Maple Syruping.

The Everard Boys concluded another year of maple syrup making.

Per usual, I'm glad that I didn't have to lift a finger and yet still get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

I take that back.  I went with Zac once this year to check the taps / gather sap.  Proof; it's documented below.

In all honestly, I mostly just pulled Ellis in the sled & took a few pictures.  But hey!  Family time, right? :) 

Maple syrup gathering looked a little different this year than it did last year...

The boys tapped different trees.

There was much more snow on the ground.

It was very cold.

Oh, and I had a baby!

(That photo on the left... Ellis was born 4 short hours after it was taken)

You know what's great about Maple Syrup Season?  It's smack dab in the drab of winter.

That in-between "blah" season when you're so ready for winter to be done & for spring to arrive.

The day the boys boil sap brings that feeling that spring is jusssst around the corner for me.  I usually start some spring cleaning and get the house decorated for Easter, while the boys freeze their bums off all day boiling the sap. 

Side note: what's funnier than a baby in snow pants and boots that are two sizes too big, trying to walk in the snow?  Pretty.much.nothing.

I mean really though, if only we could all be as cool as Ellis...

Peace out Sugar Maples, see ya next year.

Now who's hungry for pancakes!?

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How To Eat Cake

How to Eat Cake

a photo story, by Ellis.

 

Literal proof that you can have your cake, and eat it too.

Create: Pot of Gold Rainbow // Tips for Painting with Baby

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We're celebrating today with a fun craft -- what's cuter than a rainbow of baby feet leading to a pot of gold?

A few lessons I've learned when painting with baby: 
- It's much easier to get footprints than it is handprints.
- Use Crayola washable kids paint.  It's a breeze to clean up.
- Apply with foam paint brushes.  They're cheap & get the job done.
- It's much easier at two people, but can be done by yourself.  Just find a way to contain baby (high chair works great) and give him something for both his hands. Snacks work great as well.
- Get them naked.  And for you, wear clothes that you don't mind getting stained.
- Have everything ready before you start: wet rags, dry rags, paint out, water ready, paper secured to a hard surface - a clip board works great!
- Bring the paper to the baby, don't try to stretch his leg/foot to meet the paper.
- Be quick.  Make lots of funny noises.  Give lots of kisses.  Show them what they've made. Clap your hands after each footprint.  It will keep them interested, excited, and entertained.
- Have fun with it!  Be okay with imperfection & leave your expectations at the door.  You might have to try a few times to get it right.

Ellis loves to create!

His masterpiece, hung proudly on the fridge.   

What are you doing to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your kiddos today?

Make: Creamy Broccoli Soup

I shared on my Instagram stories the other day about finally nailing down the perfect batch of creamy broccoli soup, and I had a few direct messages for the recipe so I thought I would share.

I loved that this came together in under an hour (it doesn't have to simmer forever), but it was even better the next day as leftovers (it thickened up to the perfect consistency overnight).  Both Zac & I liked how creamy it was without being too rich & heavy.  It makes a great meatless meal during Lent.  And bonus, Ellis loved it!

I based my soup on this recipe from Genius Kitchen, except I used a mixture of 1/2 whole wheat flour & 1/2 white flour, added about a teaspoon of 2 of minced garlic, used 1 c. of whole milk instead of 1/2 & 1/2, and I doubled the pepper (cuz we like pepper!)  I also used a mixture of fresh & frozen broccoli florets.

I'd love it if you shared with me some of your favorite meatless meals (besides fish... yuck)!  A few that we've been enjoying lately are:
- Spicy Garlic Pasta & Shrimp with Roasted Cauliflower
- Grilled cheese & roasted tomato soup
- Homemade mac n' cheese
- Pancakes
- Belgian waffles with strawberries and whip cream
- Peanut butter & homemade strawberry jam on toasted english muffins (my favorite easy breakfast right now!)


Happy Thursday & happy half way through this Lenten season!
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Cave Point, Door County -- in the Winter Time

For our date night a few weeks ago, Zac & I made a quick pit stop at Cave Point.  The last time we visited, it looked much different (click here to view the post), as it was summer time.

This time, we arrived just before the sun set, on our way up to a candlelight hike through Newport State Park (highly recommended)!

It was a cool evening; high of 18 degrees, but there was very little wind so it didn't feel bitter cold.

Zac talked me into wandering out on the frozen ice (he promised it was safe!), and I was glad he did.  Here's what we saw:

 

 

 

Cave Point is beautiful year round, but winter might be my most favorite time to visit!