Apple Picking...

Our whole clan, Aunt Kel, Uncle Scott, Cousin Tanner, Yia-Yia and Granny all headed out to do some apple picking at Eckert's Farm this morning. We brought home enough apples to last us longer than they will probably keep (I even plan on making pjw a pie tomorrow) but it was the extra curricular activities that made the trip.

There were piggy races, one of C's favorites of course, pony rides and a petting zoo....it was great weather and the tractor ride into the orchard was a big hit with Chaney. Keaton spent most of the trip asleep in Granny's arms, but I'm sure she enjoyed being outside.

I was also thoroughly impressed with Miss Tanner's pony riding skills...I think she may need to join us for the big Ava Celebration next year. (Perfect riding posture!) C also loved the ponies and spent the entire ride making horse sounds. (In fact I had a hard time getting a picture that looks like she was having fun because she was constantly smacking her lips making her very realistic horse noises. We have already vowed to teach Keaton to make more cartoonish animal noises; neigh, oink, etc. Chaney sounds like the guy who takes Steve Martin and John Candy to the train station in Planes Trains and Automobiles...."Train don't run outta Whitchita lessin' you're a hog or a cattle"...does anyone else get that reference?)

Some pictures from the big outing...

Chaney is still sleeping....

I am recommitting myself to the blog this morning; at least one post a week...

As I type this it is 10:16 and Chaney is still sleeping. She had an extra large day yesterday, hitting her first parade in the morning and then parting with the Dirksen and Flemming girls at the Movies in the the Park last night. (that is 7 little girls...yes all girls for PJW and his two buddies...think thats God's payback for misbehavior in their younger days?)

All else is great here. Keaton is a happy baby, sleeping well and making our lives fairly easy. Chaney is hamming it up at every opportunity, bocking like a chicken, woofing at nellie-and every other dog that she passes....

Here is a picture of C at the parade yesterday....(it is now 10:27 and still not a peep from C)

First of all...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLA! Congrats to the Wade family...now one member larger! Yeah!!!

So we have been having all kinds of fun since my last post. We've been to the Zoo, The Botanical Gardens and Chaney is a regular at the City Children's Garden. (I've posted several pictures of all our adventures below) Needless to say we have all enjoyed the recent cooler weather!

The Lafayette Square bike race is today so we have plans later this afternoon to venture out into the streets to take in all the festivities. One of the races prior to the professional race is a tricycle race for the kiddos. I cant wait until the girls are big enough to enter; there are a couple of neighborhood boys who are regulars and i look forward to being able to tease their trash talking dads when my girls smoke their boys!

As I am sure you all have marked on your calendars, Tiger football starts tomorrow! Great Aunt Johnna (GAJ) sent the girls some new Tiger wear and we are all very excited about getting geared up for the big game. (They have had some pink Tiger gear in the past, but this is their first real black and gold team wear.) Getting into the football spirit I wanted to share a recipe for what is officially called "TACO SOUP"....but its become my new chili recipe...yummy! (Its super easy and taste even better reheated.)

Enjoy and GO TIGERS!!

1lb Ground Turkey
1 Small Onion (i use red)
1 pkg Ranch Dressing Dry Mix
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
1 can Pinto Beans
1 can Chili Hot Beans
1 can Whole Corn
1 can Mexican Flavor Diced Tomatoes
1 can Regular Diced Tomatoes

Brown the turkey with the onion and ranch mix then just dump everything into a large pot. (don't drain anything, dump juices and all) Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.

A few pics from the last couple of weeks....