fall and donuts

Fall is undeniably here.  The sun is warm, but the air is crisp.  The apples are sweet and tart.  Soccer cleats and shin guards are strewn all over our garage and the car is packed with chairs and blankets.  God’s palette has turned the landscape into beautiful hues of yellowing greens, purples, and oranges.

And my family is addicted to all things pumpkin.

(That’s our new bamboo floor, btw.  I love it.)

Like pumpkin donuts for example.  Deliciousness.  And really, it takes a lot to say that – because call me strange, I don’t love it as much as everyone else does.  Take Chris – if you put pumpkin spice in anything (Pumpkin Pie Water Ice from Rita’s, Pumpkin Spice Latte from DD or St. Arbucks) he’ll down it.  I even got him pumpkin spice pancake syrup and he’s liking it.

But these yummy things are de-lish-us.  In a Sunday morning search for something yummy to make (Hudson wanted to make donuts with our donut maker), but I found these and they were so much better.  Baked, whole wheat, made with pumpkin and dripping in cinnamon and sugar.  I’ve got you hooked, right?  Or should I say, I’ve got you drooling?

I sent a picture to Chris at church (because he’s there by 7), and he was jealous.  Not just a little bit, but a lot jealous.  Maybe it’s not right to tease a man who is dedicating his morning (and life) to serving Christ and leading others in Worship to the King, but  as his wife I felt it necessary to share the delights he was missing out on.  And a little devilish as it may be, it was fun. :)

Now, click this link and go make some donuts.   Really.  Go.  Now.

All American Girl’s 6th

This lovely little lady turned 6.  SIX!  It’s hard to believe because it seems that her life is flying by – she is so readily full of a smile, a giggle, a song and a laugh bringing so much joy to others.  Her name (which means grace filled) truly fits her – as we prayed it would!

To celebrate this milestone our all American Girl wanted a doll party.  So she invited a few friends and they were to bring their dolls along.  As they arrived to party town, they sat at the table and decorated little pillows for their dolls.  (The pillows were stuffed and quickly sewn up with the machine later while they were playing.)  These little pillows matched their favor, which was a Hello Kitty fleece sleeping bag for the dolls.

The birthday girl was stoked to have friends over and they loved “dolling” it up.  They dined on PBJ, pink lemonade, pretzels, veggies and dip and Anna’s favorite fruit sticks (pineapple and strawberries on a skewer).

After the piñata and presents (I’m realizing this is a very “p” themed party!) she blew out the candles on her Rice Krispy treats and slurped down fresh Rita’s Water Ice.

Camp Staffaroni ‘13

The long awaited Camp Staffaroni this year did not disappoint.  I say “long awaited” because all summer long we heard, “When is Camp Staff this year?”  We waited until Memorial Day weekend this year and it was well worth the time endured apart – well worth it!  We had an extended time together and happened to visit the Poconos during the infamous East End Fair. 

Where much to Papa James’ consternation, we found a bag of 6 of these beautiful hats…being the Mets fan that he is, he found it reprehensible that we would even think about placing the hats on any of his family members.  Apparently, they like to get under his skin :)

We fished, we ate, we hiked, we ate, we played, we ate, we shopped, we ate, we laughed, we ate, we stayed up late….and we ate.  Did I mention we ate?

All the kiddos love being with Gram and Grandpa Staffaroni – even my kids call them Gram and Grandpa – they love the attention.  (Heck, I love the attention too!)

But mostly I must admit, the attention is fabulous, but my number one reason for loving the weekend the most is knowing that my best friend and her family get to hang out with our family – and we have a ton of fun, making a ton of memories.