Carving Pumpkins

We spent Halloween weekend with Katie and Levi at his family cabin outside of Union, OR. We drove over Thursday after work and stayed through Sunday. Friday morning we woke up ate breakfast and then carved our pumpkins. Claire wanted a "bear, bear, bear". I tried real hard but Owen thought it looked more like a pig and Claire oinked at it all weekend. So I guess it's a pig. Owen is really in to his shapes so as I cut he let me know what shape he wanted. "Star eyes, a triangle nose, and happy mouth mama". Brad is calling his pumpkin, Awesome. Sister Katie carved a Thanksgiving, Snowman, Pumpkin (i guess covering all the holidays). FUN!

Brad's Chicken House Project

I mentioned before that our chickens are living in a make shift home in the dog run until this chicken house in finished. Brad has made big progress, even in the rain. I will post a final shot when we move the girls in.

Papa and Amma Visit

Thanks Papa and Amma for watching us while Mom went to Zumba Thursday, and for all the Halloween treats. We had a blast making cookies and playing, love you!

We Got Chickens....and Eggs too!

I have wanted chickens since we bought this place. A friend at work is getting ready to retire and was looking to get rid of his chickens. We took ten off his hands. 4 young layers and 6 who will be starting any day. We have had a busy month so the chicken house isn't finished yet but we made them a make shift home in the dog run. Owen James is the best little chicken farmer you ever did see. He goes right in the pen, he'll feed them from his hand and loves collecting the eggs. Claire has yet to fall in love. We have had them 2 days and have collected 7 eggs, yippee!

In the Hen House: 2 Barred Rock - Owen has named both of them Oreo, 2 Rode Island Reds - unnamed, 2 Delaware - unnamed, 2 New Hampshire Reds - unnamed, 2 Araucana - both named Snickers.

Pig Tails

Fall Favorite - Apple Hot Toddy

Here is an idea for all of you like my dear friend Shaunna who are not excited about the Fall. I had one of these at the Edgefield last Fall and LOVED it!

After a day of picking your own apples in the orchard (or running to Freddy's), sit down on a fall evening with this wonderfully warm Apple Hot Toddy. It's an autumn delight that makes you feel warm and cozy.

Ingredients:
2oz. whiskey
1 tsp sugar
Hot apple cider
lemon wedge for garnish
cinnamon stick for garnish
2 whole cloves for garnish

Preparation
-Coat the bottom of a mug with honey
-Add whiskey or apple brandy
-Fill with Hot apple cider
-Stir well, garnish with lemon, cinnamon stick and cloves

The Pumpkin Patch, kind of...

For the third year now Uncle Doug has grown pumpkins in his garden for the kiddos. Today we went to pick them out. Owen choose a giant one (can't wait to clean that one out), and Claire chose a smaller one that is tall and skinny. I couldn't resist snapping a few extra shots, Doug and Kathy's property is so gorgeous, especially in the fall! Thanks Uncle Doug for the pumpkins.

Oh Sissy, What Have You Got Into?

Claire's latest crazy idea.....She was in the shop "helping Daddy" while I worked Monday. Next thing you know Claire has stuck both arms into the tailpipe of the Suburban (Brads ongoing project truck). Silly girl!

Fall Family Party

Thanks Auntie Molly for the Halloween goody bags. Thanks Great Grandma Jean for the wonderful Halloween books! Owen and Claire both wore this bib on their first Halloween. Cutie Pie!The happy couple.

Thanks Mom and Dad for bringing all the yard stuff for us, can't wait to see how everything looks! My parents grew these pumpkins in their garden for the kiddos. So fun!

We got together for a fall family party on Saturday. Thanks Auntie Martha and Uncle Mike for a great day. My kiddos love you all. What a blessing our family is. HAPPY FALL TO ALL!