What a Wonderful Place for a Nap

We set the tent up yesterday for the kids to play in. It didn't take Walker long to fall asleep. I love taking naps in a tent. There's just something about all the outdoors sounds, without the bugs or the sun burning you to a crisp as you sleep. He just looks so content.

SHE CAN DO IT!!!!

Well, she's been working all weekend, but I think I can officially say that Rylie can successfully ride her bike without training wheels. We had plenty of tears, frustration, pouting, successes and anger. She'd just start to get it and give up. Boy were we frustrated. Yesterday on the way home from school she asked if we could practice, but she didn't want my help. OK, I can handle that. She spent almost 3 hours last night just practicing starting on her own. She'd start in the garage and make her way down the driveway. She got GOOD!! But, she refused to do any turning. This morning, she got up went right out and started practicing again. SHE CAN DO IT!! The video is of late morning and as of this afternoon, she rode, all on her own, the entire 1 mile loop we walk in the evenings. I was mighty impressed! She has learned the perseverance and it has paid off!!

Mama Robin

Meet Mama Robin. She seems to be a very good mama. We should have babies soon!!

Easy Carmel Corn

I recently found this recipe for microwave carmel popcorn. It's super easy and disappears quickly!!

Caramel Popcorn

4 Quarts Hot air popcorn (16 cups)

1/4 Cup dark Karo syrup

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Pound Oleo (I used unsalted butter)

1 Cup Brown sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Baking soda

Put oleo, syrup, sugar, and salt in a microwave oven. Bring it to a full boil, then set the timer for 2 minutes and continute to boil. Take it out and quickly stir in baking soda. In the meantime, have the popped corn in a paper bag which has been rolled down from the top. Pour 1/3 of the syrup mixture into the bag of popcorn and shake bag H-A-R-D. Repeat twice - always shaking the bag VERY HARD each time. Unroll the bag and close the bag and shake it HARD again. Microwave it 1 1/2 minutes. Take out and shake HARD. Microwave another minute and shake HARD again. Pour the popcorn onto a cookie sheet and let it cool. Store in a large popcorn container.

A Boy and His Toys

Tree Climbing Rule

So we have a rule at our house concerning tree climbing. You are free to climb a tree as long as you can get into your self. I won't lift you into a tree, but if you can get in it, you're free to climb it. Well, my kids got smart. They use the four-wheeler as a step stool. Boy do they have fun!!

Calkins Nature Center Field Trip

Rylie and I went on a field trip to Calkins Nature Center yesterday. We were a little concerned about the weather, but it held off and we had a wonderful day exploring God's creation!! The kids got to dig around in the pond, see lots of animals, go bird watching, make bird feeders, see what it's like to see like an insect and LOTS more. We were both WAY tired by the time we got home!!