at home with ann

Last week our upick option at the farm was kale.  It was way out in a field that required quite a bit of a walk, but the wonder of kale makes it all worth it.  Colin hitched a ride back on the front of the stroller, which is always a nice chorus of James screeching and Colin complaining that he's kicking him.  At the end of the day, we had a big bunch of kale I've been making into chips and sneaking into their smoothies. Friday morning we went out for a family run.  Thanks to a big hill and a big stroller filled with big kids, all being pushed by Jon, I was able to pull ahead of the crew for all of 10 yards or so before they smoked me to the finish line.  After we got home, I wanted to make a healthy breakfast, and the summer breakfast scramble came to be.  Colin mentioned several times that it smelled awful, so it might not be a hit with the younger set, but I thought it was delicious. Summer Breakfast Scramble (for 2) 3 leaves kale, stem removed and...

One of the things we love about our new house is the back yard.  It's big, flat, completely private, has a porch and patio, and backs up to conservation land.  We've been spending hours outside every day, and it makes me very happy.  We knew we wanted to get a nice outdoor dining set so we could eat on the patio all summer.  Before we even closed on the house we were scouring the internet to find the right set, and finally found the perfect one at Pottery Barn.  We ordered it right after moving in, thinking it would come within a week or so, most certainly before James' big birthday party.  After much cursing of Pottery Barn and threats not to ever shop there again, it arrived this weekend.  It's everything I hoped for, and makes our yard an even more lovely place to be. Since we're spending so much time outside, Jon is also grilling every weekend night.  This steak tip marinade is a favorite, and my little carnivore can easily out eat me in the ...

In this steamy weather, I'm craving cold, refreshing drinks.  Smoothies are a mainstay of our lunch menu, and these cucumber coolers were super hydrating.  We've been getting a lot of cucumbers from our CSA, and while I like salads and pickles as much as the next girl, it's good to change it up.  Plus, a certain 3yo I know claims not to like cucumbers.  His younger brother, on the other hand, will eat anything he can get his hands on- food or not.  I'm happy to say both of them happily drank these. The blueberries were also fresh from Tangerini's Farm.  I dragged the kids out to pick in the 90 degree heat one afternoon last week.  The aisle we walked down was next to an anti-bird machine which periodically screeched to deter birds from eating the berries.  A relaxing sound.  Colin's basket was perpetually empty, and I had to supply James with a steady stream of berries, but we came home with a few pints and have been enjoying them all wee...