Sisters.

I have ten.

Every one of them is crazy-fun.

Can you tell?

Fall Treats

Something about fall makes me feel warm, cozy and happy.

Yummy fall foods do the same.

This week, I made the most delicious butternut squash soup I've ever tasted. I think the apples made all the difference. Find the recipe here.

I also made pumpkin muffins with dark chocolate chunks from this recipe. Heaven.

What are some of your favorite fall foods to make? I am ready for more!

Don't Rain on My Parade

We just went to this.

It was the best possible way we could have spent our Saturday morning. I can't believe I've lived in Provo for 8 years  (I know.) and this was my first time going.

Ellie was mezmerized the whole time. She kept boppin' her head to the beat of the bands and screaming with joy whenever she saw puppies. Clay enjoyed the candy we caught "for Ellie" and I liked the dancing and singing the different BYU groups did. We couldn't hack the long line for the free blue chocolate chip pancakes, but since we will be going every year from now on I guess there's always next time!

P.S. We saw NieNie and Mr. Nelson!

P.S. (again) Sorry for the lack of photos. Ellie dropped our camera and it is no more. :( Know of any good deals on good cameras?

Check it

I work with some pretty talented people on this little magazine and I just finished my second issue as editor. Take a look here. I think you'll like it. And please send your comments and suggestions my way! 

P.S. We are hiring. Go to to ldwmagazine.com for details :) 

FEELIN' TRIPPY

Our good friends Ben and Mollie invited us to a weekend getaway in St. George.



The guys prepped for their 18 holes with a trip to the Fiesta Fun Family Center's driving range. They also got hit on by some cougars who said they warmed up the range for them. (I might be using the term "cougars" loosely. They were probably in their early 30s.)

We went to Iggy's to watch the BYU Football game.
Go Cougs! (The BYU kind—not the kind that hit on our men.)



Mollie took some  "pasta portraits" to demonstrate how great our Olive Garden all-you-can-eat pasta for $8.95 deal was. We felt a little full afterwards!

 Another Iggy's picture because Blogger won't let me put the pictures in the order I want. :)

 

Ellerina loved kicking around the pool on the paddle board. She is such a water baby!
We kept dunking her under and she didn't mind.

Picnic at the Pool



Water fight! My favorite part of this picture is Mollie's little prego belly stickin' out.

  

Family shot with the sweet pool(s) in the background


Thanks, Smokin'shaws!

State Pride

We love our annual tradition of going to the State Fair. This year was especially fun because we got to show Ellie all the good stuff — the carnies, the deep-fried everything (including alligator and swordfish. Really? That's gotta be fresh.) and her favorite — the farm animals.

Gotta have cowboy boots!

I think we were meant to be farmers.

This chicken's "hair" is hilarious! Reminded me of Ellie's when it used to stick up.

This hen had a ton of baby chics under her wing. It was so cute how she was so protective of them.



First pony ride. She was concentrating.


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Lovin' the goats

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Family shot on the hay

 Cows, cows, cows

I had to include this picture of the mama pig with her piglets. She was wiped out. I would be too if I had to nurse seven babies at once. Yikes!


On that note, we highly recommend to the State Fair. There is a lot to see!







Come with us on a ...

Road trip to Seattle.

First, we'll stop in the one-horse town of Snowville, Utah.

We'll make our way to the Dollar Store in Jerome, Idaho, where Ellie had her first shoplifting experience (she would not let go of that pink necklace. In case you were worried, we did go back and pay for it).

We'll stop in Boise, Idaho to spend the night . . .

And pick up the next day with a stop for some good eats at the delicious Rainbow Cafe in Pendleton, Oregon.

Of course we'll stop at one of the huge warehouses full of fresh fruit and have some homemade ice cream and peaches.

After two days (14 hours) of driving, we'll meet up with people we love and go to the best farmer's market known to man.

We'll go home with our fresh salmon, chicken, raspberries, and peaches and head to the park for a barbecue.

The next day, we'll get Fish 'n Chips from Ivar's and take a ferry across the ocean to Whidbey Island. 

 

 

We'll play at the park and pick wild blackberries.

Next, we'll visit the quaint oceanside town of Coupeville.

 

Then drive to Deception Point — Ellie's first time at the beach!

{The sand was delicious.}

On our way back from the beach, we'll stop at a beautiful bridge.

The next day, we'll head to downtown Seattle and see the famous Pike's Place Market.

{Can you find us?}

We'll stop at a French creperie ...

Then drive to Alki Beach for pizza with friends. 

Can't wait to see you again, Seattle!

Kami and Alex — thanks for taking such good care of us and for letting us crash at your place. You were awesome tour guides and we had such a memorable time!