tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50520204323323543912024-02-06T21:01:13.654-08:00Going Out of the OrdinaryThink what we could do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-42642248760935301522013-04-21T09:30:00.001-07:002013-04-21T09:31:53.179-07:00No egg banana pancakes<div><p>I had some very ripe bananas that needed to be used today. Mashed banana is a great substitute for eggs. This recipe makes about 2 dozen 4-inch pancakes.</p>
<p>2 1/2 cups flour<br>
2 tablespoons agave nectar<br>
4 teaspoons baking powder<br>
2 mashed ripe bananas<br>
2 cups milk<br>
2 tablespoons applesauce<br>
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br>
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</p>
<p>Mix all ingredients in bowl. Stir until blended but slightly lumpy. Pour about 1/4 cup of mixture onto lightly greased griddle. Cook each side until golden brown. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Great for freezing or refrigerating for later consumption.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7peJoj6SynqxUK6xN84sey9ffzEo626bnwv3zRJ_dFSzlq9kzqCW5haNqQNXfmRRYetBFFcnDo97ym3wOwFITCb79CStbIqTmT0yPjmLG9OmJgTb-SfjYx4yYy7GtIMdK1yRoOa1Q7Tta/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-19051998498727380142013-04-14T15:18:00.001-07:002013-04-14T15:18:32.549-07:00Tomorrow is Tax Day - Debt free goal, Day 1Yes, today is the day before tax day. I saved my taxes for today, thank goodness I had all the information I needed. But, looking at my records made me ponder. There must be a way to spend less on interest. The amount we pay yearly makes my eyes pop. So, starting today my goal is to go debt free. <br />
<br />
I have researched and read blogs regarding going debt free. The most useful plan, the plan that would be easiest to follow for us, would be Ramsey's snowball payments. The idea is to list all your debts and start paying off the lowest balance first. Then, once that is paid off, add the payment amount onto the next smallest balance.<br />
<br />
Our family has 5 debts to get rid of. I hope to rid the first when we get our tax refund back to get the ball rolling. I just sit and day dream of the day of not owing debt. Saving 40% of our income and using the remaining 60% on monthly expenses. This will give us a chance to save for college funds for our 4 children and add on to our retirement plans we have already started.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-56319600739967479672013-02-17T10:58:00.001-08:002013-02-17T10:59:02.649-08:00Whole wheat waffles<div><p>Ingredients: <br>
2 eggs<br>
2 cups whole wheat flour<br>
1 3/4 cups milk<br>
1/2 cup applesauce<br>
1 tablespoon oil<br>
1 tablespoon nectar or honey<br>
4 teaspoons baking powder<br>
1/2 teaspoon extract (any flavor: orange, vanilla, lemon, etc)</p>
<p>Preheat waffle iron. Beat eggs until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth.  Pour half cup into waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Makes about 8.</p>
<p>Double the batch and freeze or refrigerate for later use. Warm in toaster oven when ready to eat.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc3e2ybBi7QmvyhAfRYS4vM2pcbExTvwssK6McVSt6MNQnNkCupgJ9SQe3GcYFHtbNE_zDPyo7VHzG27wXy3PSoe90EnvBI8DGp6TKvIidQnb1WVJQRlLlPI1RjnPhs-ajFwYTr2yHLJT/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-22440777480205933662012-07-27T20:15:00.001-07:002012-07-27T20:15:15.127-07:00La Grande, OR<div><p>There were not many choice hotel options in La Grande so we had to stay at another Rodeway Inn. The room was extremely small but at least it was clean and the service was very friendly. The breakfast actually had many healthy options. Just ask the front desk person for a tray to take food back to your room since there is only enough seating for 2 in the breakfast area. They also had a small outdoor pool.</p>
<p>We went out to eat at Mt Emily's brewery in downtown La Grande. We ordered the pesto pizza and it was amazing. </p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-56015475292915837982012-07-27T15:08:00.001-07:002012-07-27T15:08:08.106-07:00Summer Skibowl<div><p>If you have never been to the Skibowl in the summer, you should make the trip. There are plenty to do for little ones and the more adventurous. We had our little ones with us so we went on a giant slide down the ski hill, a roller slide, pony rides, kiddy go-karts, chair lift, kiddy canoe ride, and an indoor two story playground to get out of the sun. For the more adventurous there was bungee jumping, zip line, mountain bike rentals, go-karts, and those blow up balls that you stand inside like a gerbil. Fun for all ages and enough things to do to stay there all day.</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-60418244971805612532012-07-21T08:35:00.001-07:002012-07-21T08:35:57.789-07:00Rodeway Inn<div><p>Last night was our first night of the road trip to SLC spent at Rodeway Inn in Portland, OR. We expected it to he less than what we normally expect but.... The pool was out of order. The breakfast juice machine was out of order. We didn't get the baby crib until after 9pm. And, on the otherwise of the thin walls was a moaning competition. Thank goodness I was the only one to hear that last night. On the plus side there wad about a 5x5 area for the kids to play in before and after bed. Now off we go to Mt. Hood the on to La Grande, OR.