Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Waterin' Hole

One thing we can't get enough of living in Woodland is the dozens of swimming areas at the lakes, rivers and reservoirs around town.  On a hot summer day, nothing beats grabbing the raft and a few snacks and heading to the water, where there is never a shortage of playmates!  I love the giggles, splashes, and creative games these kids come up with!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Artsy Smartsy

I know I've said it, but we looove Kazoodles!  We headed downtown to the end-of-summer party, Artsy Smartsy, to create, play, and have some fun!  The girls made cards and played with markers, pencils, and rubber stamps.  The biggest hit by far, however, was sand art!  The pictures they ended up with were amazing!  (The sand art was foolproof: sticker sheets where you pick a design then peel the different sections away, one at a time, adding your desired color as you go!  I've gotta get me some o' those!)  Amarra was so focused on her under the sea picture that a few adults oohed and aahed her level of concentration.  Seleia, the astronomy nut, did two outer space pictures while Elora did her rocket in no time flat, made some cards, and then proceeded to play with every toy in the store while all of the other children caught up.  Thanks, Kazoodles!

Gluten Free Zucchini Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together:

1 stick of melted butter
1 c. organic evaporated cane juice
2 eggs

Mix well.  In another bowl, mix well:

2 c. gluten free flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 t. xanthan gum
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger


Add into wet ingredients, mix well, 1-2 minutes.  Add:

1 1/2 c. grated zucchini (first press into colander to remove all moisture!)
1 t. vanilla

Stir until just mixed and put into well greased and sugared loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 20 minutes.  Remove from pan and cool completely on rack.

**for regular, gluten-friendly version, use whole wheat flour and omit xanthan gum.**

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Yard & Garden

I cannot believe that summer is already drawing to a close.  It began so late and has been filled with such upheaval that the approach of fall almost catches me by surprise.  My garden seems caught by surprise, as well.  As we enjoyed what might have been our last 90 degree day in the pool (yes, apparently hospital gloves are fascinating pool toys), I headed to the garden to find that it....finally...was beginning to produce.  Some tomatoes are turning red and the zucchini begins to abound!  We're enjoying the sun while it lasts, and promising that next year we'll pay the garden, and the pool, the attention they deserve.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Wheeee!!

Do you remember the swings as a child?  The pure joy of soaring through the sky, on top of the world,  invincible??  Maybe these pictures will help.