Fall Baking

Yes, I am aware that it is not yet officially fall, but it's close enough. I love to bake, and I especially love to bake in the fall. Baking gets me in the fall mood. Especially quick breads. When your house starts smelling of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, how can you not be excited that fall is almost here?

So, on Tuesday Mara and I did the first of the fall baking. I love that she enjoys doing this with me. I can remember baking in the fall with my own mom. Maybe that's why I love it so much - the nostalgia of the whole thing. So the cycle continues and I'm baking in the fall with my own daughter. I'm sure it is a cycle that goes back for many generations.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread... mmmmm.

Mara's 4!!!!

Mara's 4th birthday was on the 2nd. She wanted to have a fairy tea party.

So of course we had to get her a fairy dress-up for the party.

She loved her party.

That evening Jake came over and we all went to McDonald's for dinner. Hopefully as the kids get older they will get a little more creative than McDonald's for their birthday dinner. Then we came home, opened presents, and had cake. She had a very fun day, and she is already making plans for her next birthday.

Mara, you are such a fun, sweet girl! You add so much to our family. We are so blessed that you are part of our family. We love you!!!

Mmmmmm.... Rice Cereal

Koen had his first "real" food on Thurs. He had rice cereal with applesauce. I have to say he was the most excited about food of any of my kids. None of the others have even come close to finishing off all the food in their bowl the first time, but Koen not only finished it, he also finished off a second bowl and was crying for more!

Watch him go at it in this video. (Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom.)