Gone Apple Pickin'

This particular day was so beautiful I could hardly stand it. Ella and I zoomed over to the school and took McKenna a bit early. We grabbed Mammy and headed to the apple orchard. The girls and I so enjoy picking apples each fall. McKenna likes to remind us to "twist and pull."

We prefer this orchard for a few reasons. One is the hay mountain.

Another is the petting farm area.

Of course, don't forget the hay ride to the orchard and pumpkin patch.






We like picking raspberries too!

And, posing for a few pictures!

The Big Wide Mouthed Frog

McKenna had to do her first book report! She chose a book entitled The Big Wide Mouthed Frog. It is expected that she will do 4 book reports per month for the next few months. Of course, the book report requirements are very age appropriate. She had fun doing it. Next time I will encourage her to choose a book that is a bit more challenging.

A Day for Ella

While McKenna was in school, Ella and I made a day of it. We headed to the Children's museum for some fun. As usual, Ella had a couple of favorite activities that monopolized the majority of our time.

There's the normal mail delivery that Ella enjoys...

And then of course, the art room. Who would have thought that the Oxo Salad spinner could create such beauty?

Mmm...mmm....Monday

Back by request (thanks Leah).....another recipe! This recipe is in honor of my Nana, who celebrated a birthday yesterday. I have been very busy lately and the blog has been put on a back burner. Hopefully, I will be able to catch up quickly. (On the other hand, my house has been cleaner and I really put a dent in my scrapbooking!)

Silk Panna Cotta

1.5 tsp gelatin
3 cups heavy cream
pinch salt
1 c. sour cream
1 T cold water
1/2 c. sugar
1.5 tsp vanilla
3 or 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate (shaved with peeler)

In coffee cup, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let stand 5 minutes.
In 3 qt. saucepan, warm cream, sugar, salt & vanilla over med-hi heat. (Don't let it boil).
Remove from stove and let cool 5 minutes.
Put sour cream in medium bowl. Whisk in warm cream gradually till smooth.

Pour into 8 coffee cups, ramekins or wineglasses - about 3/4 full. Chill in fridge for 10-12 hrs. Serve topped with chocolate shavings.

Mmmm....isn't your mouth just watering for a taste!??

Stay tuned to read about...

Woodbury Days
State Fair
My Dad's Visit
McKenna's First Day of First Grade
Ella's First Day of Preschool in the Frog Room

Ella's First Day of Preschool

Do you remember this post? Or, even this post from last year? If you don't-click to remind yourself!

Ella's first day of the Caterpillar room (preschool) started today. Doesn't she look adorable? Drop off went well. She came home excited to tell me all about it.

Look at that cute skirt. She loved wearing that.

Showing off the princess backpack.

In front of the school entrance

This is Ella's cubby. She hangs her backpack and coat here.

First Grade, First Day

Remember last years First Day story?

Well, this year went much better.

McKenna's first day of first grade went smoothly. She got up at 6:45am just fine. After putting her on the bus (which was terribly late), I jetted over to the school to take a photo of her by the classroom. McKenna's teacher is Mrs. Israel. She went to school with Arthur through 9th grade. Small world. So far, we really like Mrs. Izzy (that is what the kids call her).

The Great MN Get Together

I love it! I look forward to it all year long. I told you about it last year also.My dad chose to come up this week just to go. The girls talk about it year long.

Give up?

The MN State Fair is so much fun. This year we were able to bring Dad and Debbie along for the good time! There's always so much to do and see. Freebies galore and lots of yummy food!


First, Little Hands Farm Exhibit. This is a favorite. The girls get to plant seeds, harvest food, and sell it at a Farmer's Market-all after feeding and milking animals!

Tractor pose

Transporting the hay

A quick bit of silliness

Shearing a sheep. Yep, all real-including the sheep.

Debbie couldn't get enough rides. She and Dad raced in the go carts

Ella holding a butterfly

Can't wait until next August!

Visiting Como

A trip to the Como Zoo and Conservatory was in order while Dad was up. This zoo is nice because it can be done in just under 2 hours if you want to be done in a morning. We also toured through the conservatory a bit, as well.

Debbie couldn't get away from carnival rides. They were everywhere we went. And she wanted to ride them more than the girls!! Here are a few shots.

I'm not really sure why McKenna has such a grumpy face here. I had probably just told her that this was the last ride or something.

Here's the conservatory. Isn't it a neat building. I thought this photo was pretty good.

Mice Cream

While my Dad and Debbie were up for a visit we looked through a new restaurant in Minneapolis. Hell's Kitchen is an interesting place serving mostly Americana food. Here's the chandelier. Notice all of the knives hanging...

We also went to the downtown Target and Dad aka "Grandpa Higgins" let the girls pick out a toy. Of course they were excited about that.

It was also Debbie and Arthur's birthday. We put together a little party for them. The party was themed around "mice cream." Let me explain!! Adrian, the girls' Papa, is afraid of mice-so he says! The girls love to taunt him about it. So, when we saw this in a magazine....

we had to recreate it. Arthur and Debbie's party was the next event, so the party was themed around our "mice cream" treat. We made mouse ear headbands. It was a lot of fun for the girls. Everyone was agreeable and wore the earbands.