2013 Cherry blossoms sunset

 Because the day I chose to take sunrise pictures the blooms were not out yet I decided to go another day and this time take sunset pictures, (waking up at 4 am was not happening twice in one week).  However, the blossoms being in peak and the weather beautiful it made for a crazy environment at the Tidal Basin.  I would have to wait 5-10 minutes for people to move to get a shot.  Even after the sun went down there were swarms of people still.  I did manage to get some pictures I liked though so here are my favorite sunset pictures.  

What do you think?  Sunrise or Sunset?  Any favorites?

2013 Cherry Blossoms Sunrise

My favorite sunrise pictures of the cherry blossoms.  Yes, I did wake up at 4:00 am to get into DC by sunrise and no, the cherry blossoms were not at peak bloom yet but I still think I managed to get a few good pictures.  Either way I did enjoy getting out and enjoying nature, even with the crazy crowds of DC.  Thanks to my wonderful husband who kept the kids so I could go so early.  

What do you think??  Any favorites?

Bread

I LOVE BREAD!  Though I really should not admit that but I really do.  I am also very picky about my bread and not having Grandma Sycamore's bread here in Virginia I have cut back on my bread intake.  We do have a wonderful grocery store with a bakery that does make homemade bread that I really enjoy but it gets expensive at times and it is a white bread which I am trying to eat more half wheat/half white bread.  I have a yummy no knead bread recipe that I really like but I have to plan ahead which I am not always good about.  I will post pictures of that bread another time.  Today I am sharing bread that I learned to make from a wonderful neighbor of mine in Utah.  I grew up in 4-H and making bread for the county fairs with my mom but it was a frustrating process for both her and I.  I was not exactly the most patient baker when younger, but now I see the value more and have learned more about baking bread.  It is very satisfying pulling out a yummy loaf of bread out of the oven, yet it is also very disappointing after putting so much work and time into bread to have it come out of the oven hard, fallen or just tasting like yeast.  My neighbor has an amazing blog with several yummy recipes including this bread recipe.  Since she already has the recipe, process and pictures of it all I will just link you up to her blog.   ENJOY!  Meanwhile, I am going to enjoy another piece of bread!

Momzoo baking bread

Playing with the cousins

We arrived home from our Spring Break vacation and my brother was just starting his families vacation in Williamsburg, VA less than 3 hours from our house, so we unpacked then packed again to visit them for two days.  In Williamsburg of course is Busch Gardens so we found ourselves riding more roller coasters and rides which was fun for us. 

We always have fun playing with our cousins!!

Waffles

Almost every morning my children ask me to make waffles.  My stepsister shared her family recipe with me and it makes light, fluffy, yummy waffles.  

 

Mix 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup coconut oil or canola oil (but I prefer coconut it makes them a little sweeter), 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, and 4 egg yolks.

Then beat the 4 egg whites until they have soft peaks.

Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.  It should be bubbly, which is what makes the waffles so light and fluffy. 

Then I bake them in this Waring Pro waffle maker that flips the waffle as you cook it.   

Some days the kids will eat two full waffles.  I love that they eat a good breakfast. 

Easter

Coming back from vacation the day before Easter made it a bit challenging to do our usual Easter activities.  However, we did manage to boil some eggs and had bought some Star Wars and Tinkerbell stickers to decorate them. 

The Easter bunny did manage to find us leaving the kids some Church clothes, Legos, a movie and of course candy. 

Luckily, we have amazing neighbors to enjoy a yummy Easter dinner with and a fun Easter egg hunt.