Happy Fall!!!

Living in Southern California, I don't usually get to enjoy all those things I love about fall-the cooler temperatures, the beautiful changing leaves. But I have to admit, the weather has been more "fall-like" this past week. We've been getting a fair amount of cloudy skies and even a thunderstorm! Well, with the fall season upon us, I got the urge to bake. Last week I decided to make, for the first time, whoopie pies, and not just any whoopie pies. I made pumpkin whoopie pies with a creme filling!

Step 1: Bake in the oven.

Step 2: Add some yummy creme filling.

Step 3: Sandwich the filling in between two pumpkin cakes and....

Voila, pumpkin whoopie pie goodness!!!!

Bates Nut Farm

We took our annual trip to Bates Nut Farm for its opening day. It wasn't the same without Tom, but we went with friends, so that helped make our day more enjoyable. It was also Bate's annual Farm Education Day. The Vista Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum folks brought all all types of tractors, old washing machines and even hand-crank sewing machines. We had a great time despite the 100 degree temperatures. It never really feels like fall in Southern California, that's for sure!

Pumpkin Picking

Kelly would have loved this one, but you pay by the weight (need I say more?)!

This is one of the many tractors on display. One of the exhibitors was kind enough to allow the kids to sit on it.

Kelly's Cantering!

Kelly learned how to canter last week during her riding lesson. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. This week she did it again, and I was ready with camera strung around my neck and digital movie camera in hand! Here's one of my favorite shots of her cantering. You can see how much Kelly enjoys it by the smile on her face.

Back to Class Workshops

Kelly started workshops this week as well. She goes to Coastal Academy every Wednesday and Friday for classroom instruction. A nice break for her, but an even nicer break for me!

Back to School

Today was our first official day of home school. Kelly is now in fourth grade! Here she is doing math. This is her first year writing out all her problems.

Summer Fun

Summer's been busy, busy, busy. We've had a lot of fun. Here are some highlights:

Back in June we went camping in Julian.

We enjoyed some delicious Julian Pie.

We took our annual trip to the San Diego County Fair and enjoyed some yummy funnel cake.

Kelly took swim lessons in July.

My mom came out for a visit. It had been almost 3 years since we had seen her. Way too long!

We took a trip to Seaworld, one of my mom's favorite places to visit when she comes.

Kelly and Mom got close up with the dolphins at feeding time.

We also enjoyed many beautiful sunsets at the beach.

Kelly's been taking ice skating lessons since the beginning of July. She just got promoted to level 2. Way to go, Kelly!

Kelly's finally taking riding lessons!

As you can see from the smile on her face, she LOVES it!

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

We spent July 4th with our friends at Grand Tradition Estate, in Fallbrook, CA. There was lots of food, fun and, of course, fireworks! Thanks to my friend, Kristin's mom, Dara, for treating us!

Kelly and I are standing by a gorgeous lake in the center of the estate.

My pals, Kristin (center) and Daisy (right). We didn't plan it, but we all wore blue, very patriotic!

What's a Fourth of July without pretty braids and bows!?!?!

The girls had a fun time dancing to the live band.

The night was capped off by a wonderful fireworks display set to patriotic tunes.

Junior Carlsbad 2010

On April 10th Kelly ran her first race, the Junior Carlsbad. Her age group ran 1 mile. We were so proud of her!

The Starting Line

Go, Kelly!

Kelly and Jedidiah show off their medals.

Kelly and I visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields with our friends Michelle, Jedidiah and Evelyn. For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Flower Fields, it is one of the prettiest places around our area. It is only open from early March to May, when the ranunculus are in bloom.

These are just a few of the MANY pictures I took. You really can't appreciate the true beauty unless you're there.

Michelle, Kelly, Jed and Evelyn made their way through the Sweet Pea Maze.

Pancake Time!

One of our favorite cooking stores was closing down so we got a great deal on this wonderful Kitchen Aid mixer. It's the mother of all Kitchen Aids. First, Tom uses the grain mill attachment and grinds the wheat berries into flour. Then he makes the recipe for wheat pancakes from scratch.

I'm more of the pancake flipper. Notice the beautiful yellow cast iron skillet. That was my second birthday present! I'm in love with Le Creuset.

Our second pancake flipper!

Starting her young!

Tom's Promotion

Tuesday was a special day for our family as we celebrated Tom's promotion. At 0730 Tom was officially promoted to the rank of Major. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments in the Marine Corps. Here are some highlights from the ceremony.

Reading the Warrant

Pinning on the Oak Leaves

Hugs

Taking the Oath

Congratulations, Major Brannan!

Family Photo with Tom's Boss