Our trip to California

Here is the pathetic few pictures that I was actually able to upload so far (in no particular order). Our trip was great! The girls were perfect little travelers- we couldnt have asked for better cooperation- really! (for those of you who dont know- we drove) Of course it felt way too short, with not near enough time to spend with family. Not that I need an excuse to visit family, but the reason we went when we did was because my brother graduated from highschool- couldnt miss that! Congratulations Jason!

Eric, my mom, the girls and I went to a little zoo one day. Lots of fun, perfect weather and very active animals. And no, the turtle is not real even though Madison insists that it is!

Our first stop in CA was to visit my grandparents . It was wonderful to see them. It was their first time meeting Taylor. (oops-grandpa didnt make it into this one)

Uncle Jason and Auntie Kari making Taylor giggle like crazy!

My grandma S. lives in the same town as my parents now, so it was great to just pop over for short visits throughout our trip.

Madison and Taylor hanging with my dad after he got home from work one day.

We did more than what these pictures suggest, (like the graduation and party, a lot more hanging out and having fun pictures and one day Eric and I left the girls with my mom and went on a tour down into a gold mine) but like I said, uploading is not cooperating lately and Im getting sick of trying, so these will probably be the only pics I put up.

Almost Walking!

Taylor is getting closer and closer to walking and even attempts to stand hands free without prompting from me. Getting those feet to move is a little tough though! What a big girl! Whenever Taylor stands, Madi runs over and says, "Now I can push her!" Sheesh, sibling rivalry starts young! :)
Ive been having trouble uploading pictures on here, which is partly why I havent posted lately, Im actually surprised it worked today. Hopefully soon I can get some pics from our trip to CA posted.

Dutch Babies

And no, I dont mean Madison and Taylor. Although they do fit the description! :) I was intrigued by these mostly because of the name, but the fun of how they turn out and the fact that they are so delicious kept me coming back for more.
A dutch baby, otherwise known as a German pancake, is basically a giant "eggy" pancake. Traditionally it should be sprinkled with lemon juice and dusted with powdered sugar. I did eat them this way, which was good, but we also tried them with maple syrup, Eric had his with molasses. And once we even did them with strawberries, strawberry coulis and whipped cream. Yeah, it was more like dessert for dinner! These are WAY more simple to make than the picture may make you think. The hot oven does all the hard work- but you will get the credit of a very impressive and unique dish! And they are fast too, so they make a fun easy breakfast, or anytime treat. I do have a little trouble with them sticking a bit to the bottom of the pan, so if anyone tries these and has good luck with them not sticking, I would love to know your secret.

Dutch Babies

4 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 c. flour

2/3 c. milk

2 T. butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a cast iron skillet, or oven proof skillet. Put the 2 T. butter into the buttered skillet and place in the preheating oven to melt. While the butter is melting blend the eggs until light yellow (a whisk works fine, no need to pull out the mixer). Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth. (I usually alternate adding the milk and flour a little at a time while whisking to avoid lumps). Pour the mixture into the hot skillet and return immediately to the oven. Bake 20-30 min. Avoid opening the oven door until close to 20 min to check them until it has "set" (the cool air will interupt the wonderful process of the puffing!) Slice it like a pie and top with your favorite topping. (I want to try sliced sugar and cinnamon skillet apples next! Yum!) Serve along side some sausage and fresh fruit for a very satisfying meal.

Easter!

Easter baskets:

Ready for church:

Making easter cupcakes.

Madison was in charge of the sprinkles. She did a great job of dipping the marshmallows for the ears and petals:
Bunnies and Flowers:

Worms and Cousins

About a week ago, on a rather gorgeous day, we spent some time outside while Eric tilled the garden and planted some colder weather things like radishes, carrots and lettuce. They will spend some time in the little makeshift greenhouse until it warms up at night a bit more. Eric always has a great helper in Madison, when it comes to digging in the dirt.

He is teaching her how to catch worms, so she can keep them supplied with fishing bait! She held this one for about an hour and wanted to take it along on our walk:

Eric has been going down to Pella to help his brother a lot last fall and now again this spring to do some tiling and bulldozing. Once in a while the girls and I go along and spend the day with Carolyn and their boys Lucas and Trenton. Madison loves to hang out with her cousins and get some "boy play" in- we dont have snakes or semi's at our house!

Swing Set

Eric finished the swing set about a week ago, Ive just taken awhile to post it. But here they are. Nothing too fancy, just a slide and two spots for swings. I think Eric wants to stain it yet, but at least its usable now. Its been pretty cold though this past week, so Madi hasnt gotten to try it out too often, but I think that will all change this week. She loves her "treehouse" as she calls it.
Paco thought he would enjoy it too, so he thought he would try out the swing. Oops! Whats he going to do now that he is stuck?! Ha Ha, dumb dog. He's lucky Eric was home to get him free!