Amazing Race–Hike #2

Last weekend the Nature Chicks completed the second hike of the United General Amazing Race!  The hike was at Sugarloaf Mountain in Anacortes and it was beautiful. 

At first we were unsure of whether or not we would be able to go out and hike because of a thunderstorm that rolled in only a couple hours before we were scheduled to head out.  But thankfully the rains past just in time affording us perfect hiking weather. 

There is just something about walking through the woods, listening to the scattered rain drops on the trees above that is absolutely relaxing and wonderful.  I realize, being in late June, we expect to have the summer sun and warm temperatures but I do prefer the coolness of the Pacific Northwest…. makes for a more comfortable hike as well.

 

Our hike began around Mt. Erie although we were actually going up to Sugarloaf. 

 

 

A couple pictures from the hike…

 

 

 

 

At the top of the trail we got to experience a breath-taking view of the San Juan Islands.  Pictures don’t even do it justice because the view was absolutely amazing…

 

 

 

It’s true, we live in an area with 7 + months of rain, very little sun and temperatures barely surpassing 85 at the hottest, but when you look at the beautiful nature around us it makes the mild weather all worth it. 

 

Stay tuned for Hike #3 coming up!

Best Diaper Rash Cream Ever…

….And it’s not a name brand you buy at the store!!! 

I have been dealing with a constant diaper rash on Katie Jo for a few weeks now and I feel like I’ve tried just about everything.  Creams, ointments, air drying… none of it has gotten rid of that nasty rash! 

I was getting a bit frustrated because the rash would start to get better but then get completely bad again.  So I went on Pinterest.  Yes, Pinterest!  

I found a blog from a mom who has walked in my shoes when it came to diaper rash and she found a trick that worked wonders.  It’s so simple but it is working amazingly!!

Are you ready?  Mix one part Vaseline to one part corn starch.  It’s completely messy to make but mix it until it becomes a paste consistency. 

There you go!  I told you it was super easy and guess what?  It’s working!!!  Less than 24 hours and the rash is tons better.  I don’t think I’m ever going to buy diaper rash cream ever again!

Kid Necessities

Have you ever stopped to think about the things in your home you just can’t live without?   It may seem like an odd question but it dawned on me just how many things, aside from the standard: food, water, clothing, shelter; end up as basic necessities. 

Here’s the list of my household staples:

Peanut butter and jelly – I started making my kids different lunches for a while and after a week they were in tears, begging me to fix them PB&J. 

Camera – Have to capture each moment. 

Wet Wipes – In the house, in the car, in the diaper bag…. you need them for everything!!!

Bath toys – Can you really have a bath without toys?

Crayons – It’s the preferred method of coloring plus, an Altoid tin of crayons in the diaper bag ensures that I can easily have the kids entertained no matter where I go.

Cheerios – Did the Cheerio company really understand how important they would end up being to nearly every infant in America?

Facebook – A window to the outside, social world

 

These are just a few of my basic necessities.  What are some of yours to add to the list?  I’m curious to hear…

Amazing Race 2012

I’m a part of the Amazing Race!!!!!   Ok, so not exactly the Amazing Race you’re probably thinking of.  Our local hospital is conducting an Amazing Race to promote exercise during the summer.  Here’s how it works….

 

Six hikes are planned out during a 12 week period.  Each team has two weeks to complete each hike.  But it’s not just about the hikes!  Each hike actually has a clue which will help solve a riddle at the completion of all the hikes.  The first team to submit the riddle will receive a $200 gift card to REI!! 

Our first hike was at…

 

This was supposed to be an easy/moderate difficulty but, our team decided to go up an UP ONLY trail because it appeared to be quicker.  Come to find out, the UP ONLY really meant what it said and our “easy” hike turned difficult and extremely steep very quickly.  But we made it to the top and found our first clue…

 

 

The way back down afforded some time to snap some photos….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once back at the truck, we decided to drive all the way to the top to the lookout.  We definitely live in a beautiful area…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus, we encountered a furious squirrel…

 

 

Next hike coming soon!!!  GO NATURE CHICKS!!!!!!!

One Year Old Already!!

One year ago this amazing little girl joined our family.  I can not even begin to describe the blessing Katie Jo has been and all the smiles she has given us.  She is truly a joy!

 

Katie Jo’s party was definitely a fun event celebrating such an  important milestone with close family. 

 

Katie Jo had fun opening her presents.  Although she got sidetracked with a little toy on this stroller and wasn’t too interested in any of her other gifts.  Not to worry, Adam and Emma took over right away with opening the rest of the presents.

 

 

And what would a first birthday party be without the cake!  She loved it so much she would sit in her highchair and yell until someone gave her another piece.  This is definitely a girl who knows how to get what she wants.

 

 

I am so excited to see what big things are store for this little girl in the years to come.  

 

I love you sweet Katie Jo!!!!

Orangeburst Cookies!!

Tonight I decided to bake up a batch of yummy orange burst cookies.  I absolutely love these cookies so I thought I would share the recipe so you can enjoy some delectable cookies too!

Orangeburst Cookies

2 1/2 C flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 sticks butter

1/2 C sugar

1/2 C brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 TB orange zest

1 C white chocolate chips

 

First cream the butter and sugars together.  Then add the egg and vanilla.  After that stir in the flour, baking soda and salt.  Last, get our your zester and zest a large orange (remember to only get the top layer because the whitish part is bitter) and put in the chocolate chips.

 

 

Of course, after you have it all mixed together you need to clean off the spoon…

 

Set your oven to 375 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes

 

 

Unfortunately for my waistline, it’s impossible to eat just one!