Earlier this month, our family had the opportunity to visit the Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for their annual Maple Syrup Festival. We were excited to get tickets for this annual event; the festival was a great blend of nature, education, and, of course, delicious food!
National Ag Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the vast world of agriculture. As a 5th generation farm family, we live and breathe agriculture every day, and I thought it would be fun to get my kids’ perspectives on what farm life means to them. So, I sat down and asked them questions about growing up on the farm. Their answers were simple, honest and a reminder of why we love this way of life.
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| My kids helping this past fall during harvest K (13), R (8), L (9) and A (11) |
Easter is just around the corner, and if you're looking for an easy, yet delicious way to prepare your holiday ham, I've got the perfect recipe for you! This simple two-ingredient glaze creates a beautifully caramelized, flavorful ham that will be the star of your Easter table.
Over the years, our family has enjoyed visiting time and time again, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. This museum has become a favorite destination for us, offering interactive displays, well-preserved artifacts, and engaging exhibits for all ages. Best of all, admission is free!
When it comes to holiday baking, I love treats that are simple to make, delicious, and a hit with all ages. One of my go-to recipes that checks all the boxes is Oreo Balls. These little bites are rich, creamy, and let’s be honest — anything dipped in almond bark is a holiday winner! Plus, they’re great for making ahead, and the kids love helping roll and dip them. It's a fun family tradition we do every year.
Yesterday, before attending a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Board of Trustees meeting in Waterloo, Iowa, I finally took the time to stop at a place I’ve driven by countless times - the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. I’m so glad I did!
The museum is part of the Grout Museum District, which is a member of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. This heritage area is a network of museums and historical sites in the Northeast quadrant of Iowa that collectively tell the story of Iowa and the heritage of American agriculture. It’s an honor for me to begin my term this year as a board member for such an impactful organization.
