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!

A Spring Surprise

I noticed the recent trend on my blog was a new one every Monday. And who am I to ruin a good thing? (okay, so I know I skipped a few, but bear with me) I'm not sure why... Perhaps the only time anything exciting happens is over a weekend.

Well, yet again I had another exciting weekend! I suppose my weekend actually started last Wednesday when I left Jared (for the first time since we've been married, might I add) and flew to Portland to surprise my mom.

 I hadn't seen her since my wedding and it was just getting ridiculous. No one should go that long without seeing their mom. So about a month ago, maybe a little more, I emailed her boyfriend Paul. And immediately he agreed to pick me up from the airport and drive me to Canby where my mom currently resides. 

I was convinced it would be by far the best surprise I'd ever given anyone in my life- of course it was.

On the car ride over we came up with a rouse to get my mom and Jamie out of the house so I could surprise them at the same time. My mom walked around the corner where I'd carefully hidden myself under a drizzling dark gray sky, and the first thing that came to my mind was "boo!" why? I couldn't tell ya. I wasn't trying to scare her.

Well sure enough, she screamed. It echoed down the quiet street and she looked behind her-waiting for Ashton to jump out and tell her she'd been punked? Who knows, then she stood there for another moment in shock before she ran over to hug me.

We spent the weekend relaxing with our Lifetime movies and enjoying each others company. I left the rain in Reno and brought with me sunny 80 degree weather that we very much took advantage of that with a BBQ on Thursday night and at the beach on Saturday.

The breathtaking scenery made up for the wind.

Friday night included Jamie and her friends roller-blading, while my mom and I watched (I have to admit, laughing hysterically at times...)

I shared laughs and made memories with two of the greatest gals in my life. Definitely a weekend I won't forget and it was all made possible by Jared!

I'm so lucky!