Apple Picking

One of my favorite things about fall are the trees. The kind of trees that change color and bear gorgeous fruit in time to harvest before winter. So on Saturday a couple of weeks ago, I headed out with my extended family in New Jersey for a little bit of apple picking and to enjoy the sunny weather. 

PYO=Pick Your Own and that's exactly what we did. 

We rode on a hay wagon all the way out to the orchards, past the fields of all the other crops. 

Best part of picking your own apples is eating them right off the tree! I may or may not have had two apples right off the tree since I hadn't eaten anything before we left.

My sweet aunt and uncle. 

Look what was peeking out, just in time! 

Now for the best part . . . what to do with all those lovely apples? Make apple pie, of course!

It was absolutely delicious.

One of my favorite parts about fall.

Happy Wednesday! xoxo ~Lis

Happy Halloween!

I love fall.

I can't believe that it's gone by so quickly.

The changing leaves have created a sense 

of energy as I realize how everything is 

changing around me.

I'm changing too.

I can't wait to see all the kids in their fun costumes.

Hopefully, I'll be able to catch my nieces before they run out the door.

Make sure you take time to enjoy fall while you can.

These pictures are from my hike in Holbrook Canyon.

Happy Monday!

Friday with baby girl

I love nannying.

I never thought of it as an option for working.

But I was kind of desperate when I moved

back to Utah. 

It has worked out quite well.

This little girl makes me smile.

If giant balloons were fun for me,

they were sheer delight to her.

I took her to this year's Cornbelly's and she had a blast. 

It's kind of funny.

We did everything but the corn maze.

I was definitely impressed how much

there was for her to do.

I think her favorite had to be playing

in the corn.

Here's to lovely fall days!

I don't want them to end.

"She designed a life she loved."

~She . . .

A much needed break

Over the weekend, I had that opportunity to go boating with some dear friends

at Strawberry Reservoir.

It was much needed and heavenly.

I can't believe that fall is starting to creep in.

However, it's time to look forward to pumpkins, costumes, football games, family,

 birthdays, food and all the wonderful things that fall brings.

Heather's Family Pictures

Awhile ago, I had the privilege of taking some cute family pictures. With fall being so vibrant this year, it was a perfect time to keep building up my portfolio.

I realized something very valuable while taking these pictures. Dare you to take a look closer at this sweet family. 

I would have never guessed. . . this fun little boy is adopted. I had a great time talking to Heather about her adoption experience. It made me realize that in the future it may be an amazing option for Kevin and I to adopt. Also, this family is looking to adopt again!

I'm excited for them and hope that this little guy will be a big brother soon!

An Early Thanksgiving

With everyone being in town for Randy's wedding, Kevin's parents decided to have an early Thanksgiving dinner. It was a great idea for some extra family time!

It all started with the cooking in the kitchen. Sue and Rachel did most of cooking. Thank you! 

A few brought side dishes and dessert, all homemade. Kevin and I cheated, we bought a Razzleberry pie from Marie Calendar's. We were just too busy and tired to make something homemade.

The food was great.

A beautiful table spread of most of the food.

Kids lining up to eat it all.

The kids table. All the action is here.

All the Jones minus Stephanie (we missed you) and their friend from Japan.

Family+Friends+Lots of kids+A little drama+Noise+Thankful-ness=

Jones Family Thanksgiving dinner

Cornbelly's

Awhile ago when I saw a deal for a corn maze on GroopDealz, I knew I couldn't resist. I bought two season passes knowing that we would only have time to go once, but it would be worth it! Little did I know, that there were so many more activities besides the corn maze.

Don't get lost!

I was actually most impressed of the shape of this year's corn maze.

Happy birthday Boy Scouts! 

Jack-O-Lantern Tree

Charlie Brown and Hello Kitty were my favorites. 

THE CREATURE (it was pretty scary going through it's mouth)

On a hayride

Look how tall we are and my creepy eyes

Pedal Go Karts
Kevin sang, "You'll be the Princess and I'll be a toad. I'll follow behind you on Rainbow Road."

And to top it all off, Magleby's award winning chocolate cake

Lots of fun! 

Fall Pictures with Bethany's Family

I couldn't wait to do fall pictures. I love the colors and children playing in the leaves. This year was more special than ever because Bethany agreed to let me take pictures of her sweet family. I can't believe how much her kids are growing.

Having fun.

You can really tell that they love each other!

He's growing up so much.

Such a beautiful day at Mueller Park Canyon.

Birthday Months Part II

I turned 25!

Wow, I can't believe how time flies. But we all say that, don't we?

25 is really important to me because when I was 18, most of my college friends were 25. They gave me a lot of advice about life and where I should be. I think I'll

take a moment to reflect.

My goals were:

1. serve a mission

2. get married

3. have kids

4. graduate

Well, the top two accomplished. The last two, are on their way. All I can say is that yes, I did learn from those really good friends. Too many of the girls I knew, told me that they hadn't done anything with their life when they were my age. They hadn't graduated yet, and we're waiting for Mr. Right to come around. That made me think that I wanted to experience life as much as possible and not just wait. I figure Mr. Right would come around at the right time! And he did!

I feel like I have done a lot since I was 18 and have grown as well.

I'm happy to say, I'm right on track with my ultimate goals.

For my birthday, I did a little bit of shopping. Kristen has introduced me to a wonderful makeup store. I love makeup and all the fun colors. But it's so hard for me to choose, so when I found this, it was perfect.

I love it. Now, if I feel like wearing blue one day and brown the next, not a problem. I also got a pedicure, decided to be just a little pampered.

After Kevin came home from work, we went to the BEST restaurant, Ghidotti's. It's up in Park City, in the Red Rock shopping center. Everything was perfect. The food, the atmosphere, our waiter and of course, the company.

fancy water

our appetizer (cheese and meats, including duck prosciutto)

It was so good that I forgot to take pictures of our actual meals. Kevin had a mushroom ravioli and I had Veal Marsala.

We also had Creme Brulee for dessert, you can see the remains of it.

When we came home, it was officially time to sing happy birthday!

Red Velvet cupcake from the Sweet Tooth Fairy

Thanks Kevin for spoiling me! It was a great day.