Have Fun This Spring

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snowstorms behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits, away from the electronics indoors. We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with suggestions of fun activities for the entire family.

LAYERED STRAWBERRY TRIFLE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

SYRUP:
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup water
LAYERS:
12 ounces pound cake or butter loaf (store bought is ok)
8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 cups fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the lemon syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, lemon juice and water to a boil over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar completely. Let cool.
2. Slice the cake into 3/4-inch slices. Brush lemon syrup over both sides of each cake slice. Quarter each slice.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and slowly add the cream. Continue beating until the mixture resembles soft whipped cream.
4. Arrange half of the cake pieces in the bottom of a glass serving bowl or dish (2 quart size is sufficient). Spoon half the cream-cheese mixture over the cake in dollops; spreading to the sides of the dish. Scatter half of the strawberries on top. Repeat layering with cake, cream cheese and berries. Pile additional strawberries on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate until chilled (about an hour). You may also refrigerate overnight.