Ithaca Science center

Over break we packed up the car and headed out to Ithaca Science 

center to meet up with a long time friend Leah and her two little girls. It had been a year or so since we all met up, but no matter how much time passes we still are able to pick up right where we left off. I love that no pressure type of friendship. Her girls are adorable (and so well behaved might I add) and spending time with them is always a great time. 

cone heads for everyone! 

Quick lunch at Friendly's before we went to play for the day. 

Hover craft rides!!!

How does wind work??

Endless water toys...Riley was in love!

Hey! Let's make some electricity..shall we?!

Look at THAT train table!

Let me show you Riley....this is what sinks....THIS is what floats.

3,...2,....1....Blastofffff!!!

This magnet = super cool!

Water ramp/slide thing. Riley was soaked by the end of this exhibit,...so soaked I had to buy her a tee shirt just so she wouldn't freeze!

So THIS is how my skeleton works!

Look Mom! I'm touching a star fish!

I'd have to say that this was the coolest kids museum I've been to with the girls....it rocks! Everyone was so friendly (like everyone you meet in Ithaca) and it wasn't packed with a million kids which I loved even more. The girls really didn't want to leave...there were endless exhibits to play with (a lot more hands on than any other place I've been to). I'd highly recommend it to anyone with kids. Plus, teachers get in for FREE year round....LOVE it! We can't wait to get back this summer to play in their huge outdoor play area....so looking forward to that! 

Wonder Works

A few months ago we were able to visit Wonder Works at Destiny USA.... It was Teacher Appreciation Week so we all got in for free, who doesn't LOVE free stuff!? I love being a teacher....I REALLY love when teachers are recognized for their hard work and get treated extra special with extra perks like this =) The entire family was able to enjoy the displays and hands, unbreakable toys.The girls had a great time running around and playing....and maybe learning a thing or two =)

Hey! Let's play in a rocketship! 

Gigantic piano...we need this in our basement.

This light up wall was by far the coolest thing there, in my opinion.

Huge bubble area,  Riley's favorite part! We made some kick ass bubbles if I do say so myself. 

Kenzie's first simulator ride....she LOVED it, I had a heart attack the entire time she was in there.They filliped upside down like it was their job....She's fearless,... just like her Dad. 

Pizza Pizza!

If you are anything like our family, we can eat pizza everyday. And although it is quite delicious to get it right from a pizzeria, the cost can add up. That's why we've made it a tradition in our house to make our own personal pan pizzas during the week. Do we still pick up pizza from the shop every once in awhile? Absolutely, but it's just as easy to make at home. Here's what you need....

Traditional "cheese pizza"

Frozen bread dough

Don Pepino's pizza sauce

Mozzarella cheese

variety of toppings

My favorite "Buffalo chicken pizza"

Frozen bread dough

Ken's blue cheese

hot sauce

chicken

mozzarella cheese

The toughest part is stretching/rolling out the dough. My advice is to take the bread dough out of the freezer and let it defrost and "poof" for a few hours....be sure to place a damp towel over the bread... when it's room temperature cut off a baseball size piece of dough and dredge it with flour, this will prevent sticking. Slowly stretch the dough from the inside out. Personal pan size seems to work out great with this technique...I've tried bigger pizzas, but the dough ends up tearing....the thinner the better...you'll be surprised how thick it gets after it's been in the oven.

Like any pizza stretch the dough....add the sauce, cheese and toppings. For the buffalo pizza, stretch the dough, add the blue cheese, hot sauce, chicken and mozzarella cheese. Put in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes....

You really can recreate any pizza at home. My daughter enjoyed a ranch style pizza with chicken and cheese, BBQ pizza, or broccoli, garlic and cheese. Try it out and let me know how it goes!!