Pumpkin Patch

A few weeks ago we headed out to the country again - this time to pick a pumpkin. We didn't actually pick pumpkins but we did buy one for Lyla along with a spaghetti squash that we cooked up for dinner - YUM! The days festivities included a tractor hayride, pony rides and a petting zoo for bigger kids, a corn maze, music, and of couse a pumpkin patch. We went with a few friends and had a wonderful time. The kiddos were adorable - they certainly make life fun!

The Hayride

Chatting

The Brandon's on top of the Hay Pyramid.

Kieran and Lyla sitting in a tree (well, on some hay) . . .

Kieran pushing Lyla around.

Lyla and her Dad

Country Girl

Corn Maze

The Pumpkins - which one would you choose?

The Gang - Lyla, Hamilton, and Kieran who is not happy to have Hamilton sitting on his leg.

Our Little Pumpkin

Soup and Sweatshirts

We don't get much of a season change here in So. Cal. but the last few days have been blissfully cool and Fall-like. We even got some rain and that always makes me feel like staying in and cooking up some cozy meals. I made a huge pot of soup yesterday - Spinach, White Bean and Italian Sausage Soup to be exact. I found the recipe on this tasty blog. We had it for dinner tonight too and it might even last through tomorrow. Love leftovers!

While the soup was simmering away we bundled up and went for a little stroll. We ended up at the park. Our sweet Honey loved the swings but the slide - not so much. By the time we got home the soup was perfect! It was off to bed for the Honey and Erik and I snuggled up to watch a movie. A delightful day! Unfortunately Fall won't last. It's supposed to be in the 80's by the weekend. Beach days ahead.

One Fine Day

Last weekend we drove across the city to the mountain town of Oak Glen - beautiful!. It was so refreshing to be away from the hustle and bustle, breathing in the air and enjoying the lovely green surroundings. I am always amazed that places like this are so close to the busy city. My mom had come up for the weekend so she came along on our adventure. Our first stop was Snow Line Orchard where we picked raspberries, met a llama, a fat goat, a couple of mini horses, and one lazy dog. We also shopped at the "old timey" market, devoured the homemade doughnuts and tasted the many varieties of apples. Doesn't that sound delightful?

The fun didn't stop there. After we topped off our baskets (and eaten our fill) of raspberries, we headed down the road to Riley's at Los Rios Ranchos for a proper BBQ lunch. Unfortunately we were too full for the baked items although by the the time we got home I was regretting not buying one of the scrumptious looking apple pies - what was I thinking! While we ate we were entertained by some beautiful music and people watching. It was a lovely day for all. I love living near the ocean but maybe I am a little bit country too!

Hopscotch

Hopscotch loved Honey

She liked my hat too!

One fat goat.

One lazy dog.

Shopping

"Old Timers"

Tasting

Me and Honey in the berry patch!

Look at that beauty right in the middle.

Resting in the shade with Grandma.

Sampling the goods.

Lyla was trying for a taste too.

The Girls

Lunch

Relaxing in the shade.

Entertainment

Entertainment - this little girl was so funny dancing around without a care.

I just love her crazy hair!

Look at those colors!

Tuckered out!

It really was a wonderful day! Thank you to all who planned such a fun activity. I hope we make it a yearly tradition.

A Happy Place

Honey and I love to visit everyone in San Diego. We made quite a few trips this summer for birthday parties, family get-togethers and things of that nature. Here is our most recent visit.

Jamie and Adam "trying on" parenthood

Looks like it fits!

Grandpa and his twin

Auntie Gini being a bird!

Grandma

Cousin Noah and uninterested brothers in the background

Megan and Jackie look good as parents too!

Summer Days Drifting Away

I have been chastised by my sisters for not posting enough. In my renewed attempts to post more, over the next week I will post some of the fun summer events that I skipped over while I was busy reading.

Some of my favorite visitors - My sister-in-law Amy, and her brood Hannah, Mason and Marcus! They are kind of crazy but I love them anyway!

"Sandy" Sanders

Beach Fun

"Hunny" and "Honey"

When Hannah's youngest brother, Marcus, was little he couldn't say Hannah so he started calling her "Hunny." When Lyla was just a newborn Erik would hear me comfort her fussiness at night with "It's ok Honey." He liked hearing me say it and the name kind of stuck and so we have Hunny #1 and Honey #2. Hannah specified the different spellings.

Brothers

Sillies

We had so much fun, I wish they could come over everyday! Hannah was a big help with Lyla too - she even put her to bed one night. We could use a big sister around here.

Family Outing

We went on a little hike today. It was a beautiful day but it was hot. We got started a little later than planned due to Honey's napping (or I should say not napping) schedule. She just doesn't want to miss out on anything and has only been sleeping in the car lately. Makes it difficult to get anything done. She is a feisty one but so sweet too. I just love her! A passerby even took a family picture which was oh so nice.