Random Picture Friday

Happy Halloween all!  

Do you remember those Halloweens when you had to wear your winter coat over your costume and you begged your mom to just let you wear your costume? I'm afraid we might have one of those Halloweens this year.  Nonetheless, it is always a fun night.  I hope you have a fun, safe, and warm evening and weekend!

The last farmer's market a few Saturdays back.

Daddy and Luke watching the combine.

Luke loves stickers.

Jackpot.

A night showing Luke around our old stomping grounds (The Old Market).

Uncle Jeff's hat

Opening mail from Uncle Brandon and Aunt Shamica.

Visiting Great-Grandpa

A morning at the Children's Museum with Claire!

Luke's 2nd Birthday Party

DIG IT!  

This past weekend we celebrated Luke's second birthday.  We had family here from out of town, as well as some of Luke's little friends.  The theme was construction vehicles, as Luke is obsessed with them.  Luke even got a real 'dozer' for his birthday (not really, but one showed up to do some work in a field, much to Luke's delight).  He was spoiled with love, a peanut butter cupcake, as well as some really neat gifts from everyone.  

Kevin and I are so thankful for all the people that love and support Luke and it makes my heart happy to know he already has so many little friends.  

I didn't get many pictures from the party, but here are some from the party and rest of the weekend:

Luke and Daddy watching Luke's birthday slideshow.

Construction coloring station

This guy came to celebrate Luke's birthday.

The kiddos loved when it was time to open presents.

Luke got a new glider from Grandpa Gary and Grandma Diane.

The 2nd annual hayrack ride!

Sweet Baby Katie enjoyed the ride.

My dad, sister, and Landon on the ride.

I love this little boy, it's hard to believe he is (almost) 2!

Blowing out his candle.

In just a few short weeks, we will add a sweet baby girl to our family of three.

The Forristall family

My parents and Luke...he wasn't being very cooperative.

Out on a walk with Papa and Daddy.

The 'dozer' that came on his birthday.

He loves equipment.

{Loved}

Our baby girl is so loved already.  During the past two weeks, two groups of girlfriends have hosted celebrations to help us get ready to meet our sweet little girl.  

My mom and I headed to Sioux City a few weeks ago to see some of my basketball teammates for a reunion of sorts.  They surprised me with a 'sprinkle' for baby girl while we were there.  It was such a special afternoon getting to catch up on each other's lives and a bonus was getting to snuggle one of my good friend's twin boys.  I felt completely spoiled and I am so glad that my daughter will get to grow up knowing these beautiful, successful women.

Love these girls!

Celebration number two was hosted by my Cooking Club/Bible Study girlfriends.  They are the sweetest group of girls and I absolutely love the time I am able to spend with them.  It was a night of girly food, lots of laughs, special moments, and swapping Mommy stories.  These girls are so thoughtful and I feel blessed that our little girl will get to see what friendship looks like with these special ladies.

Yummy bacon wrapped dates...these are awesome.

 Everything was pink and so pretty!

A super special gift...my friend, Annie, knew I wanted a place to hang headbands.  She asked Kevin to find a few pieces of wood from the farm and she made these beauties.  There are some DIY headbands on there as well from my friend, Bri.  

These girls are the best.

THE BEST Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I know I'm a little late on the pumpkin train, but better late than never!  I have made these muffins from The Girl Who Ate Everything three times in the past three weeks and I just can't get over them.  I must share them and you must make them!  They are not the most waist friendly muffins, but they sure are delicious.  The good news is they are muffins, so the portion control is built right in, which makes these the perfect item to make on a fall day.  I hope you try...you will not be sorry!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Yields: 2 dozen regular sized muffins or 96 mini muffins

Ingredients
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 can pumpkin (15 ounce)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice OR 1 1/2 t cinnamon,1/2 t nutmeg,1/2 t ginger, 1/4 t allspice
2 cups chocolate chips (I like dark.  If you're making mini muffins, mini chips work well.)

Directions
1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place muffin liners in muffin tin.
2.  Mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips together in stand mixer.
3.  Fold in chocolate chips.
4.  Place a few more chocolate chips on top of each muffin.  
5.  Bake in oven for 15-17 minutes for regular sized muffins and 8-9 minutes for mini muffins.  DO NOT over bake. 

   

Random Picture Friday

I am a little backed up on pictures.  Here is our life in pictures from the past few weeks.  Hope you all have a blessed, beautiful fall weekend!

A chilly Saturday at the Farmer's Market

Visiting Dittmar's Pumpkin Patch

Celebrating Landon's 10th birthday in Ottumwa

A trip to visit 'Papa' at work after shopping for Baby Girl

Grandma Diane and Luke

Papa and Luke...and a DOZER!!

Painting pumpkins with Amelia

A trip to the zoo on a warm fall day

Luke snuggling up to Baby Elliot

Luke and Baby Katie with Grandma

Luke was entertained by the windows getting cleaned this week.