Fall Frenzy

So, I know it has been a couple weeks since my last post... and I'm going to blame Philip for that.  Sorry sweetie!  We only have one laptop and the best time for me to use it is on Sunday's because he typically doesn't need it at work.  Well last Sunday that stinker took it to church, which left me computer-less and Post-less.  Due to that miss, I am going to cram a lot into this post.  We have had so much going on and I have just a couple minutes before the little man wakes up from his nap, which means no more blogging for me.

Not only have we been so incredibly busy, but we have also gone on a few trips already this fall.  It started out with a very last minute quick trip to Asheville (three hours away) to see my very good friend  Cara.  She happened to be visiting her friend Britney in Tennessee and then realized we were only a few hours a part from each other.  So, Parker and I hopped into the car and met Cara and Britney (and their to kids Eli and Keller) in a lovely town called Asheville.

We met at a park, because what else do you do with kids in a strange town?  And then we headed to a restaurant called Tupelo Honey Cafe.  Let me tell you the Biscuits were incredible!  I even took one home to share with the hubs and it was still delicious.  So were their Pumpkin Pancakes.  I do have to say that it wasn't the most relaxing of meals, and to be honest I can't even remember the meal that I ordered.  It ended up being a two hour lunch that I'm sure the people around us were hoping we would have left a little sooner than we did. Although we did attract a lot of people to tell us how cute our kids were.  Did I mention that at one table we had a 6 week old, one year old and almost two year old?

It was so nice to spend time with these lovely ladies and their kids.  It's always nice to have a conversation with an old friend.  Having been in Charlotte for a few months we have made great friends, but those deep relationships take a while to build.  It was nice to see someone that had already made a decision to be your friend no matter what, and could jump right in where we left off.  

Two days after our Asheville trip Parker and I flew to Ohio to help with and attend my cousin's wedding.  As anyone with kids knows, traveling alone with kids is always a tricky thing, but Parker handled it pretty well!  

 The wedding was in my Aunt's back yard under a tent.  It was so beautiful.  I got to help with the set up and decorating for the wedding which is one of my favorite things to be a part of.  Parker got to see cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and great grandparents.  He of course was spoiled as usual, and I had several moments of free babysitting, so I was lovin' it too!

The wedding was incredible, and the bride, Nicole was also.  The whole Yoder gang knows how to throw a party.  In fact I owe these people a lot of wedding throwing, because they did the majority of the work setting and cleaning up at my own wedding!  So fun to hang out with family.

When Parker and I came back, not only did we have the season of fall to look forward to, but we also had a visitor coming!  Philip's mom, Cindy decided to come out for a quick trip to see us and the city of Charlotte. We get the pleasure of both Stuart and Cindy coming again next week, but we got to enjoy having Grandma here for a couple of days.  

Now, Cindy loves a good slice of pumpkin bread with some pumpkin spice creamer and coffee to enjoy on fall mornings.  So as I was walking through Trader Joe's a couple days before she got here I spotted this little treasure. 

I haven't found many things that disappoint me at Trader Joe's, and this didn't either!  All you have to add is oil, eggs and water.  I put a little brown sugar oatmeal combo on the top just because, but I'm telling you yumm-o!  Cindy was lucky there was some left by the time she got here! 

If you are ever in need of a quick fall treat, or just don't feel like making it from scratch... believe me, you won't be sorry.

Anyways, while Cindy was here we got to enjoy some of the fun fall festivities Charlotte has to offer. 

We spent a morning at the pumpkin patch and took Parker on his first hay ride.  He loved the tractor that pulled us, and for some reason thinks it says "choo choo".  He also got to pick out his very own pumpkin, and so did Philip! We picked out a special one for Camden too.  (Oh by the way, that is what we are naming this little man growing inside of me! :))

Cindy also woke up with Parker in the mornings, which meant we got to sleep in, and helped me pack for the move.  We didn't sign another lease with the apartment, and are now renting a town home. Another post on that later.  Cindy also helped me with another fun fall treat that I was practicing  for a big staff Party for Elevation.  Check out the recipe here for Apple Pie dip with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips.

 Once again, this did not disappoint!  I ended up spending an entire 12 hour day later that week making enough of this for 300 people.  Not as easy as making it for 4 to 8, but still incredibly delicious, and not too bad for you!

I told you this would be a crammed post.... Really it's 4 posts in one, but you got the condensed version this time, plus a couple fun recipes to try out. :) 

We miss you and love you.  We hope your fall has been fun. Isn't it cool to see how we find things to love and enjoy each time of the year?  I love that God gives us different seasons to find joy in the things he has created.  Happy Sunday and have a great week. 

With Love, From Charlotte.