September 28, 2013

Apple picking

This morning we went to an apple orchard less than ten minutes from the house.  We picked almost 40 apples then came home and made 7 quarts of apple pie filling and canned them for gifts.  Good use of a rainy day.

September 14, 2013

Rapunzel Party

Allison had an incredible 3rd birthday party this morning with lots of friends and special guest Princess Rapunzel.  The kids played games with her, got princess treasures and makeovers.  Each child then got to take a special picture with the process before we had pizza and cupcakes.  There are so many special pictures but here are just a couple.  







September 13, 2013

Allison's birthday at school

One of Allison's teachers was sweet enough I take some photos for me while the kids celebrated Allison's birthday on Tuesday.  We are blessed to have found such a wonderful school - I love her teachers and the environment.

September 9, 2013

Last 2 yr old photo

This is Allison right before going to bed tonight.  This is the last picture of her being 2.  Tomorrow morning she will wake up and be 3.  I'm so proud of how well she is growing up - articulate, polite and starting to say her prayers on her own.  But part of me wants to keep her my cuddle bug forever.  Today she fell asleep curled up next to me and took a long nap.  I know days like this are numbered and it just about kills me.  

September 7, 2013

Pie filling in a jar

Take a look at this morning's project.  I've been wanting to trying canning my own pie filling since seeing a few different recipes on Pinterest and finally made a couple test batches.  Cathy and I made apple and peach and I can't wait to try them in pies next week.  

If the pies turn out well these will definitely be holiday gifts, and my next batch will be in bulk.  I love peach pie but rarely make it because I hate peeling peaches.  However I could manage doing a whole bunch in one day if it makes me a years worth of pie filling.  This pie filling would also make great cobbler, pancake topping or ice cream topping.  
2 quarts apple, 2 pints apple, 2 quarts peach, 1 pint peach

September 6, 2013

Popsicles with GiGi

This afternoon Allison and GiGi made apple juice Popsicles for us to enjoy as  dessert.  We ate outside which proved a good idea since Allison got pretty sticky.  Afterwards she burned off some energy watering the plants an riding her tricycle up and down the sidewalk between us.

September 3, 2013

First day of school

my sweet girl
Today was the first day back at Summit.  Allison is now in the 2 yr old class with Miss AshLeigh and Miss Kara.  She had a great first day, it helped so much that most of the little girls from last year are in the same class with her this year.  Our favorite teacher from last year, Miss Kay, was even there to help out before she transitions to a new job.  She was such a blessing to us last year.  


worn out at pickup time
ready for her first day

September 2, 2013

Birthday Party Part 1

Today we celebrated Allison's 3rd birthday (a little early) with my parents and Dallas relatvies at Buca di Beppo.  Even though they are only an hour away I dont get to see my little cousins very often so it was a treat for all of us.  Allison loved the attention, especially when the waiters sang to her.  She touched every frosting flower on her princess cake and tried to put her face right in it.  Besides a helium balloon almost as big as she is, Allison also got a halloween costume (Rapunzel), a Rapunzel doll and lots of art supplies.  I'm so excited to celebrate with my big girl, and we still have her real birthday and party with her friends.  
Cake!
 
Opening presents


walking out with her cousins
lots of arts and crafts supplies

At home with her Rapunzel doll