A Birthday Surprise

Last Friday morning, Millie and I hopped on a plane to Phoenix to surprise my dad for his *ahem* 60th birthday. We enjoyed some family time and a party in the desert; with some great food, an attacking cholla and an Arizona sunset. 

Seconds before she learned the dangers of touching random plants in the desert.

My Jams looking great in the desert:)

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The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out with some of our favorite people. Not as many pictures, but just as much fun. 

She has a bit of Finley in her...

Us girls had a great weekend, but we missed our boys and were happy to come home to them. Until next time, Phoenix, until next time. 

Apples

I love fall. There. I said it. I used to hate saying goodbye to summer, and I can't say I will ever welcome winter with open arms, but the brief period in between is slowly becoming my new favorite. It makes me want to get all Sally Homemaker and start baking and crafting. I want to buy all the pumpkin scented candles and make every meal in the crock pot. And my brand new favorite family tradition is the apple orchard. 

In hind sight, I should have lost the shades. I look ridiculous. But there are 6 people. Looking AT the camera. Total win.

This is our second year going and we have already decided to go back next year. There is a little something for everyone. A nature walk sprinkled with little learning centers for the kids,

an entire kids play area,

pumpkins,

a corn maze,

stumped.

Are you a little more impressed by our family picture after seeing this beauty? 

and of course, APPLES!

she still has tear drops running down her cheeks from when I wouldn't let her eat the rotten, bug infested apples from the ground. 

We now have apples for days. Brian wants to make apple pie and apple cobbler. I think I'll stick to my butterscotch cookies (the extent of my baking abilities).