Blueberry Streusel and a Trip to the Zoo  

Posted by: Amanda

Ok - I have to be honest. This post is way less about the blueberry streusel (which was delicious, don't get me wrong...), and way more about our fantastic trip to the Peoria Zoo. Poor streusel. But, here it is anyhow:



Now on to the good stuff!



Gabe was convinced that I NEEDED to style his hair "spiky for the 'szoo'" (not kidding - in Gabers-land, there is totally an 's' in zoo.



...and Madison was all decked out and ready to go. No, really - she asked to sit in the car and wait at least 20 minutes before we were going to leave!



Both kids wanted to see how they measured up against some of the largest birds ever.



First, Lana just wasn't sure about those lions. She contemplated for quite some time. With her finger in her mouth. (...ok. She always has her finger in her mouth.)



But, she warmed up to them; in fact, it was all she could do to contain herself!
She wanted out of that stroller so badly!

So, you see, sometimes it just isn't about the desserts. They're great, don't get me wrong.
But, sometimes other sweet things take precendence.
...and I thank God every day that I know that to be true.

:)

Creating Memories  

Posted by: Amanda

This year, Halloween day was one that was full of memory-making events. We decided to create a new family tradition, beginning now: we set aside the entire day to "family things" - you know, take them to the apple orchard, carve pumpkins, bake fall goodies, and (of course), trick-or-treat!


Madison and Gabe LIVED in their costumes on Halloween day!
...and Gabe really lived up to the role of the grizzly lion (or "yi-unn", as he would say).


We did our fair share of baking that day. The mini pumpkin pies (left) turned out fabulously (see the pumpkin-shaped pie crust?!), and the raspberry cheesecake thumbprint cookies turned out to be absolutely delish (courtesy of Megan at Megan's Munchies)!


By the end of the day, Lana just couldn't take it anymore. She just had to sleep. On her pretty little right hand. :)


Ok - so this is a candle that I had burning that day on my kitchen table. And the text on it really hits home. And I wanted to play with my camera. Came out nicely, and it seemed to wrap up the day on a sweet note.



Hope your Halloween was as sweet as ours,
Amanda