Trick or Treat 2012

So we finally got to go trick or treating on Saturday following the "Frankenstorm" Sandy.  Trick or Treat this year was adorable.  Ella really didn't know what to do, but she knew she wanted to be involved & Jessie girl, well, she was so excited!  She ran up to the doors & mostly said trick or treat, but sometimes would forget & say "please" or "Happy Halloween" ...oh well, guess that's acceptable for a 2 & 1/2 year old.  We didn't trick or treat in our little neighborhood as there are few sidewalks & street lights, so we opted for another neighborhood just minutes from ours that was perfect for our little ones.  The girls mostly rode in their new stroller from Nuna & Pawpaw & we kept them covered with a blanket when we weren't actually getting candy b/c it was bitter cold on Saturday night.  At the last minute, Jessie wanted to go as Tinkerbell & wanted Ella to go as a cowgirl instead of  the opposite like we had orginally planned.  Honestly, as long as both girls were happy I didn't care (I will note that I bought both costumes in a size 3T just in case of this scenario & I'm glad I did).  And truly they looked precious & were so funny getting their candy.  I don't know who had more fun, them or Michael and I.  Enjoy some snapshots of our little ones trick or treating, some of my favorite memories so far with them.  Have a wonderful day!

Yep, Jessie is chewing on a dinosaur..that's Rex..it's a whole blog post

This sums up Ella's night...running up to try & do what her sister was doing

Jogging stroller was perfect for this

I loved that this guy had his big SLR out with speedlight taking pics of the neighbor kids...I think he's worse than me :)

Pretty happy with themselves

Fall Nature Pics

Here are some fall nature pics that I took on a hiking trip Michael & I did recently.  This was truly our last nice day of weather before we got cold, rainy weather.  Although, I am very excited about the holidays, fall was especially gorgeous this year in the 'Burg & I will miss the beautiful leaves with all their bright colors.  Enjoy & have a wonderful day!

The beauty I saw on this gorgeous fall day reminded me of this verse:
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1

All of these taken with the kit lens 18-55mm zoom, my cheapo lens, the trick yet again is RAW

How'd I get that water to look foamy??  Slow shutter speed, shot this at 1/8, had to hold my breath not to blur it

The golden glow of an October sun

Fast shutter speed...1/125

Slow shutter speed....1/8 (if you slow it down this much, gotta increase aperture to 10 or 12 even [decreasing the light you let in], much, much higher than my usual 3.2)

Same grape vines below, different white balance settings...can't you see 2 little girls in cute dresses playing in here (maybe next year :)

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!