Scrapbooking, Granola Bars and Snow!

This past weekend was my annual scrapbooking retreat. I always have a blast spending time with family and friends, getting lots accomplished in my albums (of course having a baby along makes it a little less productive!) and looking for good deals at the outlets. Having my Mom, Aunts and Cousins there was a huge help with Callie since there were plenty of ladies willing to hold Callie and entertain her when she was awake and not entertaining herself! Back at home, the older kiddos had a blast with Daddy. They worked outside, played games and did a great job keeping the house in order (even the kitchen!). Oh, and Brian decided to shave his head while I was away ... but the good news is that it will grow back (so all you bald headed buddies of Brian better enjoy it while it's here and be grateful I went on my retreat)!

For all my fellow scrapping family and friends who requested the granola bar recipe that I brought along, here you go ...

Granola Bars
~2 1/2 c. oats
~1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
~1/2 c. pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
~1/4 c. ground flaxseed
~1 c. almonds, chopped
~1 tsp. sea salt
~1 tsp. cinnamon
~1 tsp. vanilla
~1/2 c. raw honey
~1/4 c. peanut butter
~1 c. dried fruit (I use cranberries)

~Preheat oven to 315*
~Combine oats, coconut, seeds and nuts - spread out evently on bar pan (I use my large pampered chef stone) and toast for 15 minutes.
~Combine honey, peanut butter, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in saucepan over low heat to dissolve honey and peanut butter until smooth.
~Mix oat mixture, honey/peanut butter mixture and dried fruit together very well to combine all ingredients and coat evenly.
~Press into bar pan (I use my stone again) very well using something hard and flat to press down into pan.
~Bake for 20-25 minutes, let cool and cut into bars/squares using sharp knife (I find it best to cut before completely cool or they are much harder to cut). Store in an airtight container.

Today we have already gotten over a 1/2 ft. of snow! I love snow ... of course I am really looking forward to spring, but if it's going to be freezing cold anyway then snow is nice! The kids can't wait to go out and play, but we're trying to wait for it to stop first then we'll venture out! We'll probably end up with at least 8-9 inches which is our best snowfall all year ... in March ... typical PA weather!

Hopefully everyone else has a great snow day!