Boats & Bites

With a working teenager in the house and a hubby on third shift, family outings can be a bit of a scheduling headache.  We end up making the most of moments that we find in each week, between the comings and goings.

But at some point this weekend, once realizing the beautiful weather forecast for Sunday, we decided to make an impromptu trip to Kentucky Lake.  It's one of Noah's only for sure days off, as the restaurant is closed.  And while Tim normally goes in on Sunday night, he was able to shift some things around.  It was a good thing since we didn't roll in last night until almost 10 pm!

Oh, what a beautiful day it was!

I'm always at peace on the water but Kentucky Lake is one of my favorite destinations.  It's about as close to a beachy/ocean feel as this bluegrass girl can get to without a full day's drive.

We spent Saturday getting everything prepped so that we could head out quickly Sunday morning.  Of course, we didn't get out the door quite as early as we'd like, due to our not-a-morning person teen we love.  Since he was our driver, we needed to ensure he was fully awake!

It was his first time pulling the boat such a distance and he did amazing.  Although we made a little game of counting the road kill along our trip, I was silently praying all wildlife stay clear of the interstate.  But enough about all that....let's get back to the lake.

My hubby would say would there are no bad days on the boat but I'm a little high maintenance.  (Don't tell him I just admitted that!)  I want sunshine...but not too much, so I don't sweat.  I want clear-ish water and snake-free zones, so I don't hyperventilate.  Beautiful views are a bonus.  And a nice cool breeze doesn't hurt.

I'm happy to report we achieved all of these yesterday.  The water was sparkling, as the sun stretched its way across the lake.  Just as we'd begin to get a little heated, God would send us a cooling draft of air.  My views weren't obstructed, so I could scan for slithery things and take in the sailboats.  We floated and fished, being rocked by waves.  Our Sunday even included having "church" on the boat, as ours offers a podcast so we listened from our phone.

The only problem was the fish weren't really biting.  Despite the terrific fishing forecast, they more nibbled than bit.  Tim won our regular bet of "who catches one first" with the first and only good catch of the day.  I had the best fight but it was a trash and toss fish.  And poor Noah had zero luck.  Of course, it didn't help that part of his time was spent snoozing and the other on his phone!


More than anything, we just shared a wonderful day together.  Lots of laughs.  Great moods. Good tunes. Yummy food.  In fact, our food was the best "bite" of the day!


We picnicked under the bridge for shade.  Well, really we grazed all day.  I've become pretty good at packing a boater's lunch with a few year's practice now.  What I've learned is that nobody wants a big heavy meal all at once.  Instead, I pack cheese and crackers, fruits and veggies, and meats to snack on throughout our day.  Even with that simple selection, Noah invented a new culinary masterpiece - cheese Pringle, square of cheddar and pepperoni.  That boy...

By late afternoon, once my hubby realized the fish just weren't going to participate, we opted to hop over to Patti's for dinner.  Noah didn't remember the restaurant at first, as it is a splurge and one we don't get to do often.  After perusing the menu online, he knew what he wanted and was eager to get the boat on dry land and food in his belly.

After the sampler platter, two flower pots of bread and strawberry butter, salads, so much dinner we all needed doggy bags and a massive ice cream dessert, I remembered why we don't eat out often.  All kidding aside, it was fun watching him enjoy every morsel.  And he was so appreciative he offered to help pay!  We told him to save his money for the fudge and gift shop.

      

We arrived home a little burnt and a lot tired but so thankful for the blessing of a family day.  God is good.  All the time.  But maybe even more so on a sunny, family-filled day at the lake!

Egg in a Bag

We have a favorite meal whenever we camp.  Noah actually taught it to us, after learning the recipe at a 4H camp.  I think that's one of the reasons we enjoy it.  The meal is so interactive, from start to finish, and is perfect for camping. 

Before we left for our trip, I spent an afternoon prepping our meals.  This made whatever meal we were having so much simpler, allowing me to truly relax and be on vacation.  For our "Egg in a Bag" breakfast, I chopped and bagged all the omelet choices, knowing we'd have additional leftovers from other meals. 

