{Foxy!

 

We woke up on Thanksgiving morning to this beauty resting in our backyard!

{White-Trash Turkey Fry

This has been on Todd's bucket list since we were married.  He has always wanted to fry a turkey.  Call me crazy, but Thanksgiving dinner has always been one of our "classiest" dinners as a family and this felt like anything but classy.  We were cooking our main course in our driveway (Todd sitting in the back of the car) and grease was splattering everywhere.  Our neighbors would drive by all dressed up and we were still in work out clothes from the morning's turkey bowl!  I guess that's what memories are made of.  All in all, the turkey wasn't bad and we might do it again if Todd promises me we can do it in the privacy of our own backyard!

 

 

 

 

{Halloween day...

Jackson and Sam carving pumpkins (last minute like usual!) 

 

All ready to head out trick or treating!

 

{Penguins and Parties!

J and his buddy Sam, the rock star.

Ms. Whitney and Ms. Baertlein.... so great!

Sammy's little preschool is right across the street from the Jr. High so they marched on over for a costume parade.  The Jr. High kids loved it and Sam got more candy there then he did on Halloween night!

 

 

 

{Sambo turns 4, Scooby style!

 

 

 

 

 

{Labor Day Weekend...

Jackson has been begging Todd to take him up a 14er all summer long.  Some of his buddies at school have gone with their dad's and I think he was feeling a little left out.  Luckily Todd loves to hike, especially the Colorado 14ers!  They decided on an easier mountain to ease J into it and Sherman was picked. 

Our whole family drove to the trailhead late on Friday night (since we were planning to stay in the Breckenridge area Sat, Sun and Monday).   We had hoped to camp but by the time we got there it was late and very dark, so we blew up the air matress and all 4 of us snuggled up in the back of the Tahoe!  That is how memories are made!!!  Todd and Jackson were up at the crack of dawn and started their ascent.  Sammy and I (thanks to the uncomfortable night in the car) were able to spread out a little and we slept in until 9!  By the time we got up, re-packed the car and got on the trail ourselves, Todd and Jackson were done.  We met them at an old abandoned mine near the trailhead and explored for an hour or so. 

We spent the rest of the weekend riding bikes, hiking and enjoying the company of some dear friends!



This is our 3 year old going off a "jump."  He is fearless!   

{Pear Heaven...

I have been canning up a storm!  Ok not really, but it's more than I usually do.  So much fun!  The weather has cooled down this week and it actually kind of feels like fall (my favorite time of year).  So when I broke out the cinnamon, nutmeg and my big box of pears it was like a little piece of heaven. 

And because everything (and everyone!) looks a little bit better with an accessory or two here are some canning labels for you to download if you are so inclined!       

{Romas and Onions and Chilies, Oh My!

It has been the week of salsa!!  I think I'm sweating it... garlic, tomatoes and chilies.  What fun though!  I look forward to this time of year when I can stock my food storage room with yummy, homemade salsa.  Last year was the first year I attempted it (thanks to a dear friend who held my hand the whole way.  Why is it that canning is so intimidating?)  We made up our own recipe and threw ingredients in based on taste.  It was good, but this year's salsa is FAB!  I've included a copy of the recipe we used below.  Now get some girlfriends together, fire up the grills and get canning!

It's a really good thing Todd likes salsa because he forgave me pretty quickly when he saw what I did to our dining room table!  I would highly recommend placing hot jars on at least 2 towels (or better yet, glass)!  I think another table painting session is in order! 

{Preschool. Year 2...

I love this little man with all of my heart!  I think we are both ready for preschool to start however.  He's been asking me for almost a month when he could see Ms. Carol and Ms. Robin again (I love them too, btw!).  Here's to a fun year Mr. Sammy!

{3rd Grade...

Jackson woke up pretty excited to head off to school today.  I want nothing but the best for this little guy... go get 'em J!

Every first day of school is so much better with a great pair of kicks.  Aren't they cute?

 

{Lunch Box Love Notes...

Well, tomorrow is the BIG day.  Back to School.  To me that means back to routine (which I desperately crave!).  This summer has been SO fun and I am sad to see it go but I'm also excited for what comes next.  The first day back to school can be a little intimidating for a lot of kids.  Jackson (who is super outgoing!) told me that he was even a little nervous.  Well, the mom in me kicked in and I went on the hunt to make our transition into 3rd grade a little less nerve wracking!  Here's what I found...

Lunch Box Love Notes!  What kid wouldn't want a little encouragement from his mom in the middle of his big day back?  

Download HERE courtesy of Silverbox Creative Studio

Download HERE courtesy of Paper & Pomegranates

 

 

Download HERE courtesy of Picklebums

 

 

 

 

Happy Back to School Days!

{Trying to fit it all in...

With school starting on Thursday we've been busy trying to fit in all of our last minute summer fun.  On Monday I took the boys down to Pueblo to float the river.  It was the perfect day!  Super sunny, and the water was calm.  We went with a bunch of friends from church and had ourselves a little back to school adventure! 



 

Today we met Grammies up at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  This is the last week of the Pirates exhibit.  Super cool!