Kindergarten Graduation

Can you believe it? Already? We now have a first grader in our midst. Yep. Elijah was promoted to the first grade during his kindergarten graduation ceremony last week. I still can't get over how quickly time flies. 

First they all filed in and then they recited "The Pledge of Allegiance." They sang "The Star Spangled Banner" as well as a little kindergarten song about the things that they have learned. They then started dancing to "Everything is Awesome", the theme song for "The Lego Movie". Then it was time for their diplomas. 

How cute, right?

I preface these photos with how extremely difficult it is to get all three children looking and smiling at the same time.

Elijah was excited that Gaga was able to come.

And this is Elijah with his teacher, Miss Morgan. She is from Michigan and loves the Red Wings. I think Elijah was attached to her. He cried the last day because he wanted to still be in her class. 

Super sweet! He came home with a huge book of all of his accomplishments as well as photos from the school year. How nice is that? Oh the digital age! We used to just rely on doubles!

The Phoenix Zoo

A friend and I took our kiddos to the zoo awhile ago before the summer heat set in.  I was surprised that the kids weren't as interested in seeing the animals as they were to go in the play areas and splash pad. 

Here's the spot I think they had the most fun...the splash pad. I think they would be thrilled with one at home. Did you know companies actually instal them in backyards. What a great idea. 

I'm not quite sure what Elijah was pretending to be scared of. He was being silly. 

On the way out we stopped at the carousel. Elijah wanted to sit on the eagle even though it didn't move up and down. It's his school mascot, so maybe that's why. 

What a fun day. 

New toy for me

I got a new toy!  Jake bought me an early Mother's Day present. A kitchen aid mixer!  I love it! I have made cinnamon rolls and bread and my favorite so far, strawberry muffins. I adapted a blueberry muffin recipe from America's Test Kitchen. I made it a little healthier and of course, used strawberries instead

Strawberry Muffins

Lemon sugar topping

1/3 c sugar

1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Muffins

2c strawberries washed and stemmed

1 tsp sugar plus 1 1/8 c as well

2 c flour

1/2 c wheat germ 

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1tsp salt

2 lg eggs

4 tbs melted butter

4tbs applesauce

1 c buttermilk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Mix topping ingredients in a small bowl and set aside

2. Preheat oven to 425 and prepare muffin tins (makes approx 18)

3. Bring 1 c berries and 1 tsp sugar to simmer on stove. Make to jam like consistency then remove from heat. 

4. Cream remining sugar and eggs then slowly add butter, applesauce,buttermilk, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients and strawberries. 

5. Spoon into muffin cups and then drop teaspoons of the jam mixture on top. Use a chopstick to slightly swirl in the jam. 

6.  Sprinkle the lemon sugar on the muffins. 

7. Bake until tops are golden and just firm. 17-19 minutes. Cool and enjoy!