Pumpkin Day

Today was the day we carved the pumpkins we got a few weeks back.  Our little friends from across the street helped Mommy and Janie clean the slimy strings and pumpkin seeds out of the first pumpkin.

Later, Daddy carved the other pumpkin and Janie helped.  Liam was not too interested in helping.  :)

We are taking a poll.  Which pumpkin turned out better? The left one or the right one?

 We made pumpkin muffins and then read the kids "The Pumpkin Parable".  We are making this a tradition.  The "Pumpkin Parable" is a story about a loving farmer who turns a simple pumpkin into a glorious sight in the same way God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light.  It is a good way to share the good news with children each Harvest season.

 The Pumpkin muffins were so simple.  I got the idea off of Pinterest.  All it is is a box of yellow cake mix mixed with 1 can of pumpkin.  I added 1/2 a cup of water to make them softer.  Bake them at 350 degrees for 25 minutes and voila.

I think my little pumpkins are all pumpkined out.

Fall, Family, Fun

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year and one of our favorite things to do when Fall is here is go up to the Apple Orchard.  We found one fairly close to our home.  Windy Hill Orchard was wonderful!!
We piggy backed with a school group who got a tour of the orchard.  While we waited for the tour to start, we enjoyed an apple donut! :)

 The tour included a story about Johnny Appleseed and an apple cider demonstration.  Janie and Liam were so into it they sat still pretty much the entire time! :) The story teller was awesome because he incorporated lessons from the Bible.  Loved that!!!

 After the story and demonstration, we went on a hay ride! We enjoyed seeing the apple trees and the man feed the pigs and explain what he raises the pigs for... BACON!

 After the hay ride we got some apple cider and another apple donut which was included in the tour.  A hen decided to join us! haha

 And of course we had to get some apples before we left.. Liam and Janie helped pick the apples out.

 It turned out to be a great day not only because we were at the apple orchard but because we were together and there is no place I would rather be on this earth than with my family!

 Can't wait to try this barbecue sauce out on some pork or chicken!!!