Yummy Nummers

Before Grandma and Grandma could leave, the boys had to have more baking time with Grandma, this time a Grandma special, Yummy Nummers! (Single serving apple pies) They got to make these for the first time last year and they were such a hit that Grandma did them again with all the kids when we visited at Thanksgiving.


Roll the dough


Cut circles and "paint" the edges with egg (or enjoy getting your hand all slimy and just slap it on the whole round.


Filling


Top it and press the edges.


More egg and then don't forget the cinnamon and sugar on top!


Poke (stab) the top for a vent and you're ready to bake.


Here's a few of Carson's turn






And Avery's turn




Oooh, can't wait!


Golden brown goodness.


YUM!

Shellburg Falls

Our next outdoor adventure with Grandpa and Grandma Benjamin was to take them on the short hike to Shellburg Falls.
When we got to the trailhead, this lovely, an American Finch I think, was pecking away at some seeds someone had put out.


And with all the van doors open as we got ready to head out, this guy snuck in.


Finally, we got on our way. Here, you need a leaf hat.




Emmett has a rock to hold his leaf hat in place.


Now what did Emmett find? (and yes, he's wearing a Spiderman glove)


After a little research it looks like this is a Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea principis) and thankfully the boys didn't get bit, considering it looks like that's not uncommon!



We had to prod and prod to get Emmett to leave the little guy alone. Finally he put him down on the concrete edge of the bridge over the lower Shellburg Falls. Sadly, we didn't get them to leave it alone soon enough and in the last moments he was holding him, the lizard got injured.


Playing on the bench near the lower falls.




Crazy driver!


The easy way through?


Shellburg Falls from the lower view




In the cavern underneath


And around the other side




Getting wet


Ugh, more creepy crawlies, slimy ones this time. Ugly slug.


And now a snail.




It was a fun hike! A little while after we got home my Dad came to me and asked what I wanted to do with the dead lizard on the bathroom counter. WHAT?! Oh dear, apparently Emmett picked up the damaged lizard on the way back out and pocketed him. When it comes to critters, that boy is still a little too like Lennie Small (Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck). He just doesn't know his own strength and proper handling.

Baking With Grandma Benjamin

Grandpa and Grandma Benjamin came to visit this month! The boys getting to bake with Grandma Benjamin is a big deal, so the first project of the trip was Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. YUM! This definitely isn't a make-with-Grandma-only kind of recipe as it's my favorite bread, it's pretty much cake it's so moist and sweet. Emmett didn't help because he was still asleep, but they had to get the bread going if we were going to get it out of the oven before the day's adventure (more rafting!)

First time they get to crack eggs ever!


He's so impressed.


So is Avery.


Oil


Baking soda


Vanilla


Flour


Zucchini! First time using the peeler too.


And first time shredding something too.




Time to beat!


Very tragically, there are no pictures of the bread. I've failed as a food blogger! I guess we were just too excited to eat it and then ate it too fast.