Hiking in Hamburg, PA

We had fun hiking with friends in Hamburg, PA near Hawk Mountain the other weekend.  It was Daisy's first time going on a long hike and she did so well.  We can't wait to get back out there this autumn to enjoy the cooler air and changing colors.

Daisy looking at the beautiful landscape below

Julie with Bela enjoying the view at The Pulpit

Banana Cupcakes With Nutella Buttercreme Icing

Bananas!  I went bananas for this recipe (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Cake-II/Detail.aspx).  It's so moist and flavorful without being too sweet.  In fact, I could have just eaten the cake by itself and have been completely satisfied.  A truly wonderful cake... if you like bananas.  The nutella buttercreme icing on the other hand didn't turn out as I had hoped it would.  I tried modifying the recipe with no luck.    I used this recipe, but the search is still on for a better version: http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipes/nutella-buttercream-icing-ru313044.html

Doggie Photo Shoot

Our friend's dog, Maggie, is the most lovable, photogenic dog.  She's a perfect subject to photograph, too, because she hardly moves and when she does, it's not very fast.

Summer Catch Up and Fondue Friday

Summer has been treating us well (with the exception of a few ungodly heat waves).  We've spent a lot of time outside: taking creek walks, introducing Daisy to the water both at the creek and the river, having lots and lots of braai's, and hanging out with friends.

Fondue Friday - an evening of fondue with neighbors.  It was fun to sit back and chat while waiting for our meat to cook.

Queen in the Car

Carter has been so into Queen (the band) lately.  He sang aloud in the car this weekend while listening to their tunes on the ipod.  He's in the middle of singing a Queen hit in the picture below.  And the other one was taken outside of a family fun center.  It was sort of fun... the ads were way better than the place itself, but Tom and Carter enjoyed a game of laser tag and we all got a kick out of the bumper cars.