Happy Canning

I got a call from a friend at church.

He told me I could order boxes of organic apples from Paonia (a small farming town in a nearby valley) for $15/box.

Being an apple fan from Washington, I jumped at the opportunity...and took it upon myself to order a box for Amy Jo, too.

One of my favorite past times with my Grandma McClure is canning fresh produce in her kitchen. Amy Jo and I thought this would be a great chance for us to make fun memories with her girls.

Karsyn and Kyla were awesome helpers, and Khloe and Tait joined in occasionally to help with an apple or two.

In total we canned 22 quarts of apple pie filling, 2 trays of baby food, made 2 fresh pies for the return of our happy hunters, and ate several apples with the kids along the way.

Being new to canning, it took us until 1:30am on Saturday and a few hours on Sunday to finish our task. We are hoping it will be a faster process next year, now that we are experts.

Needless to say, we were a little rummy by the time we went to bed Saturday, and we didn't even drink any rum...although, maybe we should have.

The pies were a huge hit with the hunters, who unfortunately did not return home with (elk) antlers in the back of their truck...but we took them in and fed them anyway.

Good thing rifle season starts next week. :)

Helping Hands

Making the pies at 1:30am...a little rummy

The product of being barefoot (and not pregnant) in the kitchen for 12 hours
ahhhhhhh...we are finished!

Our New Favorite Thing...

Toe sucking!

Last night I was getting Brooks ready for his bath.

I turned around to throw his clothes in the hamper.

When I turned back to him, he not only had his toe in his mouth,

but you could hear him sucking.

I think he was starting to get hungry.

Maybe he can join the Peking Acrobats road show... or not.

I would miss him too much.

I love this outfit

It is officially fall in Aspen, and the cooler weather means we get to wear more fun outfits!

I love this one given to us by Aunt Amy Jo...

Which means we have every accessory...socks, blanket, onesie, pants, sweater and jumper...

Gotta love her Gymboree fetish!

There's Snow in Them There Hills!

The snow covered peaks above Snowmass that welcomed us this morning

...and I can't decide if I am excited or sad.

Maybe it is a good mix of both.

With a new baby at home, there is always anticipation of the next season, as it will surely bring changes and new adventures, but in the same breath, it is sad to close the chapter on another season gone by...

Summer, even though we didn't get to fully enjoy your sunshine and outdoor adventures this year, we will miss you...

Fall, you know I have always loved you, and I always will...

Winter, I am glad we don't get to meet you for a few more months (hopefully!). But we will enjoy your company while you are here...

To seasons of change in the weather and in our lives...

Becs & The Boys

We're Back!

The view from our lake house...incredible

Bryant wakeskating

Lake girls!

Lake Guys

My Guys

After an amazing time in Coeur D'Alene, we are back home and back to the office.

We had an incredible trip and visited with at least 40 family members and old and new friends.

The Lord blessed us with sunshine and warmth, and he even broke my phone for the weekend, so I wouldn't have to worry about work. What a blessing!

The house we rented was perfect. Beautiful. Large. And the owners are great people too. If you ever want to take a large group to the lake, I highly recommend this location. Easy to play, easy to town, easy for entertaining. http://www.vrbo.com/206984

All in all, our trip was a success. Bryant was able to ride his (borrowed) bike everyday, and I was able to spend much needed time with my favorites. The Vintage Barn Show was incredible! We all found amazing little treasures...now to convince my uncle Gary to bring them when he drives down next week...

For a peek at our photos, use the link to the right labeled 'Coeur D'Alene Vacation.'

XOXO,

Becs & the Boys

Idaho or Bust!

We are off to spend a long weekend with family and friends in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho! I am so excited to see everyone, spend time on lake, and attend the Vintage Barn Show on Saturday!

Until our safe return...

Becs & The Boys

In a land far, far away, there was a prince...

...And two years ago today, he married his princess...

...And they lived happily ever after...

The End.

My Guys

Yesterday, Bryant, Brooks and I headed to the Snowmass Rec to get in a workout before we went up to Ruedi to meet the Garaffa's.

Brooks is SO strong!

Glamping

Our bed for the night...complete with our pillows, blankets, and a down comfy...ahhhhhh

The Kids

Emily and Rocco

The Spread: Pork chops, fresh trout, grilled asparagus, and peppers. I'm telling you, we don't mess around!

Just before Brooks fell asleep...

We took a short overnight trip to visit the Garaffa's who were camping for the weekend up at Ruedi Reservoir.

We had many greats...great friends, great weather, great food, and a great bed. That's right. When the baby is in tow, we don't camp, we glamp.

We have an aerobed, sheets, and even our down comforter.

Gone are the days of the mummy sack and sleeping on a jacket as a pillow...at least for now.

XOXO

Becs & The Boys

Merry Cougsmas Eve!

My dear friend and fellow Cougar, Sam deemed today Cougsmas Eve as it is the day before the first Cougar football game of the season! We will be there in spirit, but my parents and so many friends will be making the trip to my old stomping grounds of Pullman, Washington to cheer on the Cougs as they take the field in Martin Stadium tomorrow.

Brooks is sporting one of his many Cougar outfits today in celebration...



So, from our house to yours...Go Cougs, and Merry Cougsmas Eve!



"And That's Another Cougar First Down!!!"



Becca

Christmas Card Spoiler...Just Kidding!

For some reason, I am lost for words...

I Forgot This One...

Yep, that is Bryant Sr. carrying Bryant Jr.

Personally, I am glad they have upgraded baby backpacks over the years,

as that doesn't look very comfy for the carrier or the carried

On a side note, I think that baby is super delicious.

Sorta like someone else I know really, really well.

Who's that baby???

Bryant and his sister Kellie Playing at the beach

Baby Bryant and his momma

Bryant's mom brought us some slides of him as a baby during her last visit.
I finally got them printed.
Who is that adorable little boy?
Reminds me of someone else I know!

The Joys of Parenting

Last night Bryant and I went to an event for Challenge Aspen at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

We had a rough time finding a sitter, but finally nailed down a great gal, whom we both know very well. I am not going to share her name, because we want to use her again and again. But, this story, I have to tell. Maybe you can relate???

She has watched the Everett's in the past and we know her parent's really really well.

We were very confident in her skills...

Until she started walking away with Brooks.

As she wheeled him off, she was pushing our Graco stroller backward down the walking mall. (It is one of the frames that the car seat snaps right into...so she was using the carseat bar as the handle).

I thought to myself, 'she must be trying to get the stoller out of the way before she turns it around,' as it was a little crowded where we were sitting.

But I was wrong. She continued walking.

I laughed. Hard. Tears were rolling down my face.

Bryant asked if we should go and tell her, but I said, 'no, she'll figure it out.'

And sure enough, when we picked Brooks up, she was using the correct handle.

Oh the joys of parenthood.