</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-52325630196152317762012-05-23T09:22:00.001-07:002012-05-23T09:23:02.814-07:00Painting, again!<div><p>A full day of painting yesterday. We painted with the kids during the day. Then, that night my sister stopped over and we went a little crazy with the nail polish. This morning I had to paint my toes to match.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxTIP2EAxfOisuMumAZKqsd8B3D9uqGoAQlx7xGExMbFggQlO88CYRnYsr5tf6GvrBC0x9xr-wA1OyiqTKQiKSJfzJP9V2RI5Aa4tGKTrWXvpAqa-pvujBpW4GsU5BvL-fhytm5x6p16G/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-13104732307804399742012-05-22T12:52:00.001-07:002012-05-22T12:52:56.843-07:00Painting<div><p>We had to have another rainy day activity.  First we went to the store to get our vitamin d from a bottle. Then we broke out the finger paints. But, instead of using just our fingers we used a variety of sizes of paint brushes too.  You could also use toes, sponges, or whatever your hearts desire. Don't forget to label the picture with your child's name and age.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh460Oe0P-c5OudKMaNEIx1bXJ9ONVA1yoBdheq1T0OGAqgikGrxN2gUsVeIJhyxcoC6MAWwJjl-qT-CMV9dxCmWxV3LQZQ_lssfsSX1HfXwSkgrbZq79qp_go9VCbuvXhGKh0B0MdKQiwc/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-68076918420837589022012-05-08T18:17:00.001-07:002012-05-08T18:17:33.712-07:00Picnic lunch<div><p>The perfect picnic lunch... Chicken salad in a pita:<br>
2 cans of chicken<br>
1 celery stalk<br>
1/2 c halved grapes<br>
1/4 c chopped walnuts<br>
1/4 c chopped onion<br>
1/4 c mayonaise<br>
Mix all ingredients together. Makes about 4 servings.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbcmrXFITRYN63BUzLWSlAii6bbpbRoh0wmSQR04NRJxMGkSeLp7LfKy8CD7xyoO9iIVodSIKRK4wMbTrjOzH9zR-Bmtj3ShifDhnHPxW8Be3pa7Q_t1tnnEnEFF9pJBb8FHNmLEF6yUx/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-7731246010860595782012-05-05T17:15:00.001-07:002012-05-05T17:15:51.837-07:00Garage saling<div><p>Living in the pacific northwest you learn to 1) not trust the weather report and 2) do all things in the rain. This weekend was forecasted for sun but of course right when we get out of the car to garage sale, it starts raining. What do we do? Keep on keepin on, even with kids in tow. After all, its just rain.</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-87899534610229212722012-05-04T12:14:00.001-07:002012-05-04T12:14:22.019-07:00Pretzels<div><p>Today we are doing a rainy day project. It is pouring, and hailing, and windy. Yuck! We made alphabet pretzels using a regular pretzel recipe and shaping them. Make your name or a phrase. Keep them in the freezer to stay fresh until you eat them. Then, heat in microwave or oven.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCSVm7dZ8OpnFc4ilAAaWTJuy8SaPrO-u_b35EO5mOHOB_OinExf7JWo8VMCINMgXrzI1zZWPS18UZiKZAOSXi3aIxTe4c___4HBdkBsUfZxvti7Opy9MoMzEHKRbkqtaOm1Yf3hseqRp/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-55633644934351893222012-05-04T12:10:00.001-07:002012-05-04T12:10:27.929-07:00Alphabet pretzels<div><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tE2SQfBBw8iYuEeqAEw9Jy_Ao2PEZKInV9AtKupBMHa7OdhpgV8NOp-jrRwxLy-4osPcw4IA8qsVpS8R1NNHPCkjI4JyROCBIMRbZIjT-JSITXIZn9QM8SZ63-cQPQBkr6BzPdtn78Yz/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-37392170840974627962012-04-22T11:51:00.001-07:002012-04-22T11:51:10.301-07:00Fun Center<div><p>Heading to the family fun center in tukwila now after a nice swim in the hotel pool.</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-55595242350213108302012-04-20T12:04:00.001-07:002012-04-20T12:04:55.202-07:00Spring fair<div><p>We are going to the puyallup spring fair this weekend. The family will be staying in a hotel, swimming, derbying, and fairing!</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-63146914076978227682012-03-18T21:39:00.001-07:002012-03-18T22:06:45.583-07:00Pool time<div><p>Playing at the fitness club's pool was so much fun today. We are not members but you can pay a daily pass fee. The lifeguard was so nice keeping the big kids on the opposite side of the pool from our little babies.</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-34214335690402667052012-03-16T13:49:00.000-07:002012-03-16T13:49:03.831-07:00What to do this weekend: OlympiaWe are heading 30 minutes north of last weekend in Chehalis up to Olympia. Here is a list of family activities with the links to websites if they are available:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Go to the Hands-On Museum for free Nutrition Month activities. <a href="http://www.hocm.org/events.php?eid=2463">http://www.hocm.org/events.php?eid=2463</a></li>
<li>Take a guided tour of the capitol building. <a href="http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/guide.htm">http://www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/guide.htm</a></li>
<li>Olympia has a long list of parks for hiking, picnicking, discovering, playing, etc. <a href="http://olympiawa.gov/en/city-services/parks/parks-and-trails/Parks%20Matrix.aspx">http://olympiawa.gov/en/city-services/parks/parks-and-trails/Parks%20Matrix.aspx</a></li>
