Blueberry Birthday Cake

I have been asking Nolan what kind of birthday cake he wanted for a couple of weeks.  And each time he responded with, "BooBerry."  Okay, blueberry cake he would have.  I did a little searching and found lots of options with lemon.  That wouldn't do.  We needed the focus to be on our favorite berry.  So I found a recipe and tweaked it to our needs.  If I do say so myself, it was delicious!

Here's the recipe:

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix (1 Tbsp. set aside)

2 Tsp. Cinnamon

¹/₃ C. Vegetable Oil

3 Eggs

¾ C. Buttermilk

¾ C. Sour Cream

1 Tsp. Vanilla

2 C. Fresh or Frozen (thawed) Blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9 inch square pans.  In a large bowl, gently whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla together.  Add cake mix (minus one tablespoon) and cinnamon into wet ingredients and stir until smooth.  Toss saved cake mix with blueberries and gently fold into batter.  (This helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom)  Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Frosting

1 block of Softened Cream Cheese

½ C. Softened Unsalted Butter

2 tsp. Cinnamon

Powdered Sugar

Buttermilk or Milk

Cream together cream cheese and butter until fully combined and smooth.  Add cinnamon and slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency (can be anywhere between 2 and 4 cups).  I typically add a tablespoon or so of buttermilk to the mixture.  Spread on cooled cakes.

Ever seen someone photo bomb a cake?  

Happy Birthday, Nolan!

A birthday was celebrated in our temporary housing on the Air Force base.  Nolan turned three on June 24th and had a fabulous day.  He was able to sleep in and spend the morning with Dad, Mom, Jack, Claire, and Grandma Laurie.

I love to make cakes for my children on their birthdays.  I typically go all out, making shapes of their choosing and decorating with lots of colors.  However, we are living in a "hotel" with very few options in my kitchen.  So I had to make do with what was available to me.  I think he was happy with his treat.

And just a tip: if you are stuck on what to give a toddler, (is three still considered toddler?) bubble wrap is always an excellent choice.  Thanks, Grandma!

Popsicles Make It All Better

Claire has been a trooper this trip.  She has sprouted two new teeth and now has a smile that Sloth from The Goonies would be proud of.  With teething, little ones sometimes get fevers, crankiness, and runny noses.  For three days our girl fought a pretty miserable fever.  She didn't want to eat or drink very much.  But give her a Popsicle and she tore it up!

Denali - It's a Small World

One thing that my Mom wanted to do while in Alaska was see Denali National Park.  After some research we determined that it was going to be a little tricky to do with three kids in tow.  Passenger cars are only allowed to drive 15 miles into the park and to see more you need to take a tour bus or train; which require car seats for those under 4 and at least six hours of your time.  So we agreed that we would make the drive and just explore those first 15 miles.

The day before the trip, Claire came down with a nasty fever and was up all night feeling miserable.  So, Adam, Jack, and my Mom loaded up with a picnic lunch and drove north to Denali, while Claire, Nolan, and I had a nice quiet day at home.  It worked out nicely for everyone.  And Claire is feeling much better.

My Mom caught her first glimpse of Mt. McKinley from over 112 miles south of the park entrance.  They stopped for lunch and were able to see the peak.  It wasn't a perfectly clear day but the tip was visible above the cloud line.

At mile marker fifteen they parked the car and were able to hike the Savage River Loop Trail.   The trail is just about two miles long and an easy walk with great views.

As you can tell from these shots, it was quite sunny.  Perhaps Jack needs a pair of sunglasses.

The hike followed the river and at times the walkway was covered with stones and in a few spots there was runoff crossing the path that they had to jump over.

I wasn't there, but I can almost guess that Jack had to throw a stick or a pebble into the river.  We can't get near a body of water without making a splash; in one way or another.

Savage River

At the end of the two mile hike, Grandma Laurie was tuckered out.  She asked Adam if he could go get the truck and pick her up.  However, the end of the path was past mile marker 15 and vehicles are not permitted.  Adam stopped in the ranger station to make sure he could drive the extra yards to pick up his mother in law.  When Adam was explaining to the guard that his mother in law was waiting for a ride another visitor teased Adam that he had tired her out on purpose.  Laughing, Adam started talking with this gentleman.  In conversation Adam learned that this man and his wife were from Northwest Ohio, near the lake.  More specifically - Oak Harbor.  Unbelievable.  Adam picked up Mom and the three Oak Harborites got acquainted.