The morning we had this, all I needed to do was heat up a pot of water and lay out the assembly line.

Each camper then brought their Ziploc bag (slider type, sprayed with Pam), inserted into a solo cup, just to keep the cracked the eggs from slipping across the table. 

We dropped two eggs in each bag and then the fun begins.....squish, squash, squish!

Once mixed, everyone gets to add their favorite ingredients to the bag......ham, cheese, onion, green pepper, mushroom, the options are endless.  And because each bag is as individual as the owner, everyone is happy.

Another squish or two and then we're ready for the pot. 

The water needs to be boiling before dropping in. 

(Be careful not to let the edges touch the sides of the pan or burner or you'll have a gooey mess.)  Cooking time will vary based on how full you packed your bag - around 3-5 minutes.  You'll know it's done by checking for any liquid goo.

When ready, just open bag and roll out onto a plate. 

Because of the cooking process, it's not a meal that everyone can sit down to eat at once.  But, because others are busy mixing, adding, squishing or boiling,

everyone has something to do. 

And all that's left to do in the end is enJOY!

Whether camping in your backyard or a woodland retreat, try Egg in Bag with your family.  I hope it fills your belly and creates fond memories for years to come!

Culdesac Camping

We popped out our camper yesterday trying to prepare for our upcoming journeys this spring.  As I shared in an earlier post, this camper is "new to us" and we have many trips dreamed up to enjoy.  Our first will be an excursion to Kentucky Lake.  It will truly be a first for us to visit one of our favorite vacation spots - without the boat.  I'm hoping the water doesn't call to us too much and we stay busy as happy campers!

Yesterday we practiced bedding and I quickly remembered how difficult it is to make a bed that you can't get all the way around.  For a momma with an old broken knee, this wasn't an easy task.  Thankfully I have a sweet hubby and son who helped out.  As a team, we got the camper aired out for our mock trial.

Even though it was a Sunday, we decided we needed a practice night before we were miles away without the comforts of home literally in our backyard.  (We'd hoped to practice throughout the weekend but the weather was uncooperative)  Noah was thrilled and joked how funny it'd be if we overslept to see the bus coming around the curb.

Supper kept with the camping theme, as we grilled out turkey burgers.  Instead of getting lost in a tv program afterwards, we donned PJs and headed for our second home.  For the next couple of hours, we played cards, giggled, and excitedly discussed ideas for the camping season.  Perhaps the sweetest moments of  our adventure was when Noah read his nightly devotion to all of us.  It was touching to share this and see him growing in his faith.  And I was thankful for the dim lighting in the camper, as admittedly I shed a few tears.

Goodnight hugs and kisses later, we were tucked into our new beds and ready for the night.  I managed to stay awake long enough to take in the twinkling sky and hear my little guy softly snoring.  And although I did get a few good hours in, the unpadded bed soon had me tossing and turning.  It didn't help that the neighbors dogs were serenading us with howls and a stray cat joined in the chorus.  That mixed with the headlights from the ridiculous amount of night traffic our little cul-de-sac gets, plus the glaring glow from the street light, created a somewhat sleepless night for Tim and me.  Noah, on the other hand, never slept better!

Some lessons learned.  Egg crates are a necessary addition to our packing list.  Our neighborhood, though it includes the word "meadows" does not a good camping spot make.  And finally, if last night's family time is any indication of our upcoming camping season - I'm already filled with JOY and anticipation!

Mii Monday

Leftovers were inevitable last night.  After my SOUPer bowl Sunday crockpot fest, we all knew what we'd be eating again for dinner.  Thankfully, Mom "invited" her crew over to share in the bounty.  The extra players also worked out perfectly for Noah's plans, a Wii tournament.