<li>Listen to the Olympia Suzuki Strings Concert in the rotunda playing tomorrow the 17th <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/CampusEvents/default.aspx">https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/CampusEvents/default.aspx</a></li>
<li>Walk the mall and play at Chuck E Cheeses</li>
<li>Shop at the Thurston County Flea market Saturday and Sunday at the Thurston County Fairgrounds <a href="http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair/current.asp">http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair/current.asp</a></li>
<li>Celebrate World Water Day at LOTT's WET Science Center. There will be presentations and activities for the event on Saturday. <a href="http://www.lottcleanwater.org/education.htm">http://www.lottcleanwater.org/education.htm</a></li>
</ul>
Heat a little further north to enjoy these activities in Tacoma:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Spend St. Patrick's day at the zoo at Point Defiance Zoo. <a href="http://www.pdza.org/">http://www.pdza.org/</a></li>
<li>Be amazed by the show at the Tacomadome, Nuclear Cowboyz. <a href="http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=16076246&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3">http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=16076246&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3</a></li>
</ul>
Have a great St. Patrick's Day weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Olympia, WA, USA47.0378741 -122.900695146.9945881 -122.97965909999999 47.081160100000005 -122.8217311tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-34210019786425766982012-03-15T09:01:00.001-07:002012-03-15T09:05:37.337-07:00Cold and Windy and WET!Today is one of these days you wake up to the branches banging against the house and the rain tapping on the windows. It feels cold even if your house is 80 degrees. This must mean it's time to go to Great Wolf Lodge. It is the only place nearby that feels like summer. Unless of course you step in a sauna. Unfortunately you can't bring your kids in the sauna with you! <br />
<br />
It makes me wish we would have booked a room at Great Wolf. We have had a $50 gift certificate for Great Wolf for over a year and just haven't picked a time to go. It's a viscous cycle. We keep wishing we booked it when a weekend comes along like this one. By the time the weekend has come we can't book because the price has doubled because we are too last minute. I guess that is what you get for procrastinating.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Grand Mound, WA, USA46.809985 -123.01269746.7882495 -123.05217900000001 46.831720499999996 -122.973215tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-87336710409665231482012-03-10T09:10:00.000-08:002012-03-10T10:28:53.334-08:00Here are some events that are happening today in Western Washington. Just click on the links next to the events in the list to get more information on their websites.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Tacoma RV Show at the Tacoma Dome: You can browse pre-owned models and brand new luxury models. There will also be the opportunity to buy accessories and check out campgrounds and RV resorts. <a href="http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=62744550&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3">http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=62744550&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3</a> </li>
<li>Gun and Knife Show at Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Chehalis <a href="http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=62744550&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3">http://www.tacomadome.org/shared/event_detail.aspx?EventID=62744550&WebLink=4C1.2613D7D3</a></li>
<li>There are several things going on at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. Today there is the All Saint's School 34th Annual Auction "A Night at the Needle" in the Expo Hall. Also, the Electronics Show and Fleamarket is in the Pavilion. Tomorrow is the 4x4 Offroad & High Performance Meet. <a href="http://www.thefair.com/events-calendar/">http://www.thefair.com/events-calendar/</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
PSBNA66CPNHT<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Tacoma, WA, USA47.2528768 -122.444290647.166550300000004 -122.6022191 47.3392033 -122.2863621tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-64047105365433496422012-03-09T13:42:00.001-08:002012-03-09T14:38:32.101-08:00What to do this weekend: Chehalis, WAThis weekend like many weekends we are trying to find something to do. Something for the whole family with age ranges of 6 months old to 2 years to 13 years, but also fun for the adults too. Here is a list of places and their websites that we came up with for the Chehalis, WA area (zip 98532):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Diversified Games is a shop in downtown Chehalis has many options of games, long lost games, dungeon's and dragons, and the hard to find games.</span></span><span style="color: black;"></span>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Steam Train Ride is great fun the first time and every time after. </span></span><a href="http://steamtrainride.