A No School Day with Friends || Tree Hill Nature Center ||

 Now that Judah and Eisley are in school most days, a holiday is a special day to explore together.  I really love making these days together really special, so instead of dragging them around to do errands with me (sorry little Nico), we ventured to Tree Hill Nature Center.  

I have to admit, I just found out about this place about a year ago, but I have fallen in love with it.  There is the perfect amount of hands on learning and out door experience.  The staff has always been very sweet and encouraging to our children.  Today we shared the Tree Hill experience with some of our friends.  We pet a baby opossum, touched a turtle, and even held freshly laid egg from a hen.  After all that excitement, we went on some of their well kept trails for a nature walk and then enjoyed some lunch at the picnic table near the exit.

This was a perfect day to share with friends.  Tree Hill Nature Center is very affordable with the fees being $4 for adults and $2 for children 3-17 (under 3 are of course FREE).  You can even become a member for $40.  The center opens early at 8:00am and closes at 4:30pm.  

Come prepared with some water and lunch for a picnic and have an amazing time! 

A Snack for the Adventure || Coconut & Chocolate Energy Bites RECIPE

To tell you the truth, I haven't always eaten healthy.  I grew up on McDonalds, Captain D's, and Little Caesar's.  I even spent the bulk of my college days literally eating nothing except Ramen Noodles.  There's something about getting a little older and being responsible for the health and well being of three little people that has brought me to a place where I seek out the best for them and for myself.  I am still learning...a lot.  Like I mentioned, I didn't grow up eating exceptionally healthy and my dad used to joke that I would even mess up toast.  All this being said, I would love to share the journey of creating food that is wholesome and fun.

Coconut & Chocolate Energy Bites 

                               Ingredients:

                               1.5 cups of pecans
                               1.5 cups of dates
                               2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
                               1 teaspoon of vanilla
                               2 tablespoons of finely shredded coconut (unsweetened)
                              .5 cup of shredded coconut for coating bites

Using a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are coarsely chopped.  Add softened dates (I usually place the dates in warm water for about 1 minute to soften), cacao powder, vanilla, and coconut flakes to the mix.  Process this mix until the desired texture is achieved (this usually happens when the mix clumps together).  Take about a tablespoon amount of mix and roll into a ball.  Cover with coconut and repeat.  Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

This recipe makes about 24 bites.

All Bundled Up ||Linville Falls, NC||

As previously mentioned, I love waterfalls.  So, on our last family vacation to Boone, North Carolina, we packed some snacks and headed onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We stopped at a place that I've been to many times, but never get tired of...Linville Falls.  I admit, this place is a little nostalgic for me.  This is the first place I went on a hike and the first place I saw a waterfall and swam as the misty falling water swirled around my face.  All this aside, this park is wonderful.

The day we went, the road into the park was open but the ranger shop and restrooms were boarded up for the winter.  The park is open year round, but the road to Linville Falls can occasionally be closed due to bad weather conditions.  

Since Judah and Eisley have short little legs and can tire quickly, we did a few of the short overlook hikes.  Our favorite was Erwins View Trail that leads to Erwins View Overlook.  This trail took us high over the falls to a place where the wind swirled and blew powerfully.  It's always to rewarding to make it to the top, especially with children.  The look of wonder and amazement on their faces is aways worth any amount of whining and complaining that proceeded.

Linville Falls is a breath taking adventure any time of the year (though I prefer Summer).  To get there exit Blue Ridge Parkway spur at Milepost 316.3.  Bring plenty of water and a snack or lunch and enjoy overlooking the falls or relaxing at the base.