Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Beginning of Fall

There's always a bit of excitement that I get when fall is here, maybe it's the nostalgia of childhood, but it always makes me smile when I walk outside to the crisp chill of the air. The temperature has dropped from the 90's to a cool mid 80's during the day, and around 60 degrees at night. It's time for caramel apples, Halloween, and the State Fair! The only thing I dread about Fall is that Winter comes soon after. 

 We are lucky to live in a beautiful neighborhood, and the field across from where we live is still empty, believe it or not! The wild sunflowers just started to bloom, and so now the field is full of yellow flowers. Matt, Emma, and I took a walk yesterday through the field and then went to the school nearby to play on the playground. So much fun! The simple things in life are the best! Welcome Fall!!





Monday, September 12, 2011

Countdown has started!

10 more days until this family is off to Chicago!





Matt started his countdown, oh, about the same day the tickets were purchased, but now it's becoming real for me. I am looking forward to seeing Illinois in the fall, Matt says it's his favorite time of year there. We will see lots of family, and get some much needed relaxing time! We also plan to visit the Brookfield Zoo, which I've heard is amazing and large! It's going to be a fabulous time. 10 days to go until we get to spend 10 days in Illinois! Brad, hope you have enough ingredients to make 10 days worth of Death By Chocolate cake for your favorite Daughter-in-law!!! 

See you all soon!! XOXO

Friday, September 9, 2011

My new obsession



Is all about Rolo-pretzels! About a year ago, a girl that Matt worked with brought some in, and offered that I try one. I had a bad run in with Rolos when I was little, and all I remember is puking out of our family van after eating one. So when she offered one to me, I politely said "No Thanks". Well recently, Matt made a batch for himself and some people at work, and he offered that I try one, stating how delicious they were. I again, said "No Thanks". 

The next morning, I looked in the fridge and saw all these little Rolo-pretzels just eying me. So I tried one... and then another one... and well, let's just say I made Matt make me my own batch :) I am hooked, and make a batch once a week if I can. Unfortunately they cost you your first born child to buy, BUT it's worth it when you eat one. Trust me. 

Here is the recipe:
1 bag of square shaped pretzels
1 bag of Rolos candy (I've heard the Hershey's with caramel inside work too)


Heat oven to 350 degrees, place unwrapped Rolo on pretzels and bake 3 minutes. Take out and top with another pretzel and let cool.


Easy right?! I like them cold, so I put them in the fridge for them to chill. They are also very delicious right out of the oven, because the caramel is so gooey. Love them! 


Try it out, and then tell me how addicted you are, you can't eat just one!

 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Walkin' to the Store video




Ever since Emma was little, Matt has played "walkin' to the store" with her. When she was a couple months old they would play, "Run to the store" where he would move her legs really fast and then stop. She got such a kick out of it! Well this is Matt's new rendition of it, and Emma seems to love it! Sorry that it's sideways, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it. :( Enjoy!













Monday, September 5, 2011

L.A.- "Lotsa Fun!"

I'm a little late on blogging, but the first weekend in August we drove to California for Matt's Aunt's birthday party extravaganza! She had a week long birthday celebration, and lots of family came throughout the week to stay with her. Matt's Mom was there and his cousins too, it was such a good time! Emma did surprisingly well for the 12 hour drive, she had a sleep pattern of being awake for an hour, and then she would sleep for an hour or longer, etc. She was so happy, and didn't seem to mind being in the car seat for so long. I think it was much harder on Matt and I, we can't road trip like we used to! It didn't help that we drove straight through without making a sleep stop. We got there about 2 a.m. Cali time, and Matt's Momma was there to greet us... OK she was there to greet Emma, who am I kidding? :) 


















We weren't there for too long, so we didn't want to pack our days full of "things to do" while we were there. We went out to eat, went swimming in the pool, and hung out with family. It made the weekend seem longer than it really was! Grandma Entwistle had lots of Emma time too, and we were happy for that! Maybe some day they will move out here.... *hint*hint*

Here's the cutest video of Emma swimming in the pool:





Emma met lots of new family members, and everyone said she looks just like Matt when he was a baby, and I have to agree! It was so great that everyone was able to see her and love her! 
4 Generation photo- Grandpa Mel, Mom Entwistle, Matt, and Emma

Aunt Mar (birthday girl) and Emma

Great Grandpa Mel and Emma

Cousin Michelle and Emma


Matt's cousin Eddie and his wife, Christina just had a new lil' baby boy in July, so we were so happy to see him! I forgot how little they are as newborns, and just loved holding him. They named him Edward, and he is the sweetest thing- the sweetest thing with so much hair that is!

Baby Edward sleeping...

Matt's Mom and Edward
We had such a blast, and it was so sad to leave! Luckily we will be seeing Matt's family again soon, we have a plane booked for Chicago at the end of this month! Emma will have another first: First Plane Flight! We are really looking forward to the trip. 3 weeks to go! Here are some more pictures from California, we miss everyone so much! Aunt Mar is right, we will have to come out to visit more often. 

Aunt Mar and Matt, with Patty's famous chocolate gravy

Bean Pole Emma!

Christina and Michelle

Eddie

Bath in the sink! She didn't seem to mind

Daddy and Emma swimming, she LOVED the water!

Emma in her new swim suit from Grandma

The Fam'

Griffin (Eddie and Christina's boy)
Emma listening intently to Grandpa Mel

Happy 50th Aunt Mar! We love you!


Emma loves Griffin!

Grandma, Emma, and Mommy

Emma loved the water, she would have stayed in all day!

Aunt Carolyn holding Emma in the water toy


We still love each other! BFF's!





Aunt Carolyn with baby Edward



Michelle's hubby Dan


Thanks Aunt Mar and Uncle Kelley for letting us stay at your house for the weekend, we loved seeing everyone!!