When we were normally putting Ben in bed for an afternoon nap instead we loaded him in the car and prayed he’d fall asleep right away.  He did.  We drove through some neighborhoods for slow quiet tours (and to let the munchkin sleep a little longer) then headed into Green Cove Springs, the town adjacent to ours.  Spring Park is on the river with a spring run and some rolling hills (in most parts of the country they would be considered bumps, but here in Florida they are rolling hills!), a beautiful playground, a pier, picnic tables and gazebos … and it all sits directly across from the police station – so it’s safe too!

It was a gorgeous breezy day so we headed for the pier first.  Ben had never experienced anything like it and he would stop and stare at everything around him, then give out a delicious scream before he’d run into the wind further down the pier.  We were pawns to his delightful whims.  He stopped to stare at the fisherman (who kept calling him a beautiful little girl) and he followed another couple who were walking along the pier as well … even stopped to hold their hands and eventually get picked up by the woman (they were obvious grandparents and immediately smitten with him).

As we walked through the park to the playground we noticed another young family, a couple with their little girl, all dressed in denim with white shirts and getting their pictures taken … in the large gazebo that sits on the water’s edge there was a wedding about to happen – the bride was standing off to the side with her bridesmaid and flower girl having some pictures taken … there were children at the playground arguing with their mom over who could ride the swing next … and there were squirrels everywhere playing around the tree trunks in between their stockpiling efforts.  As we put Ben in the swing the wedding began … if it’s starting to sound a bit too surreal – I was thinking the same thing – but this is how it really was! 

The best part was after we had given Ben his dinner bottle and rolled around in the grass a bit we noticed the birds lining the pier (probably discussing their plans for the night) and we had the bright idea to let Ben walk down and check them out.  He loved it!  Ran as fast as he could with his arms in the air hoping to catch one or all of them!

We couldn’t have asked for a better day at the park!  Can’t wait to go back!

If you’re going to prepare your corn indoors then I have found boiling it to be the yummiest.  Ever since Mother’s Day I have heard my sister chanting the instructions in my ear . . . “boil the water, season the water (butter, salt & pepper), add corn, ten minutes, and its perfect.”  Needless to say, to boil corn you’ll need to completely shuck and remove the silk.

Now for the great outdoors:  I speak of grilling, preferably over medium to medium high heat (for both versions).  I’ll offer up two versions of grilled corn, one with foil, and the other au’natural.

First, grab some aluminum foil, a large bowl of water, whatever seasonings you would typically use on your corn before eating, and your hot mitts.  After prepping the corn by removing husks and silks, place in the bowl of cold water for up to ten minutes.  Remove, slather with seasoning, and roll in aluminum foil pinching the ends to prevent leakage.  Place on grill for 15 minutes (sometime more – depends on the heat), turning once.  Use your hot mitts to turn and remove from the grill . . . there’s no one to impress with your burnt hands.  FYI – I opt to blend my own seasoned butter for this style of corn . . . I mix a spreadable butter with salt, pepper, fresh garlic, and a dash of cayenne.

This next type of grilled corn requires you to leave the husks on when prepping; do remove the silks though.  Once prepped, place entire thing, husks and all, in water for at least ten minutes.  When you remove it from the water go ahead and season it how you would like.  Again, I use the spreadable butter mixture I mentioned previously.  Now, the debate begins . . . you can either pull the husks back up and throw those babies right on the grill or you can tie the husks closed with kitchen string (or whatever variation you can arrange).  I have found that my corn cooks more evenly when I close the husks.  And for the record – I do not own kitchen string.  I can never remember it when I am shopping at places that carry it.  So, I peel the paper off of twist-ties and use the thin metal to tie the husks shut . . . works like a charm!

Hope you all enjoy your corn helf as much as I do . . . and if you’ve prepared too much, just give me a call – I’ll help!

The battle began mid afternoon Sunday and we were there with front row spots, kids in tow.  The babies acted as if there was nothing going on, but the cannons and muskets were a bit much for the older kids.  I have to be honest, it was really cool and with the right imagination you could block out the skyscrapers in the background and picture yourself watching one of many battles from the 18th and 19th centuries. 

There were activities for the kids too (older kids).  There were booths teaching kids the proper way to tie nautical knots, promoting free sailing lessons, and more.  The real learning came when you went aboard these vessels and were able to ask questions of the crew.  There was live music being performed throughout the weekend at the Landing and most restaurants opened their outdoor bars.  There were things for every member of the family to enjoy.

Please enjoy the pictures and mark your calendars for next year’s event . . .