Vicky & Jim from Oak Harbor

Although, they didn't know each other.  It was amazing to share a little bit of home way up here, in the Last Frontier.  It truly is a small world.

A Cow and Calf along the road in Denali

Heaven Next Door

One exit north from our neighborhood there is a beautiful area called, Eklutna Lake.  This lake and surrounding trails and campgrounds are a part of the Chugach State Park.  Adam and the boys explored the area one afternoon, while my mom and I were shopping in the farmer's market.  He had told us how nice the drive back to the area was and we decided to check it out for ourselves.  Boy, was he right.  And to think, this gem is practically in our back yard!  I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time at this lake.  Nothing better than a stay-cation that feels so very far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It was another HOT day in Alaska and we came prepared with suits, towels, and flip flops.  The water was much colder than Mirror Lake, but it was less crowded and the scenery was amazing.  A local told us that when she had visited the area, just one month ago, that there was still ice on the water.

There was a stream from the wooded area that led right into the lake.  It was quick moving and almost icy on our feet.  The boys involuntarily giggled at the contrast of the warm air to the brisk water on their toes, but it didn't stop them from pretending to build boats and bridges in the water and on the beaches.

The day before we visited the area there was a news story about a man that was attacked by a bear.  However, if you throw a piece of barbecued meat at a hungry bear, while riding a bicycle intoxicated, you may deserve a little interaction with a wild animal or two.

A Little Snow

After we spent the early afternoon riding a ferry boat to view the Portage Glacier, we made our way to Aleyska; a local ski resort.  At the resort we boarded a tram for a seven minute ride up the double black diamond mountain.


The view was spectacular.  We could see six more glaciers hidden in the mountains in the distance.

"Give me boost, MomMom."

At the top of the mountain there was still quite a bit of snow.  The boys LOVED it!  I heard, "Snowball Fight!" quite a few times.  Good thing I was able to use Claire as a shield.

Playing in the snow when it was 75 degrees out was pretty memorable.  But for some reason, we couldn't convince Grandma Laurie to do a snow angel.

Even Claire got in on the action.  However, she wasn't as thrilled as the boys, with that cold white stuff.

Happy Father's Day!

Portage Glacier

On Sunday we hopped into the car and drove down to the Kenai Peninsula.  We started our journey with a cruise to see the Portage Glacier.  This glacier is a part of the Chugach National Forest and is quite massive in size.  It rises 300 feet above the water line and it is a half mile long.  Another marvel of the natural world.

As you can see there were many chunks of ice floating in the water.  As the boat moved closer to the glacier the narrator made a statement about how our boat was made to withstand the ice in the water.  Didn't they say that about the Titanic, too?


The boat had an open observation deck and an enclosed area down below.  While sitting in the bottom area, the sound of the boat moving the ice chunks was quite eerie.  While Claire and I were indoors I made note of where all of the life jackets and rafts were, just in case.

It went from a warm 74 degrees to down right cold.  But I suppose being 300 yards away from a massive chunk of ice will bring about a little chill in the air.

When Nolan took notice of the ice floating in the water, he asked where the penguins were. I don't think he believed me when I told him there weren't any.  He kept his eye out for those elusive birds the whole ride.

Halibut Tacos with Greek Yogurt Cilantro Lime Sauce

Ever since we found out that we were officially moving to Alaska, Adam has been talking about Halibut and how this fish is so delicious and versatile.  With my Mom visiting he suggested that we have Halibut tacos for dinner.  It was a perfect dinner on this warm Alaskan night.

My Mom, Claire, and I had a girl's day out, while the boys went to the new house and tested out the trampoline.  We visited a few farmer's markets and at the South Anchorage Market we found a vendor with all sorts of fresh Alaskan fish.  We found our Halibut and the menu came together quickly.

This dish was pretty simple to put together and full of flavor.  I had it prepped and on the table to serve in under a half hour.  Not bad for a meal in a rental kitchen.

The sauce added a nice zing to it.  We are HUGE cilantro fans so we added double what the recipe called for and we used every last drop.