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">steamtrainride.com</span></a></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Historical Museum near downtown is bigger than it looks from the outside. </span></span><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/generalpage/lewis-county-historical-museum"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/generalpage/lewis-county-historical-museum">http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/generalpage/lewis-county-historical-museum</a></a></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Timberland library programs change frequently and are for all age groups. </span></span><a href="http://www.trlib.org/Locations/Pages/LibraryInformation.aspx?lib=ch"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.trlib.org/Locations/Pages/LibraryInformation.aspx?lib=ch">http://www.trlib.org/Locations/Pages/LibraryInformation.aspx?lib=ch</a></a></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Penny Park (castle-like park)/Water spray park/Community pool are all in one area. </span></span><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/recreation-parkpenny-playground"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/recreation-parkpenny-playground">http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/recreation-parkpenny-playground</a></a></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Stan Hedwall park is a large area with hiking, ball parks, open areas, picnic, and rivers for wading in. </span></span><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/stan-hedwall-park"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/stan-hedwall-park">http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/stan-hedwall-park</a></a></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">Veteran's Museum near the steam train rides, why not do both. </span></span><a href="http://www.veteransmuseum.org/"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.veteransmuseum.org/">http://www.veteransmuseum.org/</a></a></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Hike the trail at the scout lodge behind ABHS. Dobson/McFadden Park </span><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/mcfaddenparkdobson"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/mcfaddenparkdobson">http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/parksandrecreation/mcfaddenparkdobson</a></a></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Eat at Quesadilla Factory and play games or listen to bands. Near the SWW fairgrounds</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Always things going on at the SWW fairgrounds including fairs, garages sales, dog shows, gun shows and more. </span><a href="http://southwestwashingtonfair.net/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">http://southwestwashingtonfair.net/</span></a></li>
</li>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span></ul>
Have fun and stay tuned for next weekend's city of adventure: Olympia, WAUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Chehalis, WA, USA46.6620478 -122.964017546.6184578 -123.0429815 46.705637800000005 -122.8850535tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-16783585009130720862011-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:002011-10-11T12:46:41.668-07:00NW Trek - Wildlife Park<strong><u>Northwest Trek - Wildlife Park</u></strong><br />
Where: 11610 Trek Drive East, Eatonville, WA 98328<br />
Telephone: 360-832-6117<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:reserve@nwtrek.org">reserve@nwtrek.org</a><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.nwtrek.org/">http//www.nwtrek.org</a><br />
<br />
Northwest animals viewable from tram ride (like going on a norwest safari) and in fence/caged areas.<br />
Tram runs every hour starting at 10am to get up close and personal with elk, moose, fowl, and other animals. The animals come right up to the tram.<br />
<br />
Age Group: ALL AGES<br />
Price Range: Adults $17, Seniors $15.50, 5-12 years old $12, 3-4 year olds $9 (discount for Pierce County residents)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Eatonville, WA 98328, USA46.8673263 -122.26650246.8456143 -122.30598400000001 46.8890383 -122.22702tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5052020432332354391.post-80911191592179086612011-10-10T14:29:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:30:14.858-07:00Chehalis-Centralia Railroad<u><strong>Chehalis-Centralia Railroad</strong></u><br />
Where: 1101 Sylvenus Street, Chehalis, WA, 98532<br />
Telephone: 360-748-9593<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:info@ccrandm.org">info@ccrandm.org</a><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.steamtrainride.com/">http://www.steamtrainride.com/</a><br />
<br />
Steam Train Rides right off of I-5 in the Chehalis-Centralia area<br />
Themed rides include: Polar Express & Santa Steam Trains, Pumpkin Trains, Kids day and Senior day, Easter Trains, Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, and more<br />
<br />
Make sure to book tickets for events in advance. They sell out quickly<br />
<br />
Age Group: ALL AGES<br />
Price Range: Adults $12+, Seniors $11+, Children $9+Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Chehalis, WA, USA46.6620478 -122.9640175000000146.6317018 -122.99807550000001 46.692393800000005 -122.92995950000001