Strawberries, Tomatoes and Squash, OH MY!

For the first time ever, we have planted a vegetable garden!

Before we planted, we consulted many friends and neighbors, seeking their advice. Since everyone had a different way of doing things, we decided that you pretty much have to just dive in and plant some things and see how they turn out. Then next year you do it again and apply what you have learned.

So we just threw everything into our garden box and hopefully everything can grow together in harmony. We have 20 Strawberry plants, 4 Goliath Tomato plants, 2 White Pumpkin plants, 1 Zucchini plant, and a mystery pumpkin plant that Libby brought home from preschool last month. We finished everything off with a border of Marigolds, because the lady at the nursery said they would keep critters away while giving the garden some color.

I hope she knew what she was talking about, because she also told me to plant the strawberry plants 6" apart, and after we planted them we read that they should have been 24" apart. So I hope we don't have a giant tangle of strawberries to keep under control. I will try to remember to let all of you know how everything turns out.

Pop Art

I am currently serving as the Cubmaster. This past week, I have been busy getting ready for 2 Day Camps. Each task that I had on my short list multiplied until I had a list 5 miles long. So I was not very helpful when my children came to me saying they were bored. When Hannah asked me if she could play with my big box of craft sticks, I answered with an automatic "No." Of course, she didn't listen, but she did stop bothering me for a while. Here is what she came up with. The funny thing is, if I had said, "Here guys, play with this box of Popsicle sticks - It'll be fun." They would have said that it was a stupid idea and that there was nothing to do. I suppose I should just be glad that she didn't glue them to the rug.

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Kabobs

We have only made these twice, but both times they have turned out great. This is my new favorite thing to make for a BBQ.

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbls lemon juice
1 Tbls brown sugar
2 (3 pound) boneless turkey breast halves
1 (16 oz) pakage of bacon
Fresh Pineapple Chunks, Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Onions, yellow squash, zuchinni or any other type of veggies that you want on your kabobs.

Cut turkey into 1" cubes. In a large bag, combine first 7 ingredients and mix well. Add turkey to marinade and let sit for about an hour, or more. Even overnight if you want to.

When its time to put together your kabobs, cut bacon slices in half and wrap each piece of turkey with a 1/2 strip of bacon. Then assemble your kabobs with desired fruits and veggies.
* For more bacon goodness, you could use a whole stip for each piece of turkey, but then you would need more bacon.

Grill kabobs until the bacon is all nice and crispy and enjoy. Makes about 10 kabobs with 4 pieces of turkey on each kabob. This will vary depending on how many veggies you put on the kabobs.

Bad to the Bone!

Steve's nephew Zachary and his new car.

Our Trip to Florida

On May 25th we headed to see Grandma and Grandpa Lauer in Florida.

All 7 of us!

Everyone had a great time. We celebrated some birthdays,

spent a day at The Magic Kingdom and got to ride on grandpa's boat.

The girls show off their new outfits.

Thomas got to celebrate his birthday
along with Grandma and his cousin Zach.

The boys found a place in the shade.

Just hanging around.

Spray bottle fans are a must when visiting the Magic Kingdom.

What a nice day for a picnic on the boat.

What's so funny?