Pumpkin Patch!

A few weekends ago Steve and I went to Lawrence, KS to pick pumpkins! We went a few years ago and it was a good time. We had gone late in the season though and our choices of pumpkins were slim. This time we went a week after it opened and there were a ton to choose from!

Steve on the tractor heading from the barn to where the pumpkins are.

Trying to pick out a pumpkin! There were a lot of odd shaped ones that I wanted. In the end though I picked a normal looking one.

We eventually found two that we liked.

Steve carried them both to the car for us. Afterwards we went to downtown Lawrence for lunch. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Fall is Here!

I love fall! So many things about it...the smells, the leaves changing colors, breaking out scarves, boots and hats, home decor and of course the food! Pumpkin is one of my favorites. I love pumpkin everything. So when I got a free pumpkin the last week of our CSA I figured why not make my own puree and cook the seeds. Mama told me I wouldn't want to do it, but I figured why not try!

I cut the pumpkin in half and put the halves face down on a cookie sheet. Then baked for an hour and 45 mins.

It made the house smell delightful! I then let it cool, scooped it out and pureed it in the blender. Since then I have used the puree to make pumpkin cupcakes and pumpkin bread. Both of them were delicious.

While the pumpkin was cooking I made a butternut/acorn squash and sweet potato soup. It was beyond good...just ask Steve.

I also saved the pumpkin seeds from the one I cooked to make the puree and roasted them with olive oil and sea salt. We ate them as a snack all week. I just love fall!

Chicago

We went to Chicago at the end of September to celebrate our first anniversary. It was such a great time. We had a blast seeing the city. It was also very relaxing, something we had been needing!

We went to the aquarium. It really is one of the better aquariums I've ever seen, not that I have seen a ton. :)

We rented bikes from a stand outside the aquarium. We saw a ton of the city on the bikes, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the River Walk. It really is a great way to see a city.

At Millennium Park, in front of The Bean.

We also had to hit up some Chicago style pizza. It was delicious, but it has nothing on St Louis style.

We also went to a Cubs vs Cardinals game at Wrigley Field. Too bad the Cards lost. We still had a ton of fun though. Thanks mom and dad for the tickets!

I also kicked butt in pin-ball. I got my name on the score board in the top 40! haha It was pure luck and a lot of beer I think.
I know we wont be able to celebrate every year of marriage this way but it was a great way to spend the first one for sure. Any trip with my best friend is a good trip though, no matter the occasion. :) Click here if you want to see more pictures from our trip.