Random Happenings...

I know that many women Yankees fans like them because they have a crush on either a) Derek Jeter or b) Alex Rodriguez.  But they haven't seen anything yet.

This one is seriously the cutest person in a Yankees hat...ever.

Taylor had a tournament this past weekend on Saturday our two games got rained out so we all went to dinner.  Here is Taylor showing the boys how to do a toothpick star...

We decided to hit the pool one day.  It was a little overcast but they still had a great time and no lines!

Hinckley is still in love with his mower.  He loves the sounds it makes and it blows bubbles.  Can't beat that!

Do the zoo!

While I was gone, Hinckley was well taken care of by Max's mom on Friday and for half the day Monday.  Max is Hinckley's little friend...who looks just like him.  Yesterday was Max's turn at our house so we decided to "Do the Zoo".  

The boy's loved the tigers.  They both fell asleep after we left the zoo, but right after waking up Max kept talking to Hinckley about it.  "Hinckley and the tiger.  Roar." And then he would laugh.  Then Hinckley would laugh.  They kept this going for about 10 minutes.  Too cute.

The seals were up close to the window because they had drained the water.  One seals feet (feet?) were right on the glass and Hinckley kept trying to tickle them.

Loving the penguins.  

They were excited to see the animals, but a little unsure about the goats that kept sticking their heads out of the petting hole.

The train, of course, was a big highlight.

Treats at home after the zoo.

These boys.  Max trying to get Hinckley wet and then working together to get Kyle,  who is on the other side of the fence.  I have a feeling these two are going to cause mischief of one kind or another.  (Goodbye Maurice Sendak.)

Over the river and through the woods...

Well, not really, but we did head south to Indianola for our annual visit to Walnut Ridge Tree Farms to cut down our tree.

Right before we arrived, my little adorable feel asleep so we got to hang out in the car while the rest did the hunting.

Photography by McKay

Despite their best efforts, a tree was not to be found.  We had a feeling it would be a bit difficult this year as last year it seemed like the trees over 9 foot were in short supply...and we were right.  Fortunately they  have a sister farm, so to speak, and they were able to bring in larger trees cut down just a week ago.  We ended up with a beautiful Fraser Fir and 4 fir swags for the lights and one for the front door.  Pictures to come when we are finally done decorating.

We'll look forward to next year when they should have some ready to cut down in the size we need!

Center Grove Orchard

On Monday Hinckley and I set out for Center Grove Orchard.  We normally go as a family but this year has been too busy.  I knew my time for apples was beginning to dwindle and I need to can applesauce this year, so off we went.  My friend Emily joined us and we had a nice, quick trip.  It was pretty cold, but we did enjoy warm apple cider donuts and left with 6 bushels of apples, 8 donuts, 8 caramel apples, and 2 gallons of apple cider.

Guess who loved the donut?

So excited to play with the goats...this little guy LOVES animals.  He just kept putting his fingers in and giggling.  One little goat thought Hinckley's finger was a snack, but he still had a good time.

Checking out the chickens.

Farmers Market Fun

Sumac Pepper Roasted Halibut, Roasted Cherries (yes, cherries!) and Asparagus, grilled ciabatta w/herbs and garlic

Farmers Market finds on Saturday...Coyote Farms eggs, Iowa Maple Syrup, Missouri Peaches, Hassevort Tomatoes, Bell, Onions and Squash, La Mie Baguette, Black Raspberries, Reinhardt Sugar Snaps and fresh garlic!  

Baguette with herbed Quark (The Cheese Shop), grilled zucchini, Prosciutto, tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic

My aspiring chef!

Cucumber, Zucchini and Carrot Salad w/Apricot Dressing, Grilled Filet Mignon, Roasted Balsamic new potatoes and Parmesan roasted heirloom tomatoes.

Peach and Black Raspberry Cobbler.