interlakes

Sun, rain, wind, snow (yes...I said snow!), and sleet.  That pretty much sums up how our first camping weekend of the year went as we decided to head out and have a quick camping trip before leaving for the "big one" in a little under two weeks time.  Now the thing you need to remember about the mountains, is really the forecast means, well....absolutely nothing!  We arrived in sunny weather (albeit it was a tad on the chilly side), and endured several sudden rain storms accompanied by strong winds, and sleet.  It was a mixed bag that's for sure!  Nonetheless, if we weren't hunkered down playing games and Lego in the trailer, we were outside doing what we always do while we are camping....having fun, getting dirty, and throwing rocks!  Despite the inconsistent weather, we did manage to get in a few hikes, some geocaching, a campfire, and a visit from Auntie Ky, Uncle Lindsay, and cousin Rory.  They even brought us Timbits!  How awesome is that?  Here's a look at how our days went when we were able to get outside!

Exploring.

Bree and Jenna embarked on their very first big hike.  Fantastic!

There were moments of sitting still and quiet.  Wow!  I'll take it!  Just ignore those ominous clouds lingering in the background.

Geocaching. 

Rock throwing.  No camping adventure is complete without this favourite pastime.



However, my favourite part of the trip was kicking back and just taking in the gorgeous surroundings just off our site.  In my books, there is nothing like fresh mountain air especially in the morning.  Even if we had to bundle up to enjoy it!  And even if on Sunday morning the mountains has a fresh dusting of snow!

We are eagerly anticipating our big adventure coming up in a little over a week and half.  Excitement is running high as we all are getting ready to spend a little over a month on Vancouver Island!  Can't wait!

must run in the family

Yep...definitely a little "Werkman" blood running through these weather watchers.  The kids spent all evening watching out the window as storm after storm rolled by creating quite the display of amazing and sometimes ominous clouds on the horizon.  A few good lighting shows, some loud "boomers" as Bree and Jenna call it, mixed in with several dumping downpours and then...

...a peaceful end, and a signal for the start of bedtime!

congratulations

Where did that year go?  It seems like only yesterday that Maelle was standing on our front step eagerly anticipating her very first day of pre-school.  Backpack ready, pig tails in, and outfit chosen.  And here we are now.  Ten months later.  It's graduation day.  Yes....her class held a little graduation ceremony.  And yes...there were a few tears.  I can't believe how much this little girl has grown up.  I can't believe how much more independent she is.  Wow.  A proud day for sure.

I guess now I have a few months to go to gear up for the first day of kindergarten.  Oh I know there will be more tears that day that's for sure!  So congratulations sweetheart.  Thank you for making us such proud parents.  Way to go Maelle!

a day about dad

It was all about dad's favourite things today as the kids and I helped Brent celebrate Father's Day.  I asked Aidan and Maelle to help me out with this post by answering a simple question:  "What do you love most about dad?"  Here are some of their answers along with a few of mine!

Happy Father's Day to a dad who...

Has the best work schedule ever that allows him to spend lots of time with his family.
Always knows how to make us laugh.
Plays Lego.

Teaches us how to ride bikes, how to climb the scary playground ladders, how to hang on the monkey bars, and who gives the best "under dogs" imaginable on the swings.
Proudly displays the kids artwork in his office both at home and at work.
Let's the girls use him as a model when they play hair salon.

Curls up with us on the couch for cuddles and a good story.
Spends countless hours monitoring the crazy bedtime antics of Bree and Jenna and can still manage to laugh about it afterwards.
Takes the time to sit and watch the rain.

After working a very long and usually exhausting day, can still help out with the evening routines of bath, stories, and bedtimes.

Loves to take all of us camping and spend time exploring places far and wide.

Let's Aidan be his right hand man when it comes to all things trailer related.

Loves to dream about the future and how we can make it as fulfilling as possible for the entire family.

Gets a loud stampede like greeting when he arrives home from work.
Goes for bike rides to see the ducks.

Can plant a tree amidst a huge downpour and still manage to crack a smile.

So Happy Dad's Day Brent!  Thank you for all that you do for me and for our silly little clan of kidlets.  We don't thank you enough for everything thing that you do around here, but hopefully you know just how much we love you and how much you are appreciated.  You always give so much to this family and we are so very grateful.  Thank you.

And to my dad....I am sending you a huge Father's Day hug.  Thank you for everything that you do.  Even though we live across the country, if we lived close by I would make you the biggest strawberry shortcake ever with the loads of whipped cream that you love so much, and give you the biggest hug possible and say....thanks.  I love you.



jumpin' Jenna & bouncin' Bree

No words today because I think these photo's speak for themselves!

Thanks Casey for a fun evening of birthday festivities!  Happy Birthday Little "D"!!
Oh and a big thanks for the ice cream makers....HUGE hit! 

kayben farms

I think I have farms on the brain as of late.  Two farms in the span of one week....come on!  Not that I am complaining of course.  If I can visit two farms in a week then so be it.  I should be thankful that I am that lucky!
Today's farm of choice....a great place for kids, Kayben Farms.  Not only do they have a really fun play park, but they also offer a fantastic cafe, and lots of U-Pick fruits and veggies.  I have my fingers crossed that we will be able to take full advantage of picking our own produce this year.  We may miss the berries due to camping, but hopefully we'll be back in time for the veggies.  The best part is, this farm is only 15 minutes from our house!  Yay!  Check out this fun map of the farm.  Totally inspiring.  If I had a farm...I would draw a map just like this one!

