A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch!

We went with some friends to the pumpkin patch. Boy, have pumkin patches evolved since I was kid. They had hayrides, trainrides (same thing as the hayride, but with a train facade at the front), a craft fair, jolly jump slides, a full barbeque lunch menu, tons of photo backdrops, and duck races. All of these activities were of course for a cost. But I am sure there is no need to tell all of you this since I'm pretty sure this is a national pumpkin patch phenomen. Anyway, we went, we saw, we paid the bucks, and now you can see how cute Marielle is amidst pumpkins.

Birthday Celebration

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Marielle turned one on Tuesday and we had such a fun day.  The celebration started around 6:30 when Marielle woke up.  Normally she eats and then goes back to bed for a few more hours, but today her parents were too excited for that.  We opened her presents from Grandma and took a few pictures. Later that morning we went to playgroup at McDonalds.  Marielle loved the kiddie slide and trying to climb up in the jungle gym. She is not afraid of heights that's for sure!  We had friends over later that night to sing Happy Birthday and eat some cake.  Marielle  liked her cake, but ate it like a little lady.  No frosting in the hair for her. :)  I smeared some on her nose in the end just for fun. We wish all of you could have been there to celebrate with us, but we hope the video will do. 

The Great and Dreadful Day Has Come ---Marielle is WALKING!

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We knew it was coming, we saw all the signs.  But we were still unprepared how cute it actually was to see our little Marielle walking!!  We are late on posting this marvelous accomplishment because our computer was down all last week, but we are up and running now and as you can see Marielle is too! 

Dinner Time is Fun Time

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Marielle is usually a very good eater and waits with a wide open mouth for MORE FOOD. But this particular night she was distracted so I tried the old flying airplane trick -- it worked. And worked so well we ran for the camera... here's the show!

Cheesy Slideshow!

I saw a slide show from this website on someone else's blog and thought I'd try it out. Since I didn't have any new pictures I pulled from the archives. So just in case you missed our wedding reception, now you too can watch Ryan and I grow up together.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One Great Recipe and a Call for More!

Today I am trying to get my grocery list together and had a great idea. Instead of searching online like I usually do, I thought I'd try the blogging world since I'd rather have your recommendations than on-line mystery cooks. :) So my great idea is that I post a great recipe and then you post one for me in the comment section. The sharing of good dinners will abound without anyone having to print a RS cookbook. If this works I post more recipes periodically. And please comment if you try our recipe and like it, feedback is fun!

Our latest family favorite is Apple Quesadillas. They are super easy, the recipe makes a lot, and delicious. Ryan loves them and requests them all the time.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium tart apples, sliced
• 1 cup diced, cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup shredded fat free Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 (8 inch) (8 inch) flour tortillas
• 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 6 tablespoons fat free sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Place about 3/4 cup on half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over filling and secure with toothpicks. Place on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. ( I cook mine on an electric skillet, works pretty well for me)
   
2. Carefully turn quesadillas over; bake 5-8 minutes longer or until golden. Discard toothpicks. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges; serve with lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

Hope you like them! And PLEASE post your rave review recipe!