Vacation - Mackinac City, Etc.

Mackinac City had some attractions of it's own. One was Mill Creek. We really enjoyed walking around in woods exploring nature, but we also got to watch a water powered saw mill demonstration. Water truly is an amazing thing!




This was probably the biggest attraction for the kids! They wanted to go swimming in the hotel pool all the time! We managed to fit it in three times and they were pretty happy about that. It has encouraged us to sign up for swimming lessons this fall!




Just chillin'...

Papa with Chaeli's prized "baby."

Vacation - Mackinac Island

This is the type of boat that we rode over to Mackinac Island. At first we rode on top deck which in the morning was VERY windy and cold. It proved to be a better ride up there on the way back when it was warmer!



One of the things we did while on the island was to tour the fort. Very interesting if you like history. We also got to see (and hear!) a gun demonstration. And the two fellows were kind enough to have their picture taken (for the zillionth time, I'm sure!).




The other major thing that we did on the island was to bike the 8 mile circumference. We rented two bikes a trailer and tootled all over. Although I didn't get any pictures of us riding, this was one of the pictures along the way. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the ride was wonderful! We stopped a few times along the way to play in the water or along the rocks.

One of the things you can't miss on Mackinac Island or in the city is the sweets of ALL KIND! There are soooo many fudge shops, it's unbelievable! And although we didn't eat any fudge, it was fun to watch them make it. These shops carry everything from caramel apples and ice cream to caramel popcorn and many, many kinds of fudge and candy! Here's Dillon enjoying some ice cream.

Vacation - The Dutch Village

This was a cute, cute little Dutch village and we had a fun time while there. They had lots going on that we could be involved in or watch. There was everything from walking or feeding a goat and sliding down the dutch shoe slide to making cheese, riding the carousel or dutch swings and watching them make wooden shoes. Everyone there was dressed like a Dutch person, shoes and all (and 5-12 pairs of socks!!).

Vacation - the Children's Museum

The first day of our vacation we didn't venture too far away. We had never been to the Children's Museum in a city not too far away so we decided to check it out. Here are a few photos of some of the fun things to do.

Dillon did it all and had a great time! Chaeli two favorite things were probably the fire station pole to slide down and the bank! It was a great little place and definitely worth our visit!

Pregnancy Plusses

Here are some great things about being pregnant! :) Below are my personal top five:

1. Some shopping areas having front row parking for pregnant mommies!
2. A new wardrobe. :)
3. Snacks (healthy, of course!)
4. People are always asking how I'm doing.
5. Naps!!!!

Spanich Rice Casserole

What follows is one of my favorite rice recipes! It was adapted from a non-vegan recipe and is sooooo good. It goes so well with black beans and tortilla chips!

Spanish Rice Casserole
1 C margarine
1 onion, chopped fine
1 C uncooked rice
2-15 oz can diced tomatoes
2 cans water (use diced tomato cans)
2 C "vegan" cheese sauce
1 tsp cumin
2-3 tsp onion powder

Melt margarine in a pan and sauté onion. When onion is sauted, add rice and sauté until rice is golden brown. Add tomatoes and 2 cans of water. Cook on stovetop for about 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Add cheese sauce, cumin and onion powder. Bake covered for 25 -30 minutes at 350.

Cheese Sauce
1 C water
1 C raw cashews
2 T yeast flakes
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 T lemon juice
1 small jar pimentos (4oz)

Put all ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly until smooth. Makes about 2 cups.

Canning

Canning is officially in full swing in our home! What a good feeling it is to gaze upon the sealed jars of canned food! So far this season, I have 28 quarts of peaches (plus plenty of frozen and dried peaches!) and 11 quarts of tomatoes. Still to come are lots more tomatoes, pears, and tons of applesauce! Yum, yum...it'll be great this winter!