Aidan and Maelle took a spin on the pedal car track.  I felt bad for Bree and Jenna.  There little legs could barely touch the pedals so Brent and I had to push them while they hung on.  That was a work out on a very warm day.

Maelle had a go on the potatoe sack slide.   

A short dodge-the-mosquitoes-hike through a very soggy and muddy forest trail led the way to a small area of friendly  farm friends. A couple of horses, a cow, a few goats, some chickens, ducks, and cute bunnies. 

A great little area where the kids can race ducks and boats down gutters with a pump and a tub of water.  Awesome.  We spent a lot of time here.

And then to end our little adventure at the farm, some home made local sorbet outside on the shaded patio.  Chocolate and strawberry.  This stuff was oh so good.  It would be worth the trip back just for this!

So with six pairs of muddy feet, four kids covered in sorbet, dirt, sand, and a few mosquito bites, and one mama who accidentally landed in a deep mud puddle with one foot while trying to safely help Bree and Jenna across, I can definitely say I would do it all over again.  Farms are messy places my friends.  And we loved every minute.  Until next time.

saskatoon farm

I think I need to buy a farm.  Not a big farm, or one with animals or "livestock", just a quaint little plot of land with a funky barn and loads of fruits and veggies.  How much fun (and hard work) would that be?  I could totally fall into the role of "farmer".  I would love to plant, harvest and maintain my little crop.  I would love to learn how to "can" and preserve my bounty.  More importantly, I would love to teach my little clan of would-be farmers where food comes from and how it's grown.  Sigh.  But for now, I will rely on my little veggie garden in my backyard, cross my fingers it doesn't get destroyed by hail, and dream of expanding that garden as we learn and dream a little more.  And I will just continue to visit our nearby farms and gain that inspiration in hopes that someday....I will have just that.  A little farm.  Oh...and with a little red barn of course, with white trim and a leaky roof.  Don't all barn roofs leak?

On Sunday, we paid a visit to one of our local farms, the Saskatoon Farm, to have a little wander in the nice weather.

We said "hello" to Daisy the pig...

Admired the hundreds of hanging baskets in the greenhouse.  A feast for the eyes I tell ya!

Bree made a new friend while enjoying a cranberry and white chocolate scone.  Ok...maybe she wouldn't call it a "friend".  She may have been a little annoyed as said rooster cleaned up the crumbs from one of my messier kidlets.  His buddy in the meantime was eyeing up Aidan's crumbs.  Fewer, but much bigger!

And then....to round out our lovely day, we had a very lovely surprise.  As Brent and Aidan were prepping dinner, our doorbell rang.  On our doorstep...a family with four kids and a tray of cinnamon buns!  A half hour later, and eight kids in our backyard we made some new friends...Ben and Sandra and their four lovely girls.  They live across the street and around the corner, and they wanted to come over and say hello and introduce themselves.  How awesome is that?!  I love the fact that people can and will still do that.  We now have some great new friends and they live a stones throw away.  Awesome!  I foresee many bbq's this summer!

A wonderful end to a great weekend.  It only rained one day this weekend and was balmy the next.  I'll take it!  Oh....and as for my farm....I am totally in the dreaming stage at the moment and will likely be there for sometime.  Ok, a long time. But you just never know!

baked spinach & artichoke dip

First off, I apologize for back to back recipe posts.  Just when I didn't post enough, I do two.  Wasn't intended but I made this dip the other night and it was one of those oh-my-gosh-I-need-to-share-this kinda thing.  So.....here you go!


















Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip

1 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
4 oz low fat cream cheese
9-11 tbsp low fat milk
olive oil cooking spray
1 medium onion, chopped (I used red)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 10 oz box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 8 oz box frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and chopped (I used canned)
1/4 cup packed fresh dill sprigs
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (I used chili powder)
5 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup reduced fat monteray jack or mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees,  Cook cauliflower according to package directions.  Place cauliflower in bowl of food processor and add cream cheese and 3 tbsp of milk.  Puree until smooth.  Transfer to large bowl.

Coat non-stick skillet with spray and heat on medium.  Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic and cook for a minute.  Transfer mixture to food processor.  Add spinach, artichokes, dill, 1/2 tsp salt and chili powder.  Add 6 tbsp milk and process until mixture is spreadable.  May take a few tries to get everything combined.  Scrape bowl as necessary.  You may need to add a little more milk to thin.  Transfer mixture to bowl with cauliflower puree.  Add scallions and stir until combined.  Check seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Put mixture in a 8-9" baking dish and cover with foil.   Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese and bake 10 minutes more.  Serve with pita chips, crackers, or even breadsticks.

This dip is so yummy and it is a clean version of what you would buy at the store.  This recipe was taken from the June 2011 issue of Clean Eating Magazine.  My new favourite subscription!