Fun Run

From 2009-08-30



We participated in a Fun Run service project put on by a Young Women group from a ward in our stake. Lincoln was geared up to run 3 miles, but I was pushing Reagan and McKinley and had Jefferson on his hotwheels bike so we just did the 1 mile race. He and Truman ran the whole way and had a great time. Jefferson was very enthusiastic and was sure we were the winners (I think we were last - or close to it!). All the kids enjoyed the complementary treats after and I won a gift certificate for a free Great Harvest Bread loaf in the raffle.



They had games for the kids when the running was done and a bake sale as well. Exercise and treats - what a great combo!
















First Grade!






Lincoln's first day of first grade was last Monday. He was thrilled to take lunch to school. He had picked out a new green lunch box that had its own green tupperware box in a bottom compartment. His first day he took broccoli with ranch, PB and honey, tortilla chips, an apple and one of Brian's famous cookies. When he came home he had eaten 1/3 of the cookie, a bite of the sandwich, half the chips, all the broccoli and his apple on the way home. Now we send fruit, maybe half a sandwich, and broccoli. That kid LOVES broccoli.








Lincoln with his new best bud Justin

Drama x 10!

Okay, look. This video isn't funny. Its actually pretty dramatic on several levels and we hope we don't drive you away with it.

However, it is quite the memory. Welcome to just few fun minutes at our house.

Lincoln lived through the experience and is doing just fine now.



Some River Rafting Photos

Well that only took a few months...

Sorry for the long, long delay.

Here are one set of pictures from our summer adventure. There are several more we have and soon we will post the rest of them.





Some Pictures











Truman and Lincoln

These two get along pretty well when they're not fighting.

Stranded at the Drive-In

Here we are at the drive in just hanging out waiting for Ice Age 3 to start. The movie was so-so but we had a good time. The weather was fantastic.





The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie You Ever Had


Okay, so I know its hard to go wrong on a Chocolate Chip Cookie (CCC), but I thought I would inform you as to the best one ever made. Brian got this magazine from American's Test Kitchen where they test recipes over and over and and have professional tasters decide what is the best.

The cookie recipe they came up with was "perfected" after 48 batches and adjusted every which way. We took them up on their title and sought to compare to our favorites. In the end, we have to agree with the magazine. These cookies are the best CCC I have ever had. Judge for yourself.





"



1 3/4 Cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

14 tablespoons unsalted butter (important that it isn't salted)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon table salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 1/4 cups sesisweet chocolate chips or chunks

3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)



1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

3. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and, using heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 table spoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.

4. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips, giving dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.

5. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons. Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cook cookies completely before serving.


"


Seriously, AMAZING!

Different than any CCC I can remember having but really, really, really good.

Tell us what you think.

McKinley

Its been a while since we have posted much so sorry about that. :)

Here are some pictures of McKinley and her brother's and sisters. She is our most photogenic for sure!