DC Zoo and Natural History Museum

A few weeks ago we did some DC sightseeing and visited the DC Zoo, as well as the Natural History Museum.  Both were a little more crowded than we expected due to school field trips, but we had fun and got to see many animals and exhibits.  (Just to clarify - we did not visit both on the same day - that would have been brutal!). 

Growing up close to DC, we visited the museums downtown often.  It was a lot of fun to be able to go there with my kiddos!  The Hubby was especially excited to see the "big cats" aka. the lions and tigers.  They did not disappoint!  I had also forgotten how cool their monkey house is - with wires crisscrossing the zoo allowing the monkeys to climb overhead.  That was my favorite part! As much as we love the Baltimore Zoo, it was fun visiting a the DC Zoo with different animals.  

A few days later, we decided to tackle the Natural History Museum.  I wasn't quite sure what Alexia would like the best, but after visiting each exhibit, she found her favorite in the gems room...a girl after my own heart.  She loved seeing all the different rocks and gems, and the countless shapes and colors.

We drove down into DC both days and found parking pretty easily.  Even though the DC Zoo is free, the parking is $22.00 so definitely carpool if possible, or the metro is another option.  Summer Fun continues! - says the village idiot  

Popsicle Making 101

One of the edible items on our Summer Fun list included making popsicles.  I have memories of making popsicles with my mom growing up so I was very excited to do this with my kiddos.  What made this Popsicle Event even, ahem, sweeter, was making the popsicles using strawberries we picked ourselves.  

There are many pick-your-own fields in Baltimore and I try to take advantage as often as possible!  A few Saturdays ago, I called to make sure the fields at PeachBerry Farm were ripe for picking, and we headed out for some strawberries.  PeachBerry is a farm in Glen Arm, owned by Weber's Cider Mill Farm.  

We picked about 6 pounds of strawberries in 30 minutes, with Alexia eating her fair share while we were there.  

I wasn't planning on making popsicles, but after a couple days of eating strawberries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I realized I needed to do something before our bounty went bad. (For those that Can, I hear you.  I would love to pick and can my own strawberries someday soon - maybe next year). 

I got out my blender, and Alexia got out her stool, and we began the process.  I found some recipes for popsicles on Pinterest, and decided to make several variations of strawberry popsicles.  We used molds like these from Ikea.  I bought them several years ago so they look slightly cuter now!  We used about 8-12 blended strawberries to fill each mold.  Some variations we made included some with Greek yogurt, some with honey, and some with both yogurt and honey.  

We put them in the freezer for 24 hours and enjoyed them the next day after lunch!  The strawberry-only pops were definitely not as sweet as the other variations.  The pops with yogurt were slightly smoother in texture but also not as sweet.  The pops with yogurt AND honey were sweet and smooth!  All 3 variations were actually very filling and a pretty substantial dessert!  

From growing our own veggie garden in the backyard, to picking our own fruit and veggies at local fields, I love introducing my kids to where our food comes from, aka THE GROUND, not just the grocery store.  

Last but not least, a family selfie taken after the hard work of picking strawberries! - says the village idiot