L is for Lemons

Arin loves lemonade and has been asking to make some.  We bought a bag of lemons.  Arin (with my help) cut the lemons. 

We needed one cup of lemon juice for the recipe, so I asked her how many lemons she thought it'd take to make one cup of lemon juice.  She guessed two and Ella guessed four.  Arin squeezed two lemons and found that she was about half a cup short.  She juiced the other two lemons. Perfect!

She poured the cup of lemon juice into a juice pitcher.

Then, she added one cup of sugar.

She stirred them together.

Then, it was time to pour in five cups of cold water.

Stir again.

Then add some ice to make it extra cold.

Time for a taste test.

The results??  It was fantastic!

Next, we did a science experiment.  I asked Arin how to clean a dirty penny. 

She said, "Soap and water, of course!".  I gave her a bowl of soapy water and a wash cloth.  She scrubbed and scrubbed.  It never got sparkly clean. 

We squeezed more lemons and put the juice in a bowl.  Arin dropped the copper penny into the bowl of lemon juice.  We set the timer for five minutes. 

What were the results?  A nice, shiny copper penny!  She was amazed!

The reason for this?
"Oxygen in the air combined with the copper to form the dull copper oxide coating. The acid of the lemon acts chemically to remove the oxide - and the result? A bright coppy penny." - from 365 Simple Science Experiments with everyday materials

Wedding

Yesterday, Andrew's cousin got married.  It was a lovely ceremony, held outside followed by an indoors reception (which was nice because in Florida it is H-O-T at this time of the year!).  We had a great time, especially Arin who found lots of new friends.  She loved the dancing and the time spent with her cousins. Andrew and some of his family were in the band which played during the dancing portion of  the reception.

Cousins





Jim & Gina

First Dance

Matthew & Ella dancing.  They were so cute together.  He was so gentle with her.  He even spun her around.  Adorable!

All the dancing tired her out.  She slept for a couple of hours.

This was one of those group dances where people take turns dancing down the middle of the two rows of people.  Arin loved this and kept cutting in line for more turns!

Dancing with a new friend.

Bubble Exit for the Bride and Groom

A New Nephew

My little sister gave birth to her first child this past Sunday, March 27th.  Tyler was welcomed into the world nine days after his estimated due date.  My sister was in labor for eleven and a half hours before birthing her beautiful baby at home in a birthing pool. She was assisted by two licensed midwives (and some family). My sister did amazing! 

Tyler Allen

7lbs 12oz

20"

He's been a thumb sucker from day one.

Mama and baby are doing well and the whole family is in love.

And what do my girls think about their newest cousin?  They are smitten!  They cannot wait until their own baby sibling is born in about seven months.

Strawberry Soup

When I was a kid, my mom would make Strawberry Soup on special occassions, like Sabbath brunch.  I love Strawberry Soup!  I hadn't had Strawberry Soup for years, until the girls and I came back here for a visit. We've been here almost two weeks now and my mom has spoiled me with this special treat several times already.  Arin likes it ok, but Ella cannot get enough of it.  She loves it as much as her mama does!

Cold Strawberry Soup
makes 6 servings

Strawberries (fresh) 1 pint (or a little more)
Sour cream 1 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Ginger Ale 1/2 cup
Sugar 3 oz.
Vanilla 1 tsp.
Lemon Juice 1 TBS.

Combine all ingredients except ginger ale in blender; blend until smooth. Add ginger ale.  Blend quickly (quick swirl)  Chill; Serve in frozen bowls or cups (my mom always serves it in champagne glasses) Garnish with strawberry slices (optional)

A Day on the Farm