Sunday, July 26, 2009

Can You Say Repressed Aggression?

When Tim picked up Josh from Primary today, he happily showed him his picture. He pointed out daddy with the glasses and mommy with the big hair. (As well as other big things - we won't go there right now.) Tim says to Josh, "But where's Benjamin?" To which Josh replies, "I'm sitting on him and I'm sucking on his binkie." Oh boy.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Happy Pioneer Day

In honor of Pioneer Day, Josh, Benjamin and I went to This Is The Place Heritage Park along with my friend Lucinda and her two boys and nephew. She had a buy one, get one free deal so I figured I could handle it monetarily. We really lucked out though. Right as we got there, some lady asked us if we wanted to get in on her season pass. The people she had invited to come with her ended up not coming and her pass could get in up to 6 adults and 6 kids. Sweet!

They have it set up like Utah looked like back in Pioneer days, complete with volunteers dressed up in pioneers clothes working in the yard, shops, hotels, schools and stores. They would talk to you about what life was like for them as a pioneer. It was really cool. Josh went to a leather shop and was able to stamp out a piece of leather.

They also had a little pony ride. I was actually pretty surprised that Josh went on the pony all by himself.

Here is the baby animal area where you could pet the lambs and goats. Josh was all about the lambs. He wasn't too sure about the goats though. I think the horns scared him a little bit.

They also had a little play town the kids could play in. There was a big train as well. Of course, Josh spent most of his time there. It was pretty funny to listen to his story line as he was playing. I had to give back my nice phone so I didn't get a good video.

Outside of the pioneer area, they have a monument to different pioneer groups.

This is a picture of the statue honoring the handcart pioneers. We have ancestors that came across the plains in the Martin Handcart Company.

This is a picture of Bryant Stringham's name. He is my great-great-grandfather who came across the plains with the first group of pioneers and Brigham Young. He was there when Brigham Young said, "This is the right place, drive on."
Even with the heat and the major sunburn on my neck afterwards, it was such a fun day. It was great to think back on the pioneers and all that they did. We will definitely make this a tradition!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Super Yummy Brownies

I found a really good deal on brownie mixes so I bought a ton. Regular brownies are good, but I wanted something to make them even better. I got this recipe off the box and it gives your brownies a little extra kick to make them super yummy. So, here you go!

Make brownies according to directions on box. I usually make the "cake like" brownies. They call for one extra egg and don't come out as gooey as normal brownies.


Take out of the oven and top with two cups of mini marshmallows. Spread evenly over the pan. Return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.

In the meantime, melt together 1 cup of chocolate chips and a 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter over medium-high heat. Stir often.


When chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted, turn off heat and stir in 1 cup of crisped rice cereal.

Remove the brownies topped with marshmallows from the oven. The marshmallows will get kind of puffy.


Spread melted mixture over marshmallows and chill for at least an hour.
Enjoy!