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After Snoqualmie Falls we headed north to Snohomish for pumpkins. The kids roamed around in the pumpkin patch and found the perfect pumpkins.
Natalie kept saying how pretty the sunflowers were, so Daniel pulled her aside and they walked to the edge of the patch where the sunflowers were. Then Daniel picked a sunflower for his little sister and totally made her day. I love those tender moments!!
We are enjoying the company of grandma & grandpa pescar, so to treat them to some fall color, we headed first to snoqualmie falls for some beautiful scenery..
After finishing the benches for the table, I was on to my next project.
I had hoped it would be a desk and hutch for the boys, but their was a great demand to get the boys computers out of boxes and set-up. More like three busy boys asking me at least ten times a day when I was going to build their computer tables.
I was determined not to pull out the long utility tables, and rather build something more custom to fit the area. I chose to do and L shaped desk, but wanting to them to be multi-purpose I made two tables, that fit together to make an L shape. I used pocket holes, so there were no screw holes to fill, and giving it a cleaner look.
These babies cost me less than thirty dollars, and we're put together and stained in one afternoon/evening.
I must mention that I'm married to a computer geek who has so many spare parts around that it was just a given to build a computer for each boy. We also wanted them to be out in the open and visible, so we can always see what they're up to.
I give you my computer tables..
Dave spent last week in Chicago for work at the MTC (Micros0ft Technology Center). Even though he was working hard, I made sure he snuck in some time to enjoy some good eats, see some sights, and take pictures so I could (live vicariously through him) enjoy them as well.
11 - Trick or Treat Bags
I purchased some inexpensive bags at the craft store in both orange and black, along with some self-adhesive felt and a few paint pens. I found some glitter glue in our personal stash, and invited the kiddos to the table.
No rules, just decorate your bags.
Daniel went for candy decorations, since that what was going in them anyway, Josh freehanded a lizard, and Caleb chose to use some cookie cutters to draw pumpkins and ghosts. Natalie was too busy checking out the boys handiwork, and wasn't interested in anything but strawberries (she's very into strawberries righ now!!)
The best past, we still have another side to decorate in the next few weeks, and it was fun to watch their personal creativity.
12 - Mummy Dogs - fun little snack for the kiddos, except ours had red eyes, since no one likes mustard except daddy.
Directions: Cut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes. I cut my hot dogs in half to make them bite-sized.
(recipe and pic courtesy of Our Best Bites)
13 - Treasure Hunt - I was silly and also feeling a little lazy, so I hid clues that had the kids go from room to room, at the end was a Halloweeny snack.
14 - Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (super easy!!)
1 - box Spice Cake Mix
1 - 14oz can pumpkin
1 - bag chocolate chips
Mix together and drop dough onto cookie sheet in rounded spoonfuls and bake...350degrees for 8-10 min.
15 - Pumpkin watercolor. Have the kiddos draw pumpkin with pencil. When finished outlinw with sharpie, and paint with watercolor. Fun and quick decorations..
16 - Potato Soup (the best ever!!)
My friend Rachelle had this recipe and the above picture on her blog, and I couldn't refuse trying it. It's actually one of Dave's favorite soups and I don't think I've ever made it for him (at least I redeemed myself after making this)
It is so warm, hearty, and smells like a fully loaded baked pototo. So good!!
Best Ever Potato Soup
6 bacon strips, diced
3 c cubed potatoes
1 - 14.5oz can chicken broth (or 2 cups homemade broth)
1 small carrot
1/2 c chopped onion
1 T parsley flakes
1/2 tsp each of celery salt, salt and pepper
3 T flour
3 c milk
8 oz cheddar cheese (grated or cubed)
In large saucepan cook bacon until crisp; drain and reserve drippings.
Add potatoes, onion, carrot, broth, parsley, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer about 15-20 min until pototoes are soft.
Combine flour and bacon dripppings until smooth, then add milk. Stir into potato mixture.
Bring soup to a boil and stir for about 2 minutes. Add cheese, stir until until melted, and soup is heated through. Top with cooked bacon.
a quick catch up of our 31 days of Halloween crafts and goodies...
7 - Clothespin Bats http://www.marthastewart.com/article/clothespin-bats
8 - Skeleton Brains
So hubby was out of town and one of my kiddos favorite dinners is Alfredo Pasta. We chose one from the pantry that looked like curly brains, and then added homemade alfredo to it. They all enjoyed saying many times through dinner whose brains they were eating, and were so so silly. (but all the plates were clean, so they must have enjoyed their brains!!)
9 - Ghost Jugs http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-crafts/ghost-crafts/spirit-jugs-673388/
I would love to have enough of these to line the driveway up to our front door, but I'm not sure we'll go through 20 milk jugs between now and Halloween, I'll have to start earlier next year!!
10 - Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
I had these a few years ago, and they were so delicious, that I immediately called my friend's mom just to get the recipe. We've been using it every fall since, and we sure do go through a lot of pumpkin around here.
We also like them without frosting, and chocolate chips inside the muffins.
Pumpkin Muffins
4 eggs
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 cup oil
1 15oz pumpkin
2 cup flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
Beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin
Mix dry ingredients together and then add to wet mixure above.
Place in muffin tins, and Bake at 350 for 25-30min, or until center is cooked.
Cream Cheese Frosting
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup powdered sugar
Beat well with mixer
