you should be here

Today was an absolutely beautiful weather day. The perfect fall day to go to the Cider Mill. Any other time, I would be jumping up and down, literally begging you to take me, but this year I did it out of obligation to carry on our tradition and cause I promised the kids I would take them. Oh yea, and I had a coupon for a dozen free donuts.

As soon as we got there, I went instantly back to every year we've gone, looking at the bench we sat at to eat our donuts last year, the spot the kids sat to take their picture two years ago, the stairs where I took a grumpy picture of Faith cause she didn't want to have her photo taken when she was 2. This was literally right at the top of my list of favorite family things to do and I felt you missing today so much stronger than before. You should be here picking out fudge with the kids, petting the goats and chasing Caleb down the trail and walking the kids along the river. You should be here making yummy noises while eating the fresh donuts and complaining about the ridiculous price of a tiny cider slush that you are required to get for me. You should be here pushing the stroller, letting Carter taste donuts for the first time (which he LOVED by the way - no shocker there, he's your kid) and tickling him and smothering him with kisses. 

You should be here.

The kids remembered too. When we turned the corner to get in line to buy donuts, Faith and Caleb said 'remember when Daddy took us to the Cider Mill when I was 3? Remember when Daddy said the goats were really stinky? Remember when we got to watch the donuts being made with Daddy?' I pray every single day that their memories of you never fade.

I miss you baby, in a way I can't put to words. You should be here, damn it.

I love you with all that I am.

Homemade Applesauce

The hubs grew up on homemade, good eatin'.

One of those treasures he had every year was homemade applesauce. Now, I don't usually like to attempt making his family recipes, because they never quite compare (there are a few I have mastered though), but we were determined to stock up on some applesauce this year.

It's such a fun family thing to do!

From picking the apples together, and letting the kids help mush them in the applesauce maker, to taste testing, we had a blast...even if it did take us a few hours.

First, we picked the apples. Got some Gala, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious:

The hubs was so excited to get started:

 All cut up and ready to boil:

Now, taking turns mushing the apples with the applesauce maker (this is long and tedious part!):

 And....YUM!

Faith approves:

 Caleb approves:

This year's batches were WAY better than the ones we made 2 years ago - I think the McIntosh apples made the best applesauce so far. Tart and sweet, the perfect combo.

Even with all these apples, I don't think it's gonna last long!

Fall Happenings

Just uploading some photos for Facebook today from October, thought I'd share. We had a very busy, but fun month! =] Here are the highlights:

My teacher's assistant, Randi, and I dressed as Tigger and Pooh for our preschool Halloween party - I know, cute right? And props to Faith for taking a decent photo!

We decided to bring our bikes to the park one beautiful fall day. They don't get to ride much at home and Caleb hasn't taken his bike out of the basement. They were excited to say the least.

Faith brought her scooter. This kid scooted almost 2 miles around the park!

Faith sitting proudly in front of our carved pumpkins.

My cuties. They love each other. Really.

Looking forward to an eventful November....