Scarecrows & Pumpkin Pie Play-doh

We are really getting into the fall spirit around here. It really started yesterday at Cheekwood, where we enjoyed beautiful weather and saw the community scarecrow displays. I took pictures of our favorites (of course). There were a lot of really cute ones, but now that I'm looking at our pictures, I notice that Gerrick and I both seem to be drawn to the macabre.








Here's a sweet one we both liked:



This morning we put out our few Halloween decorations and made pumpkin pie play-doh. We used this super easy recipe for Microwave Bisquick Play-Doh and added a whole jar of (expired) pumpkin pie spice. Mmmmmm...now the whole house smells delicious.





Happy Fall!

Carrell Woodland Sculpture Trail

Today we took a homeschool tour of the Carrell Woodland Sculpture Trail at Cheekwood. This mile-long trail merges art and nature with sculptures placed throughout the woods.








Cheekwood will have free admission this weekend, October 3-4, 2009.

Artsy Mamas' Art Date

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and being with friends at today's Artsy Mamas' Art Date at Old Fort Park. We went on a short walk to the creek, made a little art, had a picnic, and hung out at the playground. Why didn't I get any mama photos?!

Retail Therapy

Last night I needed to get out--by myself. You know, one of those days when you've reached the point that if you're asked one more question or trip over one more toy you just might scream? And the thought of cooking dinner makes you feel sick? Yeah.

Fortunately I have a very supportive husband who knows how to fry eggs and turkey bacon and heat frozen biscuits. I'm also lucky that this happens to be Gerrick's favorite meal, so really it's a treat for everyone when I leave. :)

So anyway, as soon as Rick got home from work, I went to Goodwill. Yes, glamorous, I know, but you won't believe what all I found for a total of only $66.30:

2 pairs of like new, buttery soft leather shoes, 2 hats, and 12 skirts;


a collapsible rolling cart (no more back-breaking library trips for me!);

and this book for Gerrick.

Painting with Pokeweed

During our walk yesterday I spotted pokeweed and was reminded of this neat activity I recently saw on Lisa's blog, 5 Orange Potatoes. I told Gerrick about it and he wanted to give it a try. (WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME unless you know your child will not attempt to mouth any part of the pokeweed plant. IT IS HIGHLY TOXIC!)

Today's Field Photos

He is itching to get back in the woods--not a nice trail through a wooded park, but the actual wilderness behind our subdivision. Today he felt he could conquer the field lying between our yard and the woods with his plastic sword and shield. He put forth great effort, but we just couldn't get through the vegetation which is still too thick and high. We did however, see lots of interesting things during the attempt...

Farm-Fresh Food and Flowers

We are really excited that we've joined the CSA program at Madison Creek Farms. Saturday was our first pick-up date. In addition to getting a basket of food, we also get to cut our own bouquet of flowers every week (as long as they are blooming). There are free-range chickens for Gerrick and all the other kids to chase and plenty of space for them all to run and play together--there's even a creek. ;) I have wanted to start including more fresh vegetables in our diets for a while now, but honestly, standing in a grocery store produce section is just about enough to give me a panic attack, so consequently I've always tended to stick mostly with frozen veggies. I don't know anything about how to pick the best produce or what's in season when. The idea of being handed a basket of just-picked food is VERY appealing to me--especially since the farm staff is so helpful in answering any questions (i.e., how in the world do I cook this?).



contents of our first basket

Saturday's dinner

Sunday's dinner

Monday's dinner

Florida--Day 3 (Evening)

Florida--Day 3 (Sharky's)

The rain continued so we decided to drive into Panama City Beach.



The weather began to clear.



We stopped at Sharky's, where Rick and I enjoyed a snack basket on the beach-front deck while Gerrick socialized on the beach.