{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!