A few nights ago he asked if we could not watch TV (how many teenagers say that?) and instead play the Wii as a family.  Of course, he asked this at 9:45 pm so I suggested we make it a Mii Monday.  For any of you who've never played the Wii, you create little characters, reminiscent of electronic weebles, to represent yourself.  These characters are known as Miis (pronounced "me") and you see them on the screen playing whatever game you choose.

After corralling all phones and other electronic devices to the coffee table so we could focus on family, we opted for the sports game.  Surprisingly Mom was ready to go and challenged Noah to bowling.  Aside from nearly doing a head flip after stepping on her pant leg, she did very well.  For her first time  playing, he only beat her by 5 points.  This was a shocker to the gamer he is! 

At first I made the rule that the winner picked the next player and the player picked the game.  After three challenges by all different competitors, Noah was still standing.  I then added the rule that you couldn't play more than three rounds in a row.  He didn't like that rule but finally relinquished his remote.

We laughed and played, broke a sweat or two, giggled some more, and had a wonderful family evening.  Mom and crew left and Tim jumped in to play.  He and Noah competed in baseball, nearly knocking down the ceiling fan in the process. 



Tim's Mii



Tim's "me"



Side note:  Tim's Mii cracks me up every time because it looks just like him.  I found a similar version online to show you.....

They then moved to golf, which in my opinion even on a Wii is B-o-r-i-n-g!  I finally pulled Tim away, only because I had a steaming bowl of soup to bribe him with.  This left Noah and Tina to wrap up the night, taking in a few more games. 

Other than using the tv to play the game, it wasn't used for anything else.  By the time we finished jumping, swooshing, ducking, whacking and laughing, we were happily wore out and ready for bed.  It was a great alternative to vegging out in front of the tv and I think something we need to incorporate at least once a week.  Maybe I'll show you our other Miis someday!

Fall Fest-palooza

What a crazy, busy, season-filled week!  In addition to the typical chaos of a work week, we've tossed in the start of basketball season, a couple of practices, and not one but TWO fall festivals.  Bookend that with another Fall Fest tomorrow, a family Halloween party on Sunday, and of course, the holiday on Monday, and you can see why my blogging has suffered! 

It's everything I love about this time of year, crammed into one week.  While it's been hectic, I've enjoyed it and I'm looking forward for what's to come.  One of my favorites of the week have been the festivals.  What's not love when you have a hodge-podge of cake walks, hayrides, hot dogs and chili, games, silent auctions, and more?!

Wednesday was spent at our former church, with a festival we've known and loved since my boys were little.  In fact, I remember bringing Noah to the first and needing to carry him most of the time because he was so small.  (Heart tug moment!)  The rain dampered a bit of the plans, but we still shared favorites, like the cookie decorating station and free pie.  Hugs and kisses from Noah during the cake walk was extra special too!  Most of all, what I treasure about this festival is that my entire family comes for the fun.   It was an added treat to watch new littles, my toddler niece and nephew, on the giant inflatables.  Seeing their excitement as they climbed the giant slide and having them wave to us in happiness made my heart smile.

This evening, actually in just a few minutes, we'll leave for Noah's school festival.  It's a bittersweet one too because it is our last.  My big 6th grader, this will be the end of grade school festivals for my kiddos.  It really is a little sad because it's such a sign of how quickly those childhood days are fading.  I will miss so many moments and memories from fall festivals past but am so grateful I have them.  And, I will certainly soak up every ticket, game, swarming of the silent auction table, sweaty hugs from my excited boy, squeals and screams I will encounter tonight!

And then tomorrow a new festival for us, at the church we've been attending.  Much to look forward to with the hayride, Trunk or Treat contest, cake walk, chili supper and getting to know more of the families there.  It's sure to be a fun-filled evening and a new tradition for us!  But of course, the icing on the cake will be our Souper Spooky Sunday at the house.  I don't want to write much about that because I'm sure it will wrap up my joy post for the weekend!

All in all, it's been a festive week, a sure to be seasonal weekend, with sprinkles of family, fun and joy throughout.  May yours be filled with sweet spooks, festivities and treats too!