Going for a walk

Last week we went to Syracuse's annual pumpkin walk. It's our third year going. We love looking at the hundreds of carved pumpkins and picking out our favorites. Here are just a few that caught our attention. Notice the picture of the pumpkin with Allison's hand on it. She gave it a hug.

The first snow

We woke up this morning to find our neighborhood dusted with snow -- just a hint of what's to come. Now, at noon, it is gone.

Uncle John's black car

During Uncle John's visit from California, the girls were obsessed with his Honda Element. We can't count how many times Allison said, "Uncle John's black car!" (She's a great little talker.)

One morning Olivia asked for a ride around the block. When they got back, Allison went out to join them, and that led to at least an hour of fun -- climbing on seats, opening doors, and looking through compartments. Allison somehow rounded up four different chapsticks and quickly became very possessive of her newly found treasures. John is a very patient and sharing uncle.

Pumpkin patch kids

Last week we had a surprise visit from Joe's younger brother John, who came here from California. Our first adventure was a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch at J&J's. The kids came away with some great carving pumpkins, and Uncle John found a rather interesting one for himself.

A peek at my past

I used to be able to do a nice toe-touch. Now, I'm really good at changing diapers and eating chocolate. It's been 10 years -- a decade, you know -- since I donned that frightening little skirt. That's right, I was a cheerleader. I'm proud to say I did more yelling back then than I do now.

"ALL RIGHT, WOODS CROSS!"
"GO, WILDCATS!"

Are you feeling it?

My sqaud, or as many as could make it, got together for a little reunion this weekend. We all agreed that we felt old. It was fun to see the girls and catch up. Here's a little peek at the now and then.

Produce production

The Sweet Sixteen apple:

"Crisp and juicy with an exotic yellow flesh and a very sweet, unusual sugar cane or spicy cherry candy flavor."

That's the description offered by the apple's inventors, the University of Minnesota, and we agree with it. We have been loving our Sweet Sixteen tree. It has the most unique apples we have ever tasted, and they are huge.

We took one of our Sweet Sixteens to the Extension program's apple and cheese tasting event, and the hosts were very impressed. It's a fun event, and it's free. They provide everything. This was our second year attending. Click here for pictures from last year. If you're feeling jealous right now, don't despair. There's another event this Friday, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. Enjoy!

Now, take a look at some of our bounty this season.

Aside from the apricots and apples, we harvested tomatoes, bell peppers, red cherry peppers, basil, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, yellow summer squash and zucchini. We also grew cantaloupe and orange-fleshed watermelon, which you will see below.