PUMPKIN PATCH 2017

Pumpkin Patch 2017

 On Saturday evening we ventured out to the Pumpkin Patch for some family time.  We always look forward to the pumpkin patch every year.  I love the fall colors, watching the kids run around looking for the perfect pumpkin, riding the hay ride, and just being together.  

 All of the kids love pumpkins.  Jude has been calling all pumpkins a "pumpkin patch"!  Cutest thing ever.  We got there at the perfect time.  The sun was about an hour from setting and the photographer in me was happy about that because that meant optimal lighting for my pictures.  The kids of course care nothing of the pictures but capturing those memories is always so important to me.  So yes...I chase light :)  

I got caught in some pumpkin prickles a few times chasing after the kids or backing up into them on accident trying to catch a picture lol. Jude picked up just about every little pumpkin claiming it to be his "favorite" and then quickly dropped it and was on to his next "favorite punkin patch.

Liam looked at a bunch and finally decided on a green and white one since green is his favorite color.

Ruy hid from me taking pictures of his as usual...later he'll complain there's hardly any pictures of him though!  And then I'll have to remind him if he wants pictures of himself...he has to actually let me take them :) I was able to get a few though.  I love seeing him still enjoy running around and playing.  He's getting so big I know those days are coming to an end soon so for now I'm enjoying every moment of it!

 Alanna ran and danced around in her little skirt looking for her perfect little pumpkin. She's so little and sweet and beautiful.  I hope she always has such a free little spirit and always loves to dance. 

We love the hayride they have, the corn maze and the play ground.  They tried to convince me to get into the corn maze but um...I'm super nervous in tight closed in spaces so I opted out again. The hay ride we all loved though! Liam was a little scared he'd fall off when we'd hit a big bump. 

We left and headed out to dinner for a really good meal and then a little date night for Nathan and I when we got home watching our favorite show.  The kids can't wait to paint their pumpkins and then dress up in their new costumes!  Fall is such a fun time!!!

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

For the bottom of the crisp*

- 4-5 apples peeled and cubed

1/2 cup almond milk 

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp Pyure sweetener (or Stevia or sweetener of choice)

For the topping*

1.5 cups of old fashioned oats

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1tsp Pyure sweetener (or sweetener of choice)

2 tablespoons coconut oil melted  

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the apples, almond milk, cinnamon, and sweetener together in the bottom of an 8x8 glass pan. 

In a separate bowl mix together the topping ingredients and place on top of the apple mix. Bake the crisp at 350 for 25 minutes or until topping begins to brown and apples begin to soften.  Enjoy as is or my favorite way...with more almond milk poured over top (and more sweetener if needed). 

LIAM LOSES HIS 1ST TOOTH

A few weeks ago, we discovered Liam had his first loose tooth.  Over the last few weeks we've dealt with Liam having a hard time eating apples and such. It had been super loose and ready to come out a few days prior to me pulling it.  He was complaining so much about it hurting. Sunday night he had me look at it and I asked him if he wanted me to pull it so he could get his gold coin. He really wanted to get a gold coin so he said to go ahead. I always swore I'd never pull any of my kids teeth but went ahead and did it and it basically just fell out. He was so proud of himself and so excited to get that gold coin.  Can't believe he's already lost his first tooth!  He's growing up way too fast!

WHOLE WHEAT OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

If your kids  are anything like mine, chocolate chip muffins are one of their favorite things....Ok ok...they are one of my favorite things too :)  I've been looking for a healthier muffin recipe so when I finally made one I loved, I was pretty happy about it. These are so so easy to make and the kids love them. 

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup almond milk

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons Pyure Sweetener

(or sweetener of choice...may need to adjust measurements)

1 egg

1/4 cup coconut oil or applesauce

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1/2-1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 

*1 cup seemed like a little too much to me so just play around with it and see what works best for you.

(Use dairy free chocolate chips to make this recipe totally DF)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Spray muffin tins with cooking spray.  

2. Combine oats and milk and let those soak while you prepare the rest of the recipe, to soften the oats.  

3.  In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and sweetener. 

4. Add vanilla and oil (or applesauce) and whisk to combine.  

5.  Add flour, oat-milk mixture, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir until well combined but don't over mix. 

6.  Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Use a 1/4 cup measure and fin in the muffin tins. Should make 12 muffins. 

8. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

(My oven is smaller than most so I only have to cook mine for about 12 minutes, so watch the muffins and adjust the time as needed for your oven.)

Notes: I usually double this recipe since my kids eat these for breakfasts and snacks. I store them all in a zip lock back in the frig, or you can freeze in a zip lock bag and then just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds when you're ready to eat them. 

*This week I am going to try to use all oatmeal for this recipe and try to avoid the flour altogether. I'll update and let you guys know how it turns out once I do :) 

DECEMBER 2016