Still smiling

With everything that has been going on recently in addition to my insanely busy schedule there have been many moments that have proved to be the silver lining. Eventhough I'm working travel hours and trying to keep up with all of my schoolwork...tons of papers and readings along with class, ugh (along with dealing with the crap of life), I am trying to make it a priority to experience everything that fall has to offer with Carl and the kiddos. This year has definitely been the best because the girls are "getting it". They are excited for Halloween. We have been wactching fall-themed movies and reading fall-themed books. We visited Webers farm two weeks ago and enjoyed a hayride, sider slushies, and pumpkin picking (along with the Haunted House that Alie loved and the giant slide that Laney loved). Last weekend we headed to Zoo Boo where the girls got their first real taste of trick or treating. They had a great time gathering and eating the candy. We have been spending this time with family as well, hosting my parents, brother and sister in law and in laws for a lasagna and pumpkin pie dinner a few weeks ago. I have been baking a ton trying out many new fall recipes as well as some of our family favorites. Carl and I have been continuing our own family traditions, which is wonderful!

And finally this morning, one of my favorite moments of all. I made some pumpkin bread quickly last night before I headed to class. The girls and I each had a slice of pumpkin bread for breakfast this morning along with their very first mug EVER of hot chocolate (chockit as they call it). They did a great job drinking out of the mugs, and it was such a wonderful morning, watching the rain out the windows and eating a yummy, season-appropriate breakfast with two of my favorite people in the whole world.