Moon Park + a video

Our afternoon at Moon Park today was the best we've had in a while. I'm so glad I decided before hand that I'd get some video...because goodness, Brooks and Ava were as sweet as honey to each other, which isn't always the case. ;) From watching them share apples and gold fish crackers, to helping me draw stars with sidewalk chalk, to playing in the sand and cracking each other up, I couldn't help but feel oh-so grateful to call them mine. It's afternoons like these that make up for the grocery store tantrums, the sleepless nights, and the silliest fights over not wanting to share the silliest "toys" (kitchen utensils as of late).

The song on the video is "I Take Flight" from Mindy Gledhill's new album Pocketful of Poetry...isn't it just magic??  I can't help but hope that my children always know that even though they'll be my babies forever, I also relish in their daily moments of taking flight to learn and grow. 

Roasted Peach and Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

I have loved getting ideas for meals from my Instagram peeps...the best being dessert, or course. ;) So I was glad when Heather (@riverandbridge) shared that she made a roasted strawberry buttermilk ice cream. My mouth started watering at the thought, and she was so sweet to give me her recipe! With it being peach season I couldn't help think of how tasty the combination of peaches + strawberries would be. :) I whipped it up that night, enjoyed it the next day, and it's now a favorite ice cream over here! The buttermilk adds a perfect tang that lightened up the rich cream, I just may add it to all my homemade ice creams from now on.

ROASTED PEACH AND STRAWBERRY BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM

2 peaches

5 strawberries

1 cup sugar

2 eggs (pasteurized) 

2 cups whipping cream

1 cup buttermilk

Dice up peaches and quarter strawberries, toss with 1/4 cup sugar. Spread the fruit on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. The fruit will caramelize a bit and get wonderfully gooey. While the fruit is cooling, blend the eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, whipping cream, and buttermilk just until sugar dissolves (I used a hand mixer). Pour the cream mixture into the ice cream maker, and while that's freezing, mix the cooled fruit into a food processor (or a blender) to make a chunky sauce. After the icecream thickens, add the fruit sauce and turn the ice cream maker on a while longer. Store in a freezer proof container until ready to eat. Serve and enjoy!

** If you don't have an ice cream maker, go here for great directions on how to make/freeze ice cream without a machine.

Stum Family Reunion 2013 - Zion National Park

On the last day of our reunion we spent it hiking around the one and only Zion National Park. That red rock landscape is incredible, like nothing else. We had a blast hiking with the family (Brooks had a hard time at first, but then loved it), and then took a dip in the cool water was so refreshing! We even got a little rain shower and then a nap under the giant tree by the Zion Lodge. It was perfect. So grateful for family that appreciates God's creations and loves spending time in it!

Stum Family Reunion 2013 - Duck Creek

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking. :)

We enjoyed a beautiful reunion this past July down in Duck Creek, UT! So glad everyone (except Corrie, we missed her so much!) was there. Felt so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful family.