Halloween part 1

Alexis made cupcakes for our ward party. They tasted really yummy, although eating a worm and dirt -- only on Halloween. We also carved pumpkins this weekend. Yes, if you look close enough at Alexis' there is stuff coming out its mouth. I'm not the most talented carver in the world, my face ended up being a little crooked and lopsided. I'm still quite craft challenged. We had a good time, which is all that matters, right?

We also toasted the pumpkin seeds, with Alexis' pink salt she bought at World Market, yummy, so it was all worth it.

AT LAST!!!

Now it really does feel like home. I finally purchased a TV. Okay, I have to admit it's nice having one. Movies are so much better. Alexis is also really enjoying this purchase, maybe a little too much.

I finally have an elliptical again. YEAH!!! It's even quiet. It's going to come in very handy with the holidays right around the corner.

Homestead Farm

We ventured out in the search of the perfect pumpkin. Of course, Alexis wanted the biggest pumpkin she could find. The only problem was, she had to be able to carry her own pumpkin. You'll notice the pumpkin next to Natalie, (top picture) was the biggest she could carry, 20 lbs. They offer a price discount for pumpkins weighing over 50 lbs, maybe next year. We went on wagon rides, drank hot cider, and I ate the best caramel apple ever!!! Kimberly made lamb stew for dinner and best of all, her famous harvest pie, which she makes every year after a trip to the farm, YUMMY!!!

The White House

We went on The White House fall garden tour. There were pictures of Presidents and their wives planting various trees on the grounds. As we approached the White House, Alexis wanted to know where the fence was. On our first trip to DC, when she was 4 years old, we took pictures of the White House from outside the fence. Quite a different view. The flag was up on top of The White House, along with the Snipers, meaning the President was there. Pretty cool, huh? We were able to tour the Rose Garden and the Children's Garden. The Marine band was also playing songs show tune songs, i.e. The Sound of Music, Indiana Jones, Superman, Incredibles, etc. Alexis even got to take home a flower seed she planted. I really hope I don't kill this flower. My past experience with growing herbs in the house has not been so great.

Mount Vernon Trail

We finally loaded our bikes to take to Kimberly's. We left in plenty of time from Harrisonburg to go on a bike ride. We successfully arrived with no wrong turns and no traffic, first time without looking at the map, miracles do happen. Everything was in our favor. We hit the trail, to what appeared to be a nice long enjoyable bike ride. After about 10 minutes on the trail it started to rain. Rain storms in the east are typically not light. So we took a few quick pictures and loaded the bikes back on the car. As we were driving back to Kimberly's, guess what -- no rain. It wasn't even sprinkling. We'll have to save the bike ride for another time. Kimberly had made Shoo Vampire Soup (garlic soup) very, very good, with toasted pumpkernickle bread shaped like pumpkins. Soooo yummy.