happy birthday

If you have to turn another year older you might as well celebrate it with cake and champagne. 

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

sweater weather

Love this time of year. The temperature is falling outside and I don't even mind the rain. It put me in the baking mode, so I made a batch of muffins from Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix. At the store they suggested using their cider instead of water the recipe calls for, yum! If you're a pumpkin fanatic like me visit Trader Joe's right now - pumpkin waffles, pumpkin butter, pumpkin ravioli, spiced cider, organic canned pumpkin, pumpkin instant oatmeal, pumpkin cereal bars, pumpkin spice granola, pumpkin soup...the list goes on and on.

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

octobers

Black Creek Farm in Decatur.

Rubber ducky races.

Abigail pumping water.

The most adorable (and creative) ride for kids.

Mini pumpkin patch.

Feeding baby goats.

An old truck filled with pumpkins and hay.

Abigail and the scarecrows. 

Having so much in the wagon.

Picking out pumpkins to bring home.

Too cute for words.

Has her pumpkins all ready to go.

I'll wait here Mom, you go get the car.

What a wonderful day we had at the pumpkin patch.

It was Abigail's first visit to a pumpkin patch and Black Creek Farm couldn't have been more perfect. My mom and I just happened to stumble upon it while driving back to their property from shopping around downtown Decatur. It was so picturesque. Lots of pumpkin patches, big and small. A hayride with the most wonderful country views. A petting zoo (that was actually clean) with baby goats and baby chicks. Vintage wagons. And the most creative playground I've seen. The actual pumpkins themselves were even amazing, far better than what you can buy in the city. I just love having these pumpkins on my front porch. It was such a lovely afternoon, I can't wait until next year - a new tradition has been created.

*images courtesy of me and my iPhone

one day

Today started just as good at it ended, it couldn't have been more perfect. I stepped onto the scale this morning to discover I had lost ten pounds (since August). Abigail awoke in good spirits, once again. And Starbucks gave me my drink for free. Then I got to spend the afternoon with my parents and brother, each shopping for their new homes. Seeing Chance play with Abigail along the way just melted my heart. Later that evening Jonathan met us for dinner and we were surprised by my parents with a trip to Chicago. The two of us are headed to see my sister and future brother-in-law in November. Nana and Gramps are keeping Abigail. So excited for all that's to come next month. 29 might not just be so bad after all. 

And I have to say I'm really blessed to have such generous parents with big hearts. And so thoughtful too. They never ask for anything in return, just to pay it forward to our children. That's how amazing they are.  

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/

And I just had to share this picture Nana took of Abigail at Whole Foods yesterday playing on the tractor. She couldn't be more beautiful. 

amazing things

I might be celebrating a little early, but I'm less than a pound away from having lost ten pounds. I'd like to thank my previous primary care physician for asking me at my last visit if I was happy with my weight (eye roll) and the my fitness pal app. Without either I wouldn't be ten pounds lighter. Ok, well not entirely true, I'll pat myself on the back, because it's also due to my hard work and dedication - counting calories and working out. 

*images courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/rachelyanez/pins/