Wilmot Reunion Fun!!

This weekend was Grandma Wilmot's 85th birthday party! All of Matt's cousins on that side of the family were able to come, even the cousins from Utah made the trip (we missed their parents Connie and John who are serving as mission president in Ohio). It was so fun to have everyone together and get caught up!

On Friday the gang went out to Waterton and probably did everything you would normally do in a week all in one day! The activities included climbing red rock canyon, hiking bears hump, lunch by the lake, and exploring the townsite. I was working so I had to miss out on those adventures but it definitely sounded like they had a blast! While they were climbing red rock some of the crew wanted to head back to town so they took our car (including Matt's wallet) and left a minivan to transport all the climbers back. Once their adventure was complete they all pilled in and sped down the road back to Waterton. Of course Matt was not going the speed limit because he wanted to hit the 'lemon drop' and bring back some memories for his Utah cousins. Just his luck, he go pulled over by a park ranger and got a ticket for not having his licence on him, even though he explained the situation to the officer. LAME! It was for $170.00; I guess it was a good price for the memory? 

Saturday was the day of the party. The Porter cousins came out to the Gough's house for some go karts and rock climbing before it was supposed to start at three. It was such a nice day that we couldn't resist the urge to do some bridge jumping as well! I love bridge jumping!! Plus, we had an awesome crew to go with! 

 

The party was at the Beattie farm. We had lots of good food, an astrojump, a huge cake, and lots of good company! After dinner, the boys played ultimate frisbee and mini soccer, and sweat like crazy in the heat. The little girls had fun playing dress-up in grandma's dresses and all the kids had a blast on the astrojump. We were even able to snag a family group shot (it was quite a feat with this many people)! 

 

It was an awesome party! One of the best parts about having a blog is that it gives me an opportunity to reflect on my life. I am so grateful to have huge families who are fantastic company and who we can call friends! We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing people!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Food Friday: Aunt Rayma's Buns

My Grandma Oviatt makes the most delicious buns I have ever tasted! They are to die for and I look forward to having them every time I go to her house. Growing up we would go visit her and the house would be filled with the smell of fresh baked buns. I have always wanted to be able to make her buns and maybe one day achieve the welcoming atmosphere that can only be achieved by the sweet aroma of baking bread. I got Grandma's recipe once but at first glance it seemed pretty difficult and I never feel like I have the time to pull it off.

I have found my solution... my Aunt Rayma's buns! Her recipe is so easy and best of all only takes three hours max. Added bonus... they are delicious! The recipe calls for 'fermipan yeast' and I have only ever made it using that particular brand but I'm sure that another kind of yeast could be used as well.

Disclaimer: These are not the healthiest buns on the market. I feel like with the recent 'health kick' I need to point out that in our house buns are not a staple and when I do make them Matt gets very excited because they are a treat. When we have kids and if I wanted to make home made bread on a regular I might try to find a healthier recipe. For now I love how these buns taste and I will probably stick with this recipe for a while.

Here is the recipe:

• 3 cups warm water
• 8 tbsp sugar
• 6 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp yeast
• 2 eggs
• 7-8 cups flour

1. Mix yeast and four cups of flour in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl whip eggs, sugar, oil, and water. I do this in my mixer so that I can easily convert to a dough hook later.
3. Add the flour/yeast mixture and blend well.
4. Add salt and remaining flour. Change to the dough hook when needed. The dough should be elastic and soft. 
5. Let rise for fifteen minutes. 
6. Punch down. Do not knead. 
7. Let rise for another fifteen minutes.
8. Punch down and form buns. 
9. Place buns on a greased pan, cover, and let rise in a warm place for one hour.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 mins, or until brown on the bottom.
11. Take buns off pan and brush with butter. Cover and let cool for a bit. *This steps makes the buns nice and soft.

Enjoy!! I love this recipe as dinner rolls but I have also added a little extra sugar and made it into cinnamon buns... also very delicious! 

Canoeing the Milk River

I think I met my sun quota for the year yesterday when we went canoeing down the Milk River with Matt's family. It was a lot of fun and a gorgeous day! Karen is an expert on the river and could probably work as a guide all year round. She knew all the fun places to stop and swim, as well as some cool sites to find native american carvings in the rock and even a rattle snake pit!

Matt and I got to ride in a canoe together and even though he had never steered a canoe before he was determined to ride in the back because "he's the boy". For the first little while we had some set backs but he got it figured out pretty quick and me made it down the river without flipping our canoe.

I am so grateful to have in-laws that like doing such fun things and who will organize adventures like this one. I love hanging out with them and playing with all the kids. I am excited to one day have kids and add to this huge, fun, family!

Happy (Belated) Canada Day!!