Apple Pie Dumplings

Yesterday we went to Berry Patch Farms and brought home some yummy apples!  We decided to make apple dumplings, and they turned out perfect. 

For the filling:

1 apple (peeled, cored, and diced)

2 Tbsp Agave Nectar

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

1/2 Tbsp Vanilla

 Combine in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate while you make your dough.

For the dough there are many options, the first time I made a biscuit dough and wrapped them up.  The second batch I made whole wheat buttermilk biscuit dough and made them into empanadas.  You can also use Pillsbury dough if you don't think you will have time to make any.  

Put the filling into the dough and wrap it up.  Take a pastry brush and top your dumplings with the liquid left in the bowl.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

These are so easy to bake, and best of all your house will smell yummy :)

Berry Patch Farms

We went to Berry Patch Farms and it was so much fun I thought I would share.  It's an organic farm in Brighton, Colorado.  The farm isn't open for visitors all year round and their hours change so make sure you check their website or call first.  It was so much fun to show Jack where fruit comes from.  It's free - you just pay for the fruit that you pick.  They also have some fresh fruit and veggies that you can buy in their store.  The Farm has some animals, including ducks, chicken, turkey, and pigs.  They gave us a tractor ride out to the fields, which Jack LOVED :)

Jack had a blast picking strawberries!

Raspberries too!

We will definitely be going back :)

New to You Sale!

It's that time of year again!  Time to swap out flip-flops for boots, tank tops for sweaters, and bathing suits for holiday wear!  That means that it's also time for the semi-annual New To You Children's Consignment sale!  

CLC MOPS is holding its Fall & Winter sale at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch on Friday, September 28th from 8am-4pm and Saturday, September 29th from 8am-12pm (half-price sale, select items).  

$1 admission at the door benefits Lutheran Family Services and gives shoppers access to gently-used items from over 150 consignors!  This fabulous sale features all things baby/kids/maternity, including fall/winter clothing and shoes (infant to size 12), costumes, maternity wear, toys, games, videos and books, baby equipment, gear and furniture, outdoor toys, bikes, sports equipment and so much more!  

Cash and local checks accepted.  

Visit NTY's website at www.newtoyousale.org for full details!

Friday Night Lights!

 

Tonight, (Friday, September 28th) Valor is playing Fountain-Fort Carson at 7pm.  The game will be at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch.  We have only been to one game so far this year, and there were SO many people there (apparently Peyton Manning was there too, but we didn't see him).  This game is sure to have a big crowd, according to the Denver Post it's the game of the week!  Valor is ranked 6th in state and Fountain-Fort Carson is ranked 2nd.  GO VALOR!

Magic Show

On Friday, September 28th, Shawn Preston aka The Magic Dude will be performing a magic show at Southridge from 7pm - 8pm.  Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.  This event is recommended for all ages.  Prepare to be amazed!

Oktoberfest 2012

The Highlands Ranch annual Oktoberfest is this Saturday, September 22nd.  The day will start off with a 5k / 100yard dash at 12:30pm.  For race information click here.  Oktoberfest will be held in town center south from 2:00pm - 10:00pm.  The annual Dachshund race will begin at 3:00pm.  This is a free event with food and drinks available for purchase.  There will be plenty of fun activities for children including music, dancing, balloons, and magic!  For more information check out the HRCA website.  Also because the 4th of July fireworks were cancelled this year, at 9:30pm there will be fireworks!

School Lunches

One of LiveWell Colorado's initiatives is improving school lunches.  Most kid's would make the unhealthy choice when it comes to food they buy at school.  However LiveWell Colorado is not only encouraging parents and teachers to make the healthier option fun, but they are working to educate students so they want to make the healthier choice.  To learn more about all of the amazing things LiveWell Colorado is doing check out their website :)  LiveWell Colorado has their 3rd annual fundraising luncheon coming up on December 13th.  Click on the picture below for more information.

This year Jack is in a parent's day out program, so once a week I pack him a lunch.  I definitely try to have Jack eat as healthy as possible, but he is a typical 2 year old that if given the choice he would fill up on foods that aren't as nutritious.  I think the best thing that works for me right now is that Jack sees me eating the same healthy foods that he does.  Below is a picture of the first lunch I packed him.  I made sure to cut up everything into small pieces,  and to give him plenty of options. 

Be sure to label EVERYTHING!

Game Day Enchilada Casserole

This easy recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Here are all of the ingredients:

 We LOVE Stinkin Good Green Chile Sauce :)

First you line the bottom of your casserole dish with corn tortillas

Sprinkle black beans, corn, and cheese on top

Add half the container of green chile 

 (for this recipe I used pork, but they also have chicken and vegetarian) 

Add another layer of tortillas, cheese, and the remaining green chile

 Put it in the oven at 375 for 25 mins

Enjoy!

I always love making this because I know Jack will ask for seconds :)

GO BRONCOS!!

Wildlife Experience $1 Admission

On Saturday, September 8th from 9am - 5pm, The Wildlife Experience is celebrating their 10 year Anniversary!  We LOVE this museum :)
Admission will only be $1.  Some of the activities will include:

-Rock climbing, zip line, and bungee jump
-Pinewood derby races from the Boy Scouts
-Learn how to ice or spin fish, elk call or sink a putt at our mini golf
-Visit with Diego from Go, Diego, Go! and Smokey the Bear
 -Roast S'mores and listen to campfire stories
-See live animals including quail, raptors and tarantulas

(some of the activities may have an additional fee)