Looking back at my childhood, playing outside was IT!

I remember skipping or running to my friends’ homes to see if they’d come out and play. As I grew a little older, wow did I cherished my bright yellow bike! It was every little girl’s dream bike complete with a banana seat and happy thumb-powered bell. Free as a bird I’d ride it aimlessly while blasting 70’s tunes on my round red radio. And how proud I was of that radio too! It was always tucked safely into a white wicker basket which was strapped to my brightly tasseled handlebars. Sometimes the radio would share the basket with a Barbie Doll and a box of animal crackers.

Life was simple.

Almost daily, neighborhood kids met at the nearby grade school to play hopscotch and jacks. We’d set up intense games of dodgeball and couldn’t wait for the next jumprope or hula-hoop competition. Among other activities we loved yo-yos, playing cat’s cradle, marbles and tag. I challenge you to get to know these games!

But aside from mixing it up with friends, you could often find me mixing it up with nature. I was mezmerized by MUDPIES! Ready with a big spoon and mom’s pie-pan approval, off I’d go to create my own muddy magic.

The Dandelion…ANNOYING OR ENJOYABLE?

Ahead of making the Dandelion Sunshine Pie with your kids, we can likely all agree that the hardy dandelion flower is most often considered an annoying weed. Well, to some dandelion gatherers, parts of it are unique ingredients in recipes and are considered to have health benefits.

For our Dandelion Sunshine MudPie recipe we’ll use them for the JOY benefits! We won’t be eating them, we’ll be decorating with them.

In the book The Shape of a Year, author Jean Hersey talks about the fun she had with dandelions,

“When I was a child dandelions were important to me. I remember blowing off the down to see what time it was. I remember also playing with the stems as little people. I would split the top end with my fingernail and watch it roll into curls.”

JUST GET OUT THE DOOR!

You’re not alone in thinking…seriously, where will I find time to make a mudpie of all things! I too have to force myself to drop the demands of the day. C’mon! Take just a few steps toward the door. When my feet start moving there’s a little hop and a lot of hope that there won’t be an interruption in the gap of time between each step. Once outside I breathe in and let the big sky hug me.

After that, Woohoo! It’s time to get busy in the mud!

Take your children outside, find a safe place to play, and invite your imagination to pour through. This Dandelion Sunshine Pie video shows some simple steps to creating the pie. This one’s for the kiddos! The Dandelion Sunshine Pie is quite elementary and I enjoyed it while keeping very young children in mind. Below is a playful recipe you can follow with your child. BUT!! This is their own mudpie, so change it up anyway they like! I’m just here to inspire!