It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... NOT

Am I the only on who thinks it feels nothing like Christmas? I guess you could say as I've gotten older I've become more of a Grinch. But is it just my age? Or perhaps my pending Hawaiian vacation in just a couple short weeks that has me rushing through the holidays. 

Here in Reno we've gotten no snow- I think that is adding to the increasing lack of Christmas spirit, felt not only by me, but by many people. 

Or maybe, its all the penny pinching (or is that just us?) But then again, maybe it's just the absence of the crisp white snow falling from a grey sky. Now don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of snow, nor am I an advocate for it.. But Christmas in Reno without snow?! It's preposterous! 

Although there is one thing this Christmas hasn't left behind...

Baking, what else?! 

No Christmas could be called complete without sugar cookies, 

Warms stacks of snicker-doodles,

And of course each Christmas must gain a new treat tradition,

Reindeer cookies,

But that's not all. There have been many adventures in my kitchen this Christmas and I can guarantee they are not over yet. 

Hope you all are having a wonderful Holiday season, and a very Merry Christmas!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is quite possibly the only day of the year where I actually have a good excuse to spend all day in the kitchen- and for me, that is like being a kid on Christmas morning.

But as much as I love cooking, that's not why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday... 

It’s no surprise that family takes first place for why I love Thanksgiving.. As if my family wasn't already fabulous enough, I married into an incredibly awesome family! Lucky? I'd say so.. This year was my sides turn. So Jared and I ventured up North-our longest road trip yet- to see my mom and baby sis. (okay, so I guess at 12 she's not a baby anymore..)

Nothing puts me into a better slumber than a smooth ride in a warm car, so of course on a ten hour trip I was bound to fall asleep... Only to wake up to Jared shaking my shoulder as we arrived in Portland- It was definitely love at first sight. The bright lights of the city shining on the river and the tall buildings towering endlessly into the dark night sky was enough for Jared to be sure we needed to live there. I however, could pass.. As beautiful as Portland is, my hair would not make friendly the constant moist air.

For the longest time I missed out on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It's the one day a year (although I personally think every day should be like this...) that we show gratitude. I love Thanksgiving because I get to spend it surrounded by people that I love- my family. I am so grateful for my family and the support they give to me.

My mom and I braved the black Friday midnight rush but by three o'clock and only TWO stores later we called it quits vowing to wake up in a couple hours to continue the madness. We quickly realized beauty sleep was much more important..

Jared and I were sure our trip would be isolated to indoors. But to our sweet surprise we had two full days of sunshine (by sunshine I mean overcast, but at least it wasn't raining).

We discovered Saturday Market in downtown Portland and of course the infamous Voodoo Donuts. The line was outrageous! Needless to say, by this time, we were so over lines and skipped that venue. But I'm not sorry- I spotted a couple doughnuts on our way out and they didn't any more delicious than the doughnuts at Smiths.

Jared was more interested in the bridges than the crafts the tent held, so we all indulged him and walked across two of the bridges.

All in all, Thanksgiving weekend was a success, and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

The Spookiest Day of the Year

Well, I supposed we didn't exactly have "spooky" costumes...

but it was still fun to dress up and hang out with some of our old friends.

Happy Halloween!

Apple Love

It’s no myth that fall brings such beauty. Along with the beauty, come apples. A whole other beauty in itself.

Apple season is by far my favorite- it goes hand in hand with baking season, because really, there is no better fruit to bake with.

If I didn’t have work, I very well could have spent each entire day in my kitchen. This is the first year that I have my own kitchen that I know how to use. Last year, after just getting married everything was too new and was not confident in the kitchen to say the least.  

After much experimentation this year, we decided a trip to Apple Hill was in order. And last weekend we got the perfect opportunity when my Dad invited us to go. It was such a beautiful drive, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. October is the perfect time to go, apple season is at its peak and it’s completely beautiful.  

We camped at Sly Park not far from Apple Hill and enjoyed our last camping trip of the year.

With the apples we bought from Apple Hill (which are quite possibly the best apples you will ever eat in your whole life) I’ve been taking advantage of my somewhat recent boost of confidence in the kitchen.

Apple Sauce

Caramel Apple Jam

Apple Pie Filling

And this is only the beginning of my apple-ing. I guarantee there will be many more treats to come.. This is just a few that I have in mind… 

Happy Fall Apple Season!

Falling for Fall

The days are getting shorter and the air is suddenly more crisp. And I am loving it because it means that the long awaited and much anticipated Fall season is arriving! 

