Turkeys, Tarts and Testimonies

Our church had a night of thanksgiving combined with a pie contest for the MEN on Sunday night. I encouraged Derek to take a shot at it for fun and he carefully (and a little slowly) followed the instructions for a Caramel Pecan Apple Pie that I had in my 'try it' pile. Lo and behold the man won first place and a 20-plus pound turkey. Go figure! I guess I can be expecting more help from him in the kitchen...

I Think He Started Too Early

Derek started his train earlier than usual and it has resulted in some amazing new additions to the track. This is some of the progress, but none of these pictures include the newly added waterfall. Complete with pump. More to come!

'The Christmas Train 2010' or 'What Happens When You Marry an Engineer'

Some of you may have had the priviledge to see our Christmas Trains of Years Past. This year Derek got started a little early and we're well on our way to what he thinks will be the coolest one ever. When you start attaching pieces to the structure of your home with screws and nails it really shows your level of commitment! Here's a preview:


Looking across 'The String Bridge' that 'soars' above the stairway.

A look at the perilous turn between the bridges.

The affectionately named 'Cousins Bridge' complete with faux brick painting.

The view from coming up the stairs.

Pumpkin Designs

Jack's. Prizes to the first correct guess on who/what it is. The prize is candy... see the below post!

Anna wanted to color her own.

Luke's. Again, prizes available.

Leah's. Prizes STILL available.

Our Stash

Anna won this cake doll at the Fall Fest. Any sisters remember when Grandma made these?

Bowl number one. It is a huge bowl. And there was no junk to toss this year (hard candies, etc.)!

What is left of the rest of the cupcakes we won at the cake walk.

The smaller bowl. This is still a big mixing bowl-- like it fits a triple batch of banana bread.

Fall Fest

These are games for the uncompetitive person... win or lose you get the same big handful of candy!

Obligitory Pumpkin Patch Pictures

We went with a group of kids from our homeschool group at church. It actually felt like fall (unlike today when it is 101 out) and the kids had a blast.

Some of the group.

Dress Up Piano Recital

And they got loads of candy afterwards. All this was two weeks before Fall Fest-- where candy jumps into their bags at an unarmingly fast pace.

Fall Colors

They're few and far between here, but we found some!