Nuna & Pawpaw's Fall Visit

My folks, Nuna & Pawpaw (as Jessie & Ella call them), visited us last week.  We had a nice time visiting & playing with the girls.  We especially appreciate my parents willingness to watch the girls so we could get out a little.  Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from the week.  We ended up having some of the nicest Pittsburgh Fall weather we've ever had while they've been here....70s during the days & 50s at night--beautiful!!  We got to enjoy the zoo/aquarium & a lovely trip to our favorite park.  Nuna & Pawpaw also got the girls a new jogging stroller & we love it.  Thanks so much to them for making the long trip & for all the nice gifts for us.

P.S. Took all of these in auto mode...not up to par in some of them, but still cute, I didn't want to fool around with the settings instead of enjoy the visit :)

Thanks for the new wheels Nuna & Pawpaw

Because of the unseasonably warm weather we got to see the baby Rhino born in Sept.

Our best try at a group shot

Had to help push the stroller

Touching the stingray

At the park...Jessie found the football & wouldn't let go of it

Nuna & her girls looking at the ducks

Playing sword fight with leaves....I think this pic is hilarious...look at nature girl just dancing around in her panties (uggh, I can assure you I do try to put her in clothes)

My parents with our neighbors...Ms. Nancy & Mr. Tom (80 & 85 years old, just as sweet as can be & still active)

**Bonus: Recipe for Sweet & Spicy Nuts**

You all may be wondering why share this now, well, after the girls & I went to the mall yesterday, it is obvious that the holidays will be upon us very soon!  I saw a lot of Christmas trees & even bought Christmas ornaments for our tree this year.  These nuts are a favorite at our house & I am sure you all have had these at a fair or mall at Christmas time...couldn't be easier than this!  Enjoy :)

Ingredients:

1/4 C white sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2 1/2 C nuts of your choice

1 Tbl. water

1 Tbl. honey

1 tsp. olive oil

Directions: 

1 Preheat oven to 350.  Spread nuts on baking sheet & toast until the nuts start to turn a golden brown & become fragrant, about 10 min. 

2. Stir together sugar, salt, spices in large mixing bowl & set aside

3. Remove nuts after 10 min. toast in oven.  Stir together water, honey, and olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the toasted nuts until evenly moistened.  Pour nuts into sugar & spice mix & toss to coat.  Spread nuts evenly onto baking sheet in single layer & let cool to room temp.  Beware, these are addictive!

Can't you almost smell them???  Mmmmmm, yummy!