And this fall, I am loving all things apple. I don't know what it is about this delicious red-or green or whatever color they decide to be- juicy fruit that appeals to me so much at this time of year, but it has taken over my baking. 

And its only the third day of Autumn.

caramel-apple crisp

Caramel-apple

Crock-pot apple dish

Caramel-glazed apple bread

I'm going to need to use my gym membership this year....

Although the goodies claim the number one spot on my Fall Favorites, there are some close runner-ups.

Pumpkins

Warm Apple Cider

 and of course the Changing Leaves.

I don't know about you guys, but for me, it's no competition. Fall is my favorite.

Hiking, Camping and Swimming, Oh My!

I don't even know where the time has gone! It seems like I was just updating this blog yesterday... 

Jared and I have been so lucky to have such an exciting first summer of marriage together. I feel like even with our busy work schedules, we haven't missed out on any of the joys that summer brings. 

Last weekend we hiked up Sqaw Valley to Five Lakes. 

It was a beautiful trail that lead to the snow covered mountain where Jared was the only one brave enough to go for a swim,

And we returned today from a fabulous camping trip with Jeff and Bethany.

It takes a brave soul to call a summer complete without an old-fashioned camp-out.

That's right, I said 'old fashioned'. I'm not talking about the new form of camping that has struck the nation, with trailers with full hook-ups, satellite TV and a full kitchen. 

I'm talking about tents and sleeping bags, a skillet over hot coals and roasted marshmallows from an open flame. Its what camping used to be- and this weekend we had so much fun with Jeff and Bethany camping in Stampede. If you've never been before I suggest you go. I've camped there before several times when I was younger and I can't imagine it ever getting old.

We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather this weekend.

 Bethany and I enjoyed a hike along a beach trail, while Jared and Jeff took off for some mountain biking.

The only regret I have is that we didn't stay longer!

There will definitely be a next time.

Sunny Summer Day's

We have had an extremely busy summer so it's no shock to me that when I looked at the calender the other day I realized it's already half over. 

Even though summer has flown by so far, there isn't much to update on.. I guess that's what happens when you grow up but don't have kids.

Besides more swim lessons with our pup,

and with my ADORABLE niece and nephew,

we haven't done much..

And I know what you're thinking... "What an exciting blog..." Right? 

But I just couldn't resist showing off these cute pictures.

Once again, I realize how blessed I am to have such a fabulous family.

Birthday Bliss

On July Fourth 1989, during the fireworks I was born to two wonderful parents. I guess you could say I came out with a bang! (I was tempted to put a baby picture up, but I was not a cute newborn...)

The last few years I have hid in the serenity of my grandparents house in Eagle Lake California. This year, we discovered we have a water dog!

She didn't know it, and neither did we, but now she can't get enough of the water!

Nothing can beat the calm lake, and of course the private beach is a plus. Last year the lake was too low to go boating but it was up a little this year so after several hours of restoring the boat back to normal after taking a couple years off, we made our way down to the dock and spent some quality time enjoying water sports.

I stuck to the boat and manned the flag (and the camera) but after many hours under the hot sun I could no longer resist the temptation and jumped in the clear blue water.

That night we ventured into the tiny town for dinner. Little did we know, there was only one very unqualified chef.. We waited two hours for our food. It was pretty ridiculous but once our food finally came (thanks to the help of some concerned patrons) it was delicious.
We ate at record speed and went home to cake and ice cream in celebration of my birthday.

We left early on the fourth and had a very relaxing afternoon lounging around. It seems like Jared and I never get time to just lay around anymore so it was so nice to have no worries.

We ended the weekend by enjoying a spectacular fireworks show from the park next to our place with my sister and step-dad and look forward to making next year just as awesome!

Sweet Summer Beginnings

It has been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and in this blog, I think that will be true...

A last minute visit from my sister has resulted in another busy weekend.

We hiked...

We swam...

and we BBQ'd

Despite her frequent stops to rest in the cool shade, I think Rylee enjoyed her first hike.

Our weekend was non-stop and its no surprise that this week will be the same way.

With a trip to PUMP IT UP and Wild Waters planned we are sure to have plenty of fun and sun!

The weekend couldn't have had a better ending-

Sundays continue to be the best day of the week!

Jared and I are really enjoying our new ward, and are so excited to have shared that blessing with Jamie today as she attended church with us. She loved it! 

It was so great to be able to bring her with me, and feel her sweet spirit. Jamie enjoyed church so much, she says she wants to go back every week! 

I hope you all are having as great of a start to summer as I am!