we love fall

BWCA // part II

Luke and Bob had a great time in the Boundary Waters.  This year, they didn't have to paddle out during a forest fire!  :)  I haven't had an opportunity to go through all their photos, but here are some cool ones I've found so far.

grape harvest

Luke's great uncle and aunt have a vineyard and today was their annual grape harvest.  We were invited to help with the harvest and the three of us had a great time!  The fresh autumn air made for a perfect day.

BWCA // part I

Luke and his friend Bob planned a four-day trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for Labor Day weekend.  As Luke was getting his bags packed, he decided to get some snapshots of the things he planned on bringing.  He didn't get a photo of everything, but for the most part this is what he packed:

grandparents weekend

Kurt got to see all four of his grandparents this weekend.  I think he had a great time playing with everyone and spending time outside.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of him with his Grandma Erickson.  :(  In the last picture, you can see he's up on all four!  He is rocking back and forth and is trying real hard to crawl.  I know it wont be long before he figures it out.

no work and all play 'til Tuesday

After Kurt's morning nap, I took him on a stroller ride to a park nearby our house.  He loves being outside and quite frankly it would be hard for me to keep him occupied and happy if we stayed inside all day.  Here are some photos of the little peanut:

As you can see he was content and eventually tired himself out.  When we got home, he fell asleep just in time for a VERY short afternoon nap.  I wish I could have let him sleep as long as he wanted, but I had to wake him up for his 6-month check up.  Kurt's pediatrician said he's doing great.  He now weights 16 pounds 5 ounces.  He also got two shots today  :( and cried half the way home... 

Happy Friday Everyone!

six months

Kurt hit the six month mark last Thursday.  He was at daycare that day and Kathy took this cute photo of him in the swing.  To celebrate this big milestone, Kurt decided to start sleeping through the night.  :)  As of today, Luke and I have had seven nights of pure uninterrupted sleep.  Woo hoo!  We didn't mind getting up with him, but I was beginning to wonder if we were doing him a disservice by not trying harder to get him to sleep through the night.  Not quite sure what else to do, we prayed about it and there you have it!

the glass is half empty today

I consider myself an happy-go-lucky person, but today was one of those days at work that makes you want to throw in the towel.  Long story short, I am not eligible for a promotion as soon as I thought I was.  Luckily, Kurt had a decent day at daycare so I got to spend some time with a happy five-month-old before he fell asleep.  And, tomorrow is Friday!  I'm SO looking forward to the weekend!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke, you just keep getting older and older and older.  :)  Just kidding!  In all seriousness, having you by my side day-by-day means the world to me and I'm SO thankful to share this little slice of life with you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and enjoy your birthday weekend!

Kurt also wanted to leave you a birthday message...

Hey Dad!  It's your birthday today and even though I haven't yet figured out how to say "happy birthday" or "I love you", I think you know what I mean when I smile and giggle.  We all know that no one can get me smiling and giggling like you can.  You're the best!  :)

Love,

Kurt

peaches

Last week Luke bought some peaches from a co-worker's mom who was selling them as a fundraiser for her church.  I had never had a Colorado peach before and let me tell you once you taste a Colorado peach you'll never want anything else.  Four nights in a row of Breyer's vanilla ice cream and peaches - yum.  :)  Because we had so many peaches and we didn't want them to spoil in our warm house, I also made some jam.  I really like the recipe I came up with so I'm going to share it with you!  This recipe makes enough to fill eight half pint jelly jars.

5 1/3 cups peaches, peeled and chopped (approximately 8-10 peaches depending on the size)
5 cups sugar
6 Tbsp pectin
4 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

First, get a pot of water boiling because you'll need it to peel the peaches.  While you have that heating up slice a small x into the bottom of each peach.  Then, get a bowl of ice water ready.  Using a slotted spoon, place the peaches into the boiling water for about 45 seconds and then transfer them to the bowl of ice water for about a minute.  Peel, quarter and chop the peaches.  I used my Pampered Chef Manual Food Processor that my mom gave me for Christmas and it worked amazingly!  Thanks Mom!  All you have left to do now is transfer the chopped peaches to a stockpot and bring them to a boil with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  You only have to boil them long enough for the juice and ingredients to mingle together, or if your peaches aren't chopped as small as you'd like you may want to boil them for about 15 minutes to help the fruit break down.  Add the pectin last and boil for another 5 minutes.  If you plan on canning the jam, it only takes about 10 minutes to process the half pint jars in your canning pot.  If anyone give this recipe a try let me know!

P.S. don't worry, Kurt will get to enjoy some peaches too once he's a little older because I froze some in a BÉABA multiportion freezer tray.  :)

We love you, Kurt

cucumbers

it's official

Last week, Troy graduated from basic training and officially joined the U.S. Air Force as Airman First Class Shoemaker!  We weren't able to celebrate this accomplishment with him, but my mom and dad were.  Troy, congratulations!  We are so excited to see what the future has in store for you.  :)

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40: 30-31