Frozen Meal Swap

 A small group of my mommy friends planned a frozen dinner swap. 

Prep wasn't so hard...

My freezer shelf before the swap...

And after...

super bonus... got to hang out with my mommy friends!! 

but really, it's kind of 'cool' to have a freezer full of meals and it was a burst of kitchen inspiration that I've been missing for a while.

So this afternoon, I jarred a batch of pumpkin butter, cooked some Zuppa Toscana, baked some broccoli calzones, and have chicken broth simmering in the slow cooker.

One of these days, I'll figure out some kind of balance. LOL

Fish in a Bowl

I'm trying to figure out how I feel about these fish in a bowl on my kitchen counter. 

Sometimes, the first thing I see when they catch my eye, is "ugh, another chore. How did I get stuck with Another Chore! Taking care of dirty water, dirty bowl, feeding, not spilling, ugh."

Sometimes, it's "oooh! Look, something shiny!" (which is, I suspect what the dog and my kids see, too.)

And sometimes, it's just flat-out depressing to see a living thing trapped in an unnatural environment...

Trick or Treating DG

Getting ready to head off on a trick-or-treating adventure with friends! 

We got ourselves and the go-go all dressed up to cruise the neighborhood.

Met up at the clubhouse for a snack and mini pre-party!

Then loaded up the golf carts and hit the streets!

Woo-Hoo! What a party! So many fun costumes, cheerful friends, and generous neighbors!
I just love my community!

Aw... sharing! 

Halloween Parade

The MOMS Club got together for a Halloween costume parade at the senior center in town. 

It is always a much anticipated pleasure for the kids, the seniors, the parents. 

Miscelleaneous October

Full moon rising over the Diablo range.

Pumpkins on the front porch -- must be October!

Lots of dress-up play these past few weeks!

Aaaaarrgh!

"Look how long I am!"

Visiting Daddy at work after the costume parade.

Bonita School Carnival

We attended the Fall Festival at Bonita Elementary School, where Olivia and Camila will (most likely) be attending school. 

It was a wonderful family event, reminiscent of my days at St. Pat's. Loads of games to be played for 25-cent tickets - where everyone wins something! costume contest, raffle prizes, a bunch of the dads grilling sausages and hamburgers, kids playing all over the grounds, climbing trees, swinging on the playground, lots of big (and little) brothers and sisters. 

We actually recognized a mess of the neighbor kids from the Diablo Grande playground & pool.

I'm looking forward to participating in this event for years to come! :)

Pumpkin Patch