The Great Wall

If you're ever in Austin, Minnesota it's a requirement to stop by the Spam Museum. There is no charge to get in, but you'll probably want to get some souvenirs before you leave.

In The Driver's Seat

We visit the MN Zoo several times a year. The kids always like to hop up on the John Deere tractor at the farm in the summer time and pretend to take it for a spin. Of course the water sprayers on the trails help cool things off as well!

Not Afraid of Warts

I know I posted a photo of Miss M yesterday too, but this one just gets me. She's a girlie girl but also a Tom boy. Picking up a toad or two or twelve doesn't phase her a bit.

Breathing Easier

Our summer started with a visit to the Mayo Clinic and a new asthma diagnosis. By now, we've adjusted to the new normal (her mom was a new asthma diagnosis too just a few weeks prior) and have bonded with our inhalers.

We can breathe easier.

Summer in Photos

For the month of August the Midwest Parents are going to post one photo a day to show what we've been up to this summer. It's a celebration of summer! We'll be back to our regular schedule in September.

Share your photos too. Post on your blog and leave your link in the comments!

Strawberry Shortcake: My Favorite Recipe

When these biscuits come out of the oven, the happiness in my house is palpable.  Everyone loves strawberry shortcake.  Can you think of a better summer treat? It's always good, whether you use the spongy store-bought cakes or an elaborate from-scratch family recipe, but I think the latter are best.   My recipe?  Not so from-scratch, but very, very tasty...I use the one from the Bisquick box (!) with one small addition. 

 Here's their recipe for delicious strawberry shortcake biscuits:
2 1/3 c Bisquick baking mix
3 T butter, melted
1/2 c milk
3 T sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 425*.  Stir all ingredients together until a soft dough forms.  Use a large spoon to drop biscuits onto a greased baking sheet (usually can get 6, depending on how big you want them to be).  Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.

**My addition:  Before I put these into the oven, I sprinkle them with a little bit of a cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds just a touch of sweetness.

You'll also need, of course, some sliced strawberries, soaked in a healthy amount of sugar,  whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream.

For a delicious end to any meal, begin by slicing the biscuit in half.  Top the bottom half with strawberries, ice cream, then cool whip in that order.  Place the top half of the biscuit onto the whipped cream.  Add a bit more whipped cream and a top it all off with a few more sweetened strawberries.

Come back for seconds!


photo credits:  ozmafan and karindalziel.

View from the Rooftop of our Florence Hotel...

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