The Countdown is Coming to an End

I've been linking up with Tickled Pink this October for the Countdown to Halloween. I've loved it! I've gotten great ideas and I've been able to share the sweet things that have been going on around here.

I'm sad to see this month end, but it was definitely filled with some wonderful things. This past week was no exception.

[Pumpkin Carving]
G was old enough to "help" us carve her pumpkin this year. I saw this adorable pumpkin and had to do it. I free-handed the outlines and my hubby and I took turns carving. G loved the pumpkin guts. We all had a sense of excitement when it was finally finished and lit.

[Secret Pal]
We have Secret Pals at work. It's a lot of fun. At the beginning of the year we randomly pick a person to give little gifts to throughout the year. My SP rocked my gift for Halloween. I played into my person's love of fruit by putting together a cute little "pumpkin" basket based on this adorable idea.

::via::

[Fall Festival]
Our church puts on a fall festival every year as an alternative and/or additional activity to trick or treating each year. There are bounce houses, games, candy, and so much fun. It's an amazing ministry. Last year G was so little. I had to carry her everywhere.

G with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Colton...such a cute little caterpillar

G chillin' with our pastor

This year she was Little Miss Independent.

Playing games like a big girl

A girl and her balloon

[Annual Orchard Trip]
For the last several years our family joins our dear friends for a trip to a nearby apple orchard. We typically enjoy a hayride, the pumpkin patch, apples, cider donuts, etc. We also typically go earlier in October but due to the excessive rain, we held off. We decided next time we'd take our chances. We arrived at the top of the mountain to find bitter winds and cold temperatures. It was as if winter had come early. Bundled up, we browsed the market, scoped out the pumpkin patch and then of course delighted ourselves with hot cider and fresh cider donuts. Afterwards we took the bus to Fuji (apples that is) and did a short walk through the trees. Thankfully the impending rain held off and we were able to leave just short of numb. It's always a treat to be with our friends. We love them dearly and look forward to this tradition every year.

The bus to Fuji

Enjoying the pumpkin patch

The apple stare down

Our traditional family picture

[Sausage Dip]
I was introduced to this recipe by a dear friend of mine several years ago. In fact, I remember the first time I had it. We had gone to visit them at their first home and they treated us to this delicious dip and chips. I ended up making it the other night for a football game...it's been so long! I'll definitely be making it again soon.

(I wish I had a pic but it was gone before I thought about taking one...trust me,

if you make it, you'll forget about taking a picture too.)

Sausage Dip

Ingredients:

1lb Sage sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)

1 8oz package of fat free cream cheese

1 can rotel

Directions:

Brown and drain the sausage.

Mix it together in a baking dish and microwave until it is bubbling (5-7 minutes)

You can mix it in a bowl and then transfer to a microwave safe container...

Serve with tortilla chips.

Linking up with Green Fashionista for Tasty Tuesday.