Raven Run

Saturday morning we woke up and decided to go for a hike. So, we went out to Raven Run. It’s a nature sanctuary dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades and early Kentucky history. There are plenty of hiking trails that allow visitors to enjoy different species of birds and plants. As far as we could tell, there was only one trail that was paved and kid friendly enough for us. So, we hit the footpath. Emilia loves to be outdoors, so it was a fun adventure for her. Toddlers are so curious and Emilia is no exception. She notices everything. Birds, bugs, water, and flowers. You name it, she explored it. It was a great morning for a nature walk. Nap time wasn’t so bad either!

Bouncing Around

Emilia and Cooper did some bouncing at Monkey Joe's, last weekend. It’s an inflatable play center where kids can bounce, slide, and jump to their hearts desire. Our kiddo’s played in Mini Monkey Zone. It is a safe area for toddlers. Emilia loves to jump around the house, so I knew she would love it! She enjoyed all the inflatable animals and sliding down the slide. Cooper had fun too! I love seeing them play together. They are growing so fast. Before you know it, Cooper will be able to bounce on his own too. Those smiles, and laughter make my day!



She found “Sebastian” the crab.


Sweet kisses.

Fruit Baluchons (Peach Bundles)

Last night we were invited over to our friends house for dinner. I decided to make a dessert to take along. I had been thinking of fresh Summer peaches and wanted to use them in some way. I stumbled upon this pastry and wanted to give it a try. It was so delicious! The best part was the crème pâtissière, which is just a fancy French word for pastry crème or custard. A combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy custard, juicy peaches and cinnamon-sugar on top, makes for a decadent dessert. We served with vanilla ice cream. Both adults and kids alike adored the bundled sweetness. I also enjoyed a left over pastry with my morning coffee, today. What a treat! I wanted to share the recipe because it’s just that good. Yumminess pictured below.



Fruit Baluchons

Recipe Courtesy of Le Rêve Patisserie & Café
Adapted from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Makes 8 servings

Crème pâtissière -
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter

Place milk in medium saucepan over medium heat, add vanilla extract. Bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, in separate bowl, beat together sugar, cornstarch and egg yolks until mixture turns pale yellow. Gradually pour milk into egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Return mixture to medium heat and whisk continually until mixture thickens and just comes to a boil being careful not to let it get too thick. Remove from heat, and whisk in butter. Pour cream into a bowl, and place plastic wrap directly over the cream. This will prevent a skin from forming while the cream cools. Place in refrigerator to cool.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
Peaches, pits removed, cut into wedges
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk
4 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Using cold puff pastry, cut each sheet into four (4½-inch) squares, 1/8 inch thick. In center of each square, place 2 to 3 tablespoons chilled pastry cream and about ¼ cup of peaches. Bring the four corners into the middle and gently press together (no need to seal tightly). Refrigerate at least 10 minutes.

Remove from refrigerator and brush with egg wash made of 1 yolk mixed with the 2 tablespoons milk. Sprinkle baluchons with cinnamon-sugar and bake in preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy!

Diapered Babies + TGIF

How sweet is this photo of Emilia and her babies? It always seems that she loves them as much as I love her.

It's Friday the 13th but it's a great day, as far as I'm concerned. Emilia is spending the weekend with her grandparents while Chris and I have time for ourselves. I'm looking forward to it! I miss my girl already, but this quiet moment is well needed.

Have a great weekend!

Posted from my iPhone

Independence Day

We celebrated our country’s independence yesterday. We went downtown to partake in the local festivities. It was the HOTTEST Forth of July EVER recorded in Lexington. So, we didn’t stay long. These dog days of Summer are too much.

I remember getting my face painted when going to the parade, as a little girl. This was Emilia’s first time. I thought we would give it a try, not knowing if she would sit still long enough. She did so well, she didn’t move a muscle. She loved showing it off, too!





After dinner, Emilia did a little fishing in the backyard. She enjoyed a strawberry fruit pop. They are so yummy. Then Daddy showed her a sparkler for the first time!



I hope your Independence Day was filled with family and fun, too!