September 22, 2013

Memorial Day Weekend

This summer we had a blast! We were able to take several weekend trips and one week long vacation. The first weekend trip we took was to Rexburg, Idaho (we made a lot of trips to Rexburg as this is where some of my family currently lives). 

Back at Christmas time one of Andy's Christmas presents was to go flying in a four person airplane. Due to poor visibility his flight was postponed. In May we decided to go up to Idaho for Memorial Day weekend and Andy was finally able to get his airplane ride. I was able to go with him and we had a lot of fun! On Saturday morning the pilot called bright and early to tell us that the conditions were perfect for flying. We rolled out of bed and headed to the airport. We flew over the temple, BYU Idaho, some old buttes and the sand dunes. I think a second plane flight is definitely in our future.
 
Our little plane, it was a Piper.

Our co-pilot, Andy.

Me riding in the back.
 
Flying over the Rexburg Idaho Temple.


We tried to get Russell to go with us but he was too scared. After we landed he decided that he wanted to go for a plane ride. The pilot was kind enough to take him up. When Russell got out of the plane he said "That was awesome! It was boring." He sure says some of the funniest things. He really did enjoy himself though.


Russell getting ready for take off.

Dad and our pilot Craig getting ready to take off with Russell.

 While in Idaho we also visited the local flight museum. We saw all kinds old airplanes including the Mormon Mustang-- that plane is really loud.
 
Andy with the Mormon Mustang.


On Sunday we celebrated my Dad's birthday with some strawberry rhubarb pie. We also went on a hike to Mesa Falls. On our way to the falls we stopped at the local fish hatchery and at a preservation area where we fed the fish. We all love feeding the fish! I can't say that I have ever seen that many fish at one time before.

While on our drive to the falls we drove past some cows and Russell said something pretty funny. He said "Jesus made udders (pause) for the cows (pause) so I can milk them." We thought that was so funny. Later when I talked to Dad he said that Russell had milked a cow at a farm and wanted to know what those pink things on the cows were. Since then he has had a fascination with udders. 

Our hike around the falls was enjoyable. The falls are so big and beautiful. I wish we had more falls in Utah. 
 
We made a quick stop in St. Anthony for fuel. Next to the gas station was this old tank.


On Monday morning we drove up to Henry's Lake and went fishing on the boat. We caught four fish and were able to keep three. Our family friend Eric caught his first fish, it was a proud moment for him. 
Eric with his first fish.
 
Russell with bat for hitting the fish.


While we were on the boat Russell decided that he needed to use the bathroom. Dad told him that he could pee in the bucket or pee off the side of the boat. Russell didn't like either of those options but consented to peeing in the bucket. When he was done peeing in the bucket he said "The fish are going to eat my pee." Russell was convinced that we would catch a fish because the fish were going to eat his pee. The bucket was dumped into the water and Russell's dream came true, we caught a fish. Later he had to go again and decided to pee off the boat. He was excited because once again the fish were going to eat his pee. A few minutes after relieving himself we caught another fish. It seemed that every time Russell went to the bathroom we caught a fish, I guess that boy is good luck.      

I decided to ask Russell about cows while we were on the boat and this is what he had to say. Enjoy!

 
 

September 11, 2013

The Purple Sea Monster

Tonight I decided to create a new smoothie with an ingredient that I have never used before, spirulina. Initially I purchased the spirulina thinking it would be a nice addition to my smoothies because of all of its health benefits. While it may be a superfood with all sorts of health benefits I am not a huge fan of the way spirulina tastes (I do not like the taste of omega fatty acids and I can taste them in the spirulina).

I made the smoothie below and Andy and I both tasted it. I could immediately taste the omega fatty acids from the spirulina and that ruined the smoothie for me. Andy on the other hand, absolutely loved the smoothie and drank both mine and his. He thinks it tastes like a grape popsicle.




We have decided to call the smoothie the Purple Sea Monster because it is a deep purple in color and the spirulina comes from lake algae.


Ingredients:
1 1/4 C. apple juice
1 1/2 tsp spirulina
1 1/2 frozen banana
1 C. frozen blueberries
3 ice cubes

Instructions: Put all the ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth.

Let me know what you think of this smoothie. Would you make any changes to it? Is it worth adding to my ever growing book of recipes?

September 10, 2013

The Seed Has Been Planted

I have been contemplating the idea of starting a blog for quite some time. Up until recently, I had really mixed feelings about blogging. I have decided that I would like to give blogging a try and hope that you, my readers, might be inspired. And so begins the journey.