Flavors of Fall

 It is fall in full force. 

Mackayla stepped right into her familiar role of being IN the MIDDLE of things. Although this time it was perfect. Fall leaves should be sat in.

 We carved pumpkins last night.

And had tapioca pudding

and made toasted pumpkin seeds

and dehydrated apples

I found a dehydrator on sale. I've wanted one forever and finally got one!

mmmmm...i love the flavors of fall

The only way it could have been more perfect is with apple cider.

I gotta get some.

This middle is so gooey! :

We had pancakes the other night - pancake mix, water, and pumpkin pie filling. Simple and delicious!

  Can you see the stroller full of apples behind Macey? We got them from a ward member (who I love) who met us at the church behind our house as she was dropping off her son for scouts. We started talking, and kept talking... and the next thing I knew Macey and Cody were sitting in on the scouting classes (outside, about bikes). Macey was right in the middle of all the boys, listening intently. Cody even got a tire pressure gauge. He asked for it the first thing when he woke up this morning.

I love his enthusiasm. He is fascinated with pretty much everything.

The first thing Macey asked for as she sat up in bed was her pumpkin.

 Ben has worked a ton lately but was able to come home and eat dinner and help out before he went back to work. The kids were so excited.

Cody drew a picture of how he wanted his pumpkin to look.

 Macey commissioned her pumpkin to look like a cat.

At least, the artist tried.

And who says a pumpkin can't look like a kitty? It just needs ears.

 Do you want to know what happens when you ask Macey, even nicely, to look at the camera too many times and she doesn't?  This: 

 Then this:

I get strange irresistible urges to take pictures of her crying. Is that mean?

Cute Macey, we love you and your sensitivity. You care so much about other people's feelings and always knows their likes and dislikes. 

What an admirable quality.

I LOVE my kids. My day revolves around them. This IS what I have time for.

The best part is we knew without a doubt that this is the place that the Lord wanted us.

That's very reassuring.

And it is so fun seeing different parts of the country at different times of the year.
They are all beautiful in their own way!