On the Road Again

More summer days at the cabin...

I love/hate Martha

I loooove this.

I don't know where I've been, but I only recently discovered this gem of a show.

These two funny and irreverent ladies (one of them being Martha's daughter) say everything you've ever thought while watching Martha.

Check it out on the Fine Living Network and I promise you a good laugh!

Who's Ready for Some Chromo Magnificence?

With the temperatures reaching between 100-115 degrees around here lately, we have been struggling to find activities to keep us cool.

Sure, the Arizona Science Center is a bit pricey, but 2 hours in a 70-degree building is worth every pretty penny!

Nothin' like experimentin'

Good Old Dirty Fun

On Friday, while watching the early morning news, I learned about the annual Mighty Mud Mania event in Scottsdale. It was going on that morning and since we had nothing else planned, the kids and I hopped in the car and headed out to have some dirty fun. They ran through obstacle courses, played in mud pits, and slid down soapy slides. The boys, in true male form, got as dirty as possible, while Elle managed to stay mud-free. The giant shaved ice treats saved us from the 113 degree sweltering heat! It was a great event and I've promised the kids it can be an annual experience for us!

Sticky Fig Cupcakes

My boyfriend has an obsession with figs.


Frankly, I don't get it.


They're quite a homely, unsightly fruit if you ask me.


And...that word...
f... i... g,
so unpleasant.


But, for some reason my bicycle man has an abiding passion for these seedy little guys.


He has spotted fig trees while driving and almost run us off the road in his excitement.


He has texted me photos of fig trees he's seen on his long bike rides.


He has even suggested making a career move and becoming a fig tree farmer.


Now, try as I may, I just can't seem to convince my taste buds that my bicycle man is onto something here. What is it about a fig?


I mean...I know these strange fruits are nutritious. They even have historical and religious significance and are referred to repeatedly in the Bible from beginning to end. Even their cute little leaves were used to cover some pretty important man and lady parts in Old Testament time.

But, on their own, ehhh.

Now, add butter, sugar, and cream and we're talkin'.


Thanks to my sis and her cupcake know-how, I turned some crinkly figgy puppies into these and even had my one-time vegan boyfriend coming back for more.

These incredible cupcakes even have this former fig hater singing their praises.

Step aside Red Velvet.
I've got a new lover.

*recipe from Cupcakes by Elinor Klivans

Call me Groupie

If you could use a good laugh and are not easily offended, you have to take a trip here:

http://barefootfoodie.com/

A Sacrifice to the Trail

A good day to ride.

At 5:30am this morning, Dad, Bri, and I headed out for a little mountain biking.

Beautiful desert,

laughs,

sore legs,

and only one crash.

A tired dad

You know what they say Bri, "You're not a real biker until

you've sacrificed your blood to the trail goddess."

Saved

Today, my little girl turns 4.

The day she was born is still a blur.

My life was in shambles.

I was heartbroken...hopeless...exhausted.

But,
on July 8, 2005 at 4:02pm, I looked into this sweet little face for the first time

and I was brought back to life.

Happy Birthday Elle &

Thank you.

Butterflies & Balloon Animals

We left on Friday looking forward to a weekend vacation at my parents' cabin. On the drive up we encountered a much appreciated rain storm. The 60 degree weather was heaven! We got to the cabin just in time for some BBQing. A little rain didn't deter the men from getting that grill started. Some burgers and hot dogs (and of course a veggie burger for the bicycle man) and we were happy. Chocolate chip cookies and a fire ended a great day.


Saturday morning, half of our crew headed to the lake for some fishing. Max's first fishing experience and, from what I hear, he is hooked. He got so excited catching his first fish that he fell backwards in the boat, breaking off the end of his pole! The rest of us hiked down the road to the fire station for the Blue Ridge arts and crafts fair. The little ones had fun painting paper butterflies and the fire captain, dressed as a clown, entertained the kids with his balloon animals. Calvin had to dig deep for the courage to ask for green balloon dog (he hates clowns, but really hates balloons popping!).

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, riding the 4-wheeler, exploring the forest, and feeding our new squirrel.

Holiday weekend...a success.