Apple Salsa

On Sunday we went on a hike up to some waterfalls near Snoqualmie Pass and spent a gorgeous afternoon together as a family.

We hiked through the woods and climbed on rocks.

(Some of the rocks we only pretended to climb.)

We felt the icy cold water in the gently flowing streams.

(Some of us felt it more than others, as Jace slipped right into the shallow stream precisely 3 seconds after taking this photo, and no less than .04 seconds after I reminded him (again) that the rocks in the water were very slippery and would he please stop jumping and running!).

We now know that REI quick-dry hiking pants are worth the money.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day. It felt like it was still summer, with just a hint of fall, and being in the fresh air of the mountains, surrounded by such beauty and taking the time to just be was simply… the perfect way to spend the day.

As we were hiking back down the trail we got into a discussion about 1st grade science and the three states of matter–solids, liquids and gases. After having been thoroughly quizzed myself I decided to turn the tables and challenge the boys a little. (I’m not sure if they remember, but I was a science major in college.)

“Okay, Mr. & Mr. Smartypants, then what would a bubble be classified as?”

“Um, a solid!”… “No, wait–it’s hollow, so it’s a gas!”… “But it has a shape, so, it’s a solid that came from a liquid”… “It’s all three!”

I realized they were both partially correct with all of their answers. Then I realized, I didn’t know the exact right answer either. I encouraged Jace to ask his teacher what she thought at school on Monday.

That conversation (after first discussing what boxes, balloons and many other things would be considered) then turned to questioning common thoughts. And questioning authority. And stretching oneself to think outside what is thought to be fact or “the norm”. And thinking outside the box.

I swear, we have some of the best conversations while hiking.

I know I learn the most and am the most creative when I think outside the box. Today, I decided to do just that, and the results are simply delightful.

I have professed my undying love for apples before. Remember Apple Week last year? There was Applesauce Done Lazy, ‘Papa’s Apples’ Apple Crisp, Healthier Waldorf Salad, Apple Cider Donuts, and even Apple Chili.

I have a thing for apples.

Today I thought outside the box bubble and took apples back to summer, with just a hint of fall, just like our hike on Sunday.

I don’t even need to tell you how good this is, do I? You just know, I can tell.

Fresh salsa in October?

It might be unconventional, a stretch from the “norm”, perhaps.

But sometimes the best things come from stepping outside the box bubble.

Trust me, I was a science major.