surprise location

 

We rang in the New Year with the Oates family on the west side of the state, only to get in the car the next day to drive to east, spend another week, only to hop on an airplane to go west again. Ridiculous, we know, but, here we are again, much sooner than expected, back in Washington state. Thanks to Bryce's extreme generosity and ever changing work schedule, we flew out to Seattle on Wednesday of this week to stay a few with Shelly, Chris and the boys we love so well. Shelly and Chris managed to keep the secret from the boys which made the trip up that much more exciting.

We surprised Drew by walking into his classroom to take him home early from school. His eyes focused on Henry and Wynne with confusion and amazement that quickly spread to pure joy as he hugged us all tightly, afraid we would disappear as quickly as we had appeared. Christian was in art class when he spied us in the hall. We waved his way only to have him smile, look at us strangely and then remark, "I'm painting right now." We got the boys out of school, into the Parrish tram and headed back to the Parrish fortress. The boys quickly picked up where they left off until another surprise batch of visitors arrived. Heather, Jack and Jessica Brown joined us and made it a party. Shell's special margaritas didn't hurt any either.

It has been nonstop fun around here with a forecast for lots more as we continue on our journey this weekend with a special trip planned for the whole crew...possibly even crossing state lines.

Before I forget, the above collage is one of the whole family baking pretzels together today. The recipe must be included, as its simple, well sort of, okay, not so much, but the fun factor makes it worth it.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 c. flour

mix together in large bowl or bowl of stand mixer.

In a small bowl mix:

1 c. warm/hottish water (110 degrees)
1 Tbsp. honey or sorghum or agave (whatever sweetner you want)
1 Tbsp. melted butter

Add this mix to the dry mix. Mix on medium speed 3 minutes. Let rest a few minutes. Then mix in 1-1 1/2 C. whole wheat flour to make a dough. Use dough hook or turn out on board to knead 8 minutes or so.

Let dough rest long enough to have little boys go outside to ride bikes and dig in mud, while Shelly does laundry and Jenny takes Drew to the knit shop to buy yarn for new knitting project - approx 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Divide dough evenly among family members. Roll out long ropes. Twist into pretzels. Let pretzels rest while you boil:

7c. water &
1/4 baking soda

Drop pretzels into boiling soda water for 20 seconds each, then salt, then bake on greased cookie sheet for 8 minutes or so in a hot oven ( 425 degrees) on top rack in oven. Take pictures. Enjoy. Do it all again tomorrow.