Pumpkin Farm With the Fam

This year, I managed to get Todd and Lexx 

to go with me to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm.

If you remember last year,

I had to go by myself because Todd was

helping his brother with his house,

and the kids were both away at college.

Todd's brother finished his house,

and Lexx graduated, so they had no excuse 

not to join me this year.

This made me super happy!

Last year, as you remember from my previous post,

I was discombobulated and took 

a while to get my bearings.

This year, I was an expert!

I knew right where I wanted to go,

and had no problem directing Todd and Lexx.

We ended up exploring some cool little areas

that I didn't get to really see last year.

We actually started our afternoon in the

garden area of the farm.

Bordering the flower garden was 

their antique farm equipment.

After we explored for a little bit,

we decided to go get some food.

Of course we got my favorite,

the pumpkin bread, as well as a cranberry

and white chocolate scone and a cinnamon roll.

We didn't eat it all there, but we taste

tested all of it while relaxing at their

little picnic area.

After we finished stuffing our faces,

we decided to take some pictures of pumpkins 

and the cute little pumpkin farm train.

We visited the field on the back side of

the farm.  This field was much smaller 

than the others, and it was pretty picked over.

It was really fun seeing all the little

kids excited to be at the farm.

After we wandered around, and didn't find

any pumpkins, we decided to just pick some

pumpkins out of the trucks.

After approximately 2 minutes of looking,

Todd and Lexx found the pumpkins they 

wanted and we were able to check out.

 

In all, we were there for a couple hours.

Although it was fairly crowded,

it was still relaxing and fun.

I just love spending special time with my family.

It's way more fun when you can share experiences with someone.

Maybe next year, Austin will be able to go with us.

Halloween Porch Ideas

I'm not one that likes super scary

Halloween decorations.

I'm what some would call...a chicken.

So while searching for cute porch

decorating ideas, I looked for ideas

that wouldn't scare young children or me.

I think some of the following examples

are adorable, and some are even

easy enough for me to pull off.

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Cute right?

You find anything you might use?

Miranda Lambert - Vice

I'm not a huge Miranda Lambert fan,

but I have to be honest,

I love this song.

What do you think?

Fort Bragg

Todd and I spent a few days in Fort Bragg 

a couple weekends ago.

I can honestly say, we have never seen

such beautiful weather there, and

we have been several times.

We didn't have any plans in place,

we just figured we would see where the

days took us, and we weren't disappointed.

Our first day was spent driving there,

eating, getting settled in the hotel room,

and watching the sunset.

The following day, we headed to Mendocino.

We had to stop at Papa Bears Chocolate Haus,

Their chocolate is to die for!

I always get their salted caramel sand dollars

and milk chocolate peanut clusters.

Todd enjoys their haystacks and white

chocolate raspberry bars.

As always, they didn't disappoint.

After we pigged out on candy,

we strolled up and down the streets 

and made a quick stop in 

our favorite gallery to see

what new and beautiful artwork they had.

One of the beautiful buildings in Mendocino.

A beautiful hand carved bird from the gallery.  

Us in Mendocino.

A panoramic of  Mendocino area.

After we had done what we wanted,

we decided to go wine tasting.

It was really easy to figure out where

to go because there was only one

winery in the local area.

We stopped at Pacific Star Winery.

It ended up being an awesome little 

winery located on the ocean,

and I mean right on the ocean.

I don't think I could have planned a 

better place to visit on a gorgeous day.

After our tasting, we bought a 

bottle of wine, cheese and crackers,

and we took them to a seating area.

We ate, drank and thoroughly 

enjoyed our time there.

Does it get any better?

Look at that view!

We probably spent half of the day at 

Pacific Star.  We really didn't want to leave,

but they had a wedding planned for 5 PM.

Because it was still light out,

and we weren't super hungry,

we decided to stop at the beach.

I took a panoramic so you 

can see just how awesome the day was. 

And to make the day even better,

look at all these sand dollars

I found on the beach!

The rest of our time there consisted of 

eating, relaxing, eating and sleeping.

It was a perfect way to rejuvenate!

I didn't get many pictures because

mostly we just relaxed and enjoyed

each others company.

It was a perfect way to celebrate

27 years together!

Summer To Do List ...Review

So it's time to see how I did on my Summer To Do List.

I wasn't quite as successful as I was with my Fall list,

but I did get the majority of items checked off my list.

Let's take a look.

1.   Try a new restaurant
Done ...The family went to Casablanca's Moroccan Restaurant.
Not only was the food delicious, the atmosphere was great
and we all had a good time.

2.   Paint hallway and bedroom
Fail...it was too hot this Summer.
Maybe I'll get it done this Fall...maybe?

3.   Visit another state
Done...we visited my parents in Oregon this Summer.

4.   Read a book
Done...Read The Martian.

5.   Buy some cute sandals
Done...bought a cute little pair from Target.
No picture provided, but you can use your imagination.
They're sandals.

6.   Go to the beach
Done...I didn't go to the ocean,
but I did go to Tahoe.

7.   Have a picnic
Done...sort of.
We had a mini picnic on our ride home from Reno.
A real picnic...not really.

8.   Go to the movies
Done...watched The Secret Life of Pets.
Cute, but not what I expected.

9.   Go to a farmers market or flea market
Done...we've been to the farmer's market several times.

10.  Have a family game night
Fail...how hard can it be?
We didn't do it, maybe this Fall.

11.  Complete either an art project or building project
Done...Todd and I made a frame for 
my dad for his birthday.

12.  Make homemade ice cream
Well...I kind of didn't make it,
but I talked my mom into making it,
and that's even better.
So, I'm calling that a win!

13.  Go to a concert (if it's not too hot)
Done...went to see Alabama with the hubby 
for our anniversary.

14.  Put the computer and cell phone away for a full day
Done...I didn't use any electronic devices for
a full day when I was on vacation in Oregon.

15.  Go on a nature walk
Done...we took a walk along the American River.

I plan on adding the painting, and family game night
to an upcoming list.  I'll get these things done...
eventually!