Day Two Hundred Thirty-Three: Cheese Making

Jeff and I took a cheese making class at Dallas Mozzarella Company this afternoon. We had a good time making several different kinds of cheeses including ricotta, mozzarella, Oaxaca, and a mozzarella roll stuffed with olives, all of which we got to bring home.

Cute cheese makers

Day Two Hundred Thirty-Two: Wind in the Willows Picnic

Yesterday while we were picnicking during our hike, everyone started talking about what the best picnic was they had been on and what would be the greatest picnic of all time. Ruth mentioned that her dream picnic would be a Wind in the Willows picnic (which is to say a very elaborate, fancy, excessive picnic), and the boys readily agreed.

Parents aren't always able to give their children everything they want, nor should they, in my opinion. But when it is within your power to fulfill a simple dream and create memories that will last a lifetime, you do it when you can. So, with the Wind in the Willows picnic as a our starting point, everyone contributed ideas to create the most epic picnic ever. We heard things like, "We need to find a big shade tree to spread our red-checkered blanket under," "We have to have a layer cake," "We need to use nice dishes," and "We have to pack everything in a real basket," in addition to a multitude of food and drink requests. We certainly modified the contents of the picnic (because, cold tongue?!?!), but the spirit was right on, and we felt Mole and Ratty would have approved.

The original Wind in the Willows picnic

Our version of the Wind in the Willows picnic

Day Two Hundred Thirty-One: Urban Hike and Cidercade

We wanted to enjoy this beautiful day with a hike, but we wanted to try a trail we had never done before. Our research revealed the Katy Trail in downtown Dallas, which we were eager to try since we had never really done a true urban hike. It was such a lovely day and a wonderful trail, and we took our sweet time getting from one end of the three-mile trail to the other and then back again, stopping for a picnic and some play time along the way.

Fun along the Katy Trail

After our hike, we headed over to the Bishop Cider Co. which is better known as Cidercade. Talk about a unique venue! This brewery only serves cider, but they have about 30 choices. They also have more than 100 vintage arcade games. For the price of the $10 cover charge, you have unlimited access to all the games. We had a blast sipping cider (and non-alcoholic drinks for the kids) and playing all the games, some of which Jeff and I haven't played since we were kids.

Bishop Cider Co. (Cidercade)

Day Two Hundred Thirty: Meals on Wheels Rider

I had the opportunity to have a Meals on Wheels volunteer trainee ride along with me on my route this morning, which was a fun change of pace. It was nice to get to "show someone the ropes" and to have someone to visit with between stops.

Day Two Hundred Twenty-Nine: On Guard Beadlets

I love doTerra's On Guard blend and have used almost every product they make with it. However, I had never tried the beadlets, so I was excited when one of my Essentials families gifted me some today.

Day Two Hundred Twenty-Eight: Essay Submission

A blog I follow called the Art of Simple is currently allowing readers to submit essays for potential publication, so I decided to send one in. That First led to another, which was creating a profile on Gravatar. Whether the essay gets published or not, I'm excited to have the opportunity and proud of myself for putting something out there.

Day Two Hundred Twenty-Seven: Pumpkin Breakfast Custard

I haven't been on Pinterest in ages, but I was trying to help Max look for ideas for a fort he wants to build, and while I was there, I decided to just take a look at things I've pinned in the past. I came across this recipe for pumpkin breakfast custard, and it just sounded so good, I decided to make it on the spot. I know it's not really pumpkin season, but I do what I want! It is completely unsweetened and is Paleo/Whole 30 friendly, and I think it's wonderful!

Pumpkin Breakfast Custard