Kolache Challenge

The goal this summer is to master the art of kolaches.  Since I really don't have an expert to learn from, I'm going to see if the girls and I can find the perfect recipe through trial and error.  My hope is to find a keeper recipe and the proper technique to pass down for generations to come. 

For our first trial run, we tried two different kolache recipes and varied the kolache size a bit to find the right dough-to-filling ratio.  We made large ones, and we made small ones.  We also experimented with the bake time a bit.  The first batch was an absolute fail (the poppy seed and cherry), but we seemed to get a little closer with the second batch (strawberry and cherry).  The kolaches were just about the right size, although I would like to see them a tad bit bigger for them to have my envisioned formation (It's in my head!  I have the vision!  Must. Create. Perfect. Kolache).  I know exactly what we will do next time!

All while making these wonderful puffs of pastry, I kept thinking about different fillings and how to make them even more delicious.  I would like to try some sort of cream cheese/cinnamon sugar filling to give it a cinnamon roll taste, and the girls are dying to try ones with lemon filling.  Sophie had the idea of doing a half-and-half kolache with equal parts lemon and strawberry filling.  Kolache Baking Championship, here we come!

Baby Vamp

Baby Vamp 

I've been meaning to get a picture of Baby Vamp for the longest time, and today I realized that her big teeth were coming in fast, so I needed to get the pic ASAP!

In a world gone crazy, these are some of life's simple pleasures that I look forward to every day...

• Tennis shoes -- I can't get anything done around the house until I put on my shoes.  They make me fast.  ;)
• Cozy pants on cold days and yoga pants on nice days
• Cuddle duds on cold days and tank tops on nice days
• Messy bun to keep my long locks out of my face

Sweet Tea

Class of 2026

As the days count down until these kiddos are in 4th grade, I can't help but be saddened by the fact that, just as my own, they are growing up.  I spent weeks getting to know you, and it took me minutes to love you, and now you are on to bigger and brighter things.  The end of the school year gets to me every year; it never gets easier to say goodbye to "my kids."  Here's to you, class of 2026!  Thank you for a wonderful year!  :)

Pioneer Day 2017

Ella's 4th Grade Pioneer Day

Moo-Moo, Youth Medium, and See-Through 

A few prairie dress disasters, but it all worked out!  :)

 Selfies

"There are no selfie sticks on the prairie, Dad."  -Ella

Here they come!

Egg Toss

Chick City

Brock's 6th Grade Choir Program

Brock's 12th Birthday Amongst Millions of Other Things

A few basketball tournament pics to wrap up the season:

Brock sat so patiently for each timeout or end-of-quarter whistle so that he could shoot hoops.

Happy Birthday, Brock!  A doughnut cake stacked high with fried croissants (his favorite):

Scavenger Hunt Present from Grammie and Papa:

The kids' birthday gift to me:

Kids Baking Championship 

Ella and Alexa VS Sophie and Kynleigh

Ella and Alexa's Cake

Sophie and Kynleigh's Cake

Easter

Brock's Easter gift to the girls was an egg hunt with various prizes (all of which he donated).

He first had to lock the girls in the bathroom so they wouldn't peek.  When it was time, they had to exit the bathroom at exactly the same time.  Not sure why Sophie was wearing her winter coat.  ???

Goatie Girls

We have been letting the Goatie Girls free range daily.  They take shifts with the dogs and have really enjoyed the opportunity to eat various things that they don't find in their stable.  

Dad with the Chainsaw

They are so fun in that whenever you run, they will chase you.  They will also come whenever you call them and follow you around.

Eggs with a Purpose

This year, we only dyed enough eggs to make potato salad and deviled eggs with.  In years past, the eggs would end up being eaten by the dogs which led to some really smelly situations.

Brock's Eggs

Ella's Eggs

Sophie's Eggs

Bargman Easter

They were all about the PRIZE eggs!

Beautifully Painted Sky

Chopped Junior -- With a little bit of sass!

They made this one all on their own (with the exception of a little help draining the noodles).

"What we have for you today is thin spaghetti topped with a hearty, cheesy meat sauce.  We also have crusty garlic bread, buttery corn, and a very berry parfait."