Echo Lake Beach, 2018

Our trip to Echo Lake Beach in Lincoln, New Hampshire every year reminds of what a beautiful place our state is. It also reminds me of how incredibly amazing mother nature is! The view is stunning...the lake meets the gorgeous mountains! Every year I look forward to this trip: we make amazing memories, my pictures always come out great and we are always in awe of the view.

Perfect example of memories made! The kids were so happy that they brought their boogie boards along. They paddled along side each other...splashing and laughing. 

Memories trapped in my heart forever!

The heavens above shining down on my little angels. It was such a magical scene!

Trying her best to pose for mama. She refused to wear a real swimsuit this summer. She says they are too tight...so 4 shopping trips, 3 swimsuits and 2 weeks later...she was finally happy with a sporty skort and t-shirt as her swimsuit!! Hopefully it's just a phase, but she still looks adorable.

As life should be...me sparkling with my babies! They give so much light into my life...I love being their mama!!

Our superman...daddy! Thanks for lugging our stuff, setting up the tent and umbrella, playing with the kids and relaxing with your wife! <3

My girl in her element...always be a water girl. I'm praying she won't grow up and move away to some island somewhere...lol.

Oh no Jake...what happened!

Giggles near the beach house. Hold it in my heart! The colorful floats were so fun, I had to get a picture with the kids!

Bye Echo Lake Beach...until next time! Thank you for the beautiful memories and pictures!

xoxo, Arianne

Learn more about this beautiful beach here:

ECHO LAKE BEACH

LILACS & PUPPETS

A little learning, a little fun!

We started our day at the library learning all about our state flower: the lilac.

My obsession with lilacs has carried on to my children and they were curious to know more,

A lovely lady from the International Lilac Society came and did a slideshow about lilacs.

(I didn't even know that existed...becoming a member asap;))

She told us where lilacs originated in New Hampshire...Little Harbor, Portsmouth 1775.

She told us about all the different colors lilacs come in.

She taught us how to care for lilacs. How to mulch them, how to prune them.

She told us about the state's effort to plant more lilacs and wild flowers around the interstates.

She also mentioned that you can request up to 12 lilac shrubs for your land...for free!!

SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT...keeping that in mind!

She told us about that New Hampshire Farm & Forest Expo that happens every year. Typically happens in Febrary. They hold a lilac photo contest every year as well. Any age can enter. 

More info here: www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org

Kids got this cute lilac activity book to take home. I tried to find a download on their website, but I didn't see one. Here's a link to some lilac coloring pages you can print out:

http://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/purple-lilac

We played around the library for a bit before heading home.

*MY SUNSHINE*

After the library we had lunch and went to the playground. After quiet time and dinner, the kids sillies came out and a puppet show was made.

The chef and the mermaid...making silly cooking fun!

I love their imagination. their magic!

Fills my heart...Arianne

LINK // http://www.internationallilacsociety.org/ 

Rainy Days + Baking = A Happy Heart

Such a cozy day!

I think we all can agree that it's harder to be cozy in the summer. The fall brings along the sweaters, the chilly evenings, the warm cider. Winter with it's cold invites you to curl up with a book and a blanket. Spring has it's breeze, picnics and tea parties. However, Summer to me does not scream 'COZY'. So when the forecast says 'RAIN'... I get excited!

In the morning I took the kids to the playground. They had fun and got their energy out. I knew I wanted to make soft pretzels for lunch, so we headed home around 9:30. (I have a FREE RECIPE PRINTABLE BELOW FOR YOU!) Just as we were pulling in, the sky got dark. As soon as I made my way to the kitchen... the sky opened up and the thunder rumbled.

When I realized our day would most likely be spent indoors I was encouraged to bake more. I decided to make banana bread as well as soft pretzels! For me, the rain and the baking was very relaxing. I felt more down to earth and homey. 

I love my little vases filled with cuts from the garden!

HERE IS YOUR FREE RECIPE PRINTABLE...ENJOY!

(Right-click, save as & print. By saving you agree to use for personal use only!)

Happy baking, Arianne