The seasoning for the tacos is a simple combination of Cumin, Paprika, and Onion Powder.  Add salt to taste before serving.

After dicing up the fish a bit I liberally seasoned up one side on the cutting board.  Once it was in the hot pan I added more of the spice mixture, along with a good amount of salt.

The fish cooks up pretty quickly.  It almost looks a little like ground turkey. The fish should be firm and no longer transparent when fully cooked.

We used corn tortillas for this meal; however, flour would be just as tasty.  I just softened them up in a medium heat, dry pan.

More cilantro, along with avocado slices and fresh Coleslaw rounded out the toppings for this summery dish.

We served this for an early Father's Day dinner for Adam, since we will be out exploring the beauty of Alaska on Sunday.  They boys cleaned their plates and Adam hasn't moved off the couch since finishing his meal.  I think that is a good sign that he was satisfied with his special meal.

Adapted from Here

Here's the recipe:

½  C.        Nonfat Greek Yogurt

4 TBS.      Chopped Cilantro

1               Diced Green Onion (green and white parts)

1 ½  T.     Ground Cumin

¾  T.        Paprika

¾  T.        Onion Powder

2 lb.         Fresh Halibut

2 tsp.        Vegetable Oil

                 Juice from ½ Lime

                 Coleslaw Salad Kit (I used Dole)

                 Ripe Avocado

                 Lime Wedges

                 Cilantro Leaves

                 Corn Tortillas

                

 In a small bowl, stir together yogurt with cilantro, green onion, and the juice of half a lime.  Set aside.  TIP:  If you make this ahead of time it will develop a more intense flavor.  Just store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Mix together Coleslaw with dressing.  Set aside.  Combine Cumin, Paprika, and Onion Powder in a small bowl.  Sprinkle spices on diced fish.

Heat oil until hot in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat.  Sauté fish until firm, no longer translucent, and slightly golden brown in spots.

Serve fish on warm corn tortilla shells and top with slaw, avocado slices, yogurt sauce, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Reindeer, Moose, Carrots, and Kisses

Before we moved to Alaska I started stocking up on Groupon deals for the area.  We were able to use one for a local Mexican restuarant, Jalapeno's.  It was delicious and I am sure we will go back.

When Mom came into town we redeemed a second certificate for The Reindeer Farm, located in Palmer, Alaska.  This was such a fun day!

The farm had a herd of Rocky Mountain Elk.  There was one male and his antlers were still in velvet.  The elk were still losing their winter coats, so they looked a little spotty.  We were warned that you could feed the elk, but to be careful because they had teeth and will bite.  That warning didn't make my boys shy, not one bit.

We had to keep a close eye on Nolan.  He would pick the shortest grasses to feed these hungry fellows.  I am not sure how Grandma and I would have explained the fact of a missing finger to Adam when he got home from work.

The farm also had a little pen that was full of chicks and bunnies.  Jack was able to catch a few of the birds and pose.  He's practicing for when we have our ranch in Montana.

The main attraction to the Reindeer Farm, was of course, the Reindeer.  We went into their pens as a group and were given little containers of food to share with these interesting creatures.  Their antlers were still in velvet and we were warned not to grab onto them because they are very sensitive while in this stage.  Did you know that both male and female reindeer have antlers?  I didn't either.

We took Claire into the pen in her stroller.  She wasn't too sure about these creatures that inspected her at eye level.  This fellow must have liked what he saw and gave her a sloppy kiss across the face.

Claire thought he moved too fast in their relationship and let everyone know it.

"Got any food, for me?"

Big Red

To feed the reindeer you put the pellets flat on your palm and then the deer kind of slurp them up.  Big Red and Jack formed a special bond.  However, when Jack's food dish was empty he moved along.  I guess it was a one sided relationship.

Meet Denali.  This Bull Moose has been at the farm for five years.  He was orphaned and the farm adopted him and bottle fed him.  Our tour guide compared his demeanor to that of a dog.  He was loyal, dependable, and loved snacks.  The boys were able to feed him Willow branches through the fence.

Jack and I were able to share a snack with Denali, as well.  However, the pig ate the whole carrot and didn't let me have one bite!!

He stole Jack's carrot, as well. He must have been hungry!