya soon!!

 xoxo

And just when you need a little pick me up, Liam will walk into the

 room and really put a smile on your face!  Look out James!

Secret agent. He's got his eye on you.

Six Years Old...

Six is such a great age!  Liam loves all things NASA or space, ninja turtles, legos and adventures outside.  He has a very creative imagination and more energy than most people I know.  He is a born runner and has loved running even since he was a tiny toddler.  He is also a very adventurous eater and isn't afraid to try new things.  He is an awesome big brother.  His new baby sister came home on his birthday - so today we took time to celebrate his six awesome years!  He and Elsie went on a very long walk while his mom and I got some things ready for the party.  Papa said they easily walked over 2 miles and made sure to stop for adventure nourishment snacks along the way....aka Chicken Nuggets :)

Papa started things off with "shoot the alien deer", as Liam ordered :)  Good times!

Then pin the nun chuk on the ninja...squirt the candle with a water gun...Master May I...  Liam had written out a little list with everything he had planned out.  He would sqweeze the horn when it was time to rotate to a new activity.  He's a great kid! 

 Snacks, gifts and blowing out the candles!

What a great party!
What a great little guy!!

A little worn for the day...nothing like chillin watching a movie.  Look at those cute curls! We had dinner out at Tara Thai.  Really great meal :) We've sure had a lot of fun together.  Papa's time here ends tomorrow.  We'll all miss him!

Sandy Point Beach

 After jumping into the cool water it was time to build a very cool sand castle!

 And little Kaelyn enjoyed the balmy breezes of the beach in the shade of her carseat :)

A perfect day.

Meeting Kaelyn

We have been blessed with a brand new grand daughter and we got to meet her today! Miss Kaelyn Alayna joined her family on May 7th weighing in at 6 lbs 6 ounces.  She is a perfect little doll and very much loved.

This tiny newborn stage goes by so quickly!  There is nothing like the rose pedal skin and fuzzy little shoulders these babes come with. 

Sadly out of focus, but I love her in this photo...and Papa couldn't be happier.

 Liam and Elsie have places to take us...

 The farmers market is a hip place to visit.

Sharing nourishment, as Papa puts it.

More to come very soon!  There is a baby to cuddle right now :)