Thanksgiving Season

Making my first pumpkin pie was quite the process. Day 1 was boiling and pureeing the pumpkins. Day 2 was finding I didn't have enough flours to make a gluten free flour blend. Day 3 was making the graham crackers to make the crust. Day 4 was finally putting it all together. I ended up making a refrigerated recipe this time. It was yummy.

We went to the Tri-Cities for Thanksgiving. I made the yummiest cornbread dressing and a baked pumpkin pie this time. http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2008/11/maple-roasted-acorn-squash-and.html We had dinner at Rich's grandpa's house, and then 3 nights of leftovers there too. A little much for me, but Rich is too nice to decline an invitation.

Great-grandpa with great-grandkids.

Grandma and Claire.

Claire with some of her cousins.

We had a busy weekend in addition to those 4 meals at Rich's grandpa's house. We had 2 breakfasts in one day (with different sides of Rich's family), another visit to his grandma, shopping for me, Rich hunting with an old friend, Rich in the annual GABDATTS (Guns and Beer Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot) minus the beer. Yes, I fear for him when he goes.

Photos by Lisette

My talented friend, Lisette, offered to take Claire and I to the beach for a professional photo shoot. She'd seen me whine on here that I wished for more mother-daughter pictures and she gifted me many beautiful shots on a lovely day at the beach. I love looking at these moments with my sweet little one - I want to go back in time. Claire is almost 17 months old here. I've included some of these in a photo album I made for Claire, which thrills her to look at. Thanks again, Lisette! If you want to snag Lisette for a photo shoot, here's her contact info:

http://lisettephotography.blogspot.com/

Halloween and the Fall Harvest

I had fun dressing Claire up as a bumblebee for Halloween. I was the flower and Rich was the beekeeper. I had to swipe these photos from my friend, Lisette's blog. She hosted a fun Halloween party. We also had a church party and a party at Rich's work.

with another little bumblebee.

After Rich's work party, Claire & I hung out at the library until he was finished for the day.

To celebrate the season, we found a pumpkin farm, with chickens and goats to feed. We enjoyed a warm drink and listening to a woman playing banjo and singing folk songs. I loved that part. We brought home pumpkins for making pie and some other farm fresh produce.

The best picture of the day!

As close as she would get to the goats.

It was a windy day.

September & October

The Fall brought two more performances of Rosa's choreography.

Rich's 38th birthday.

Queen of snacks.

Resting with mama for 2 short minutes.

Fun with daddy.

I also redeemed a gift certificate that Rich got me (I think back at Christmas), to go to a spa. It was a luxurious treat. I arrived and changed into a robe, was served tea while I lounged, got a foot soak and foot massage, got a full-body massage, then got to take a shower with 9 shower heads pointed on me. There was no rushing me there. Thanks, Lovey!