Whale Watching

I've seen whales growing up in Alaska. They are amazing, awe inspiring creatures. But it has been a while since I have seen them in the water. (The last one I saw was dead on the beach). My husband sees them frequently, but I never seem to be looking in the right place when they come up.

This morning was the right day! I was still in bed enjoying the fact that I didn't have to get up - it is Saturday! My husband went out to check his crab pots (on his surf board, his new hobby) and when he came back he told us that their were whales right in front of our house. I still laid in bed.

Finally, I got up, made breakfast, ate breakfast, checked e-mail, had Child #1 get ready for T-ball and then made muffins. When husband came back (he had two crabs in his pots) he said the whales were still there. Sure I wouldn't be able see them, I grabbed the binoculars and took a look.

THEY WERE STILL THERE, JUST HANGING OUT. It was so awesome to see their heads come out, to see their fins and body's surface. It reminded me Child #3 when she just lays on my lap looking around, enjoying the moment. I watched and watched out our front window (in my pajamas for all the early morning walkers to see me:).

Suddenly, I dashed into the kitchen, I realized I forgot the muffins! I pulled them out a little darker than they are suppose to be, but they are still good. What a great way to start the day (and it doesn't hurt that it is Child #1's b-day!)

Kirstin

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
1 2/3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 T. pumpkin spice
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. canned pumpkin (I like to puree my own pumpkins)
1 c. chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir 6 ingredients. .Mix in eggs and melted butter and pumpkin puree. Add to dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon into mini muffin cups. Bake 10-15 minutes. (Use a timer if you're whale watching at the same time!)