and a party was had...

November 5, 2011 birthday party recipe:

piñata

bounce house

presents

cake

wishes

family

and friends!

Yes, all of those things make for a successful 7th birthday party!

Atticus turns 7!!

It is true, Atticus turned 7 today (Nov 3)!! I am (as always) in shock how quickly another year has gone by! Today was a little low key since he is having his birthday party this Saturday.

We started off the day with chocolate chip pancakes (per the b-day boys request).

Then Atticus headed off to school. Before school was out I brought in Cookies and Cream cupcakes for his class (they were a hit).

After School it was present time!

Atticus chose Brick Oven (YUM) for dinner!

and dessert!

Atticus is our smart, funny, sweet, amazing little boy whom we cannot get enough of!! I say this time and time again because it is so true! When Atticus was born my life changed completely and it was for the better! We love you so much Atticus!! 7 is going to be a good one, I know it!

Halloweenie 2011 (photo heavy)!

Halloween was pretty epic this year! Hearing things like, "coolest house on the block" more then a couple of times really boosts ones ego. Haha! Since before Keith and I were married he has wanted to do a haunted house. We never really lived anywhere that it would work well, until this year. So, this year we had a haunted garage! With the help of some nieces, nephews, a brother in law, and a few good friends the haunted garage was a HUGE hit! I am sad that I didn't get many pictures though.

one of the walls.

While Keith was in charge of the haunted garage, I was in charge of a little Halloween party. Having spent most of the day at Atticus' school helping out with his class party I came home with an hour to have everything ready for our Halloween party... a little stress won't kill you right? Haha. Actually I didn't have that much to do since my sister April was bringing the chili (which totally rocked by the way). After we ate we headed out to trick or treat. The kids made out like bandits and we were home before 8:30! So aside from one tiny tantrum at the end of the night (from Harper) this Halloween was one of the best!

Everlasting Youth Elixir.

pictured: Blood Brew, Truth Serum and Love Potion No.13
Not pictured: Wishing Tonic and Vampire Kiss.

"dirt" dessert (pudding,crushed oreo, gummy worms, and vanilla cookies)

All of the kids.

My loves!

little ladybug.

Sam Flynn (from Tron).

ready to go trick or treating.

All lit up!

checking out their loot!

The Farm!

Crossing things off of our fall bucket list left and right! Oct 22nd we headed out to Staheli Farm. It was a blast and I can't believe we had never gone before this year! Did I hear someone say new tradition? Yes!

They had so many fun activities for kids, plus a petting zoo, a HUGE corn maze, a jumping pillow, a pumpkin patch, and so much more.

Harper thought we were there to pick corn not go through a maze! She kept saying, "wait we need to pick all of this corn!"

Jumping pillow! This thing was so much fun. Even the adults got to get in on the action!

Pumpkin patch!

I of course took a lot of pictures, so as always you can see the rest of them on my facebook page.

Tuacahn.

Monday Oct 17th found us at Tuacahn Theater for The Little Mermaid! Tuacahn is a HUGE outdoor theater and is AWESOME! We went with 2 of my sisters, a nephew, a niece, and my Dad. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show and can't wait for next year when they will be performing Aladdin! If you are ever in Southern Utah and have the opportunity to see a show at Tuacahn don't pass it up, you won't regret it!

Cousin time!

Last Weekend.

So I am behind as always! Last weekend we headed down to California for Keith's grandfather's funeral. It was a beautiful service. Grandpa Lee was an amazing man and will be missed by everyone who knew him!


Atticus and Harper got to spend time with some cousins and of course loved every minute of it! Side note: Harper was obsessed with Peewee (the dog). It was love at first site!

New entrance to DCA.

We also were able to surprise the kids with a quick trip to Disneyland! I didn't take that many pictures, but we had a lot of fun!! The new Star Tours and Little Mermaid are awesome. Ride them, you won't regret you did!

New 3D glasses on Star Tours! Atticus loved it!

Harper tuckered out.

Enjoying a sweet treat at the end of the night.

On the way back to the car. I love this picture!!

Fall.

The kids and I decided on some activities that we definitely want to do this fall season, and made a bucket list (I ♥ photoshop). I saw this seasons bucket list idea on another blog a couple of months ago and am now hooked on the idea. Harper and Atticus are so excited to do the activities and to get them checked off of our list! I will admit it I am just as excited as they are! My favorite season is fall. How could it not be? My name is Autumn after all ;P. I tend to get this giddy feeling when the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp! Does anyone else get this feeling?

and just for good measure a photo that melts my heart!

Love!

I can't help but smile every time I look at this picture! One of my favorites for sure!

October 1st!

Let the decorating begin!

M A D E . . .

Grilled Mozzarella and Roasted Garlic Pitas

The ingredients can be adjusted to however many pitas you need to fill. This one is based on filling 4 pitas.

-1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

-portobello mushrooms

-4 whole wheat honey pitas

-garlic spread

-butter

-1 large tomato

Directions:

First coarsely chop mushrooms and tomato then throw into a skillet with a little evoo till warm (about 5 minutes)

cut pitas open and spread inside with garlic spread

mix mozzarella,mushrooms, and tomatoes in a bowl

fill pitas with the cheese mixture

brush outside of pitas with butter

grill in a skillet until bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty (about 4 mins on each side)!

Tried this recipe out this evening and it is a winner! My meat loving husband approved and devoured this meatless dish! Sadly I don't have any pictures to go along with it, but trust me when I say it is delish!

First Grade and a Lost Tooth!

Atticus Started 1st grade on August 15th! We were sad to see lazy summer days go, but Atticus was SO excited to start school and make lots of new friends!

Cuties!!

Atticus ♥'s Tron!

At his desk!

Harper on the other hand was VERY sad that her Attie would be gone all day! She asked if it was time to pick him up about 20 times every hour! It was cute. She has since decided she loves having Mom all to her self though! Haha!

Second day of School!

Atticus is loving the 1st grade and has made many new friends!!

That same night (Aug 15th) Atticus lost his very first tooth! He was so excited that it was finally out!