what else did we do during our trip back east?

We ran from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the steps of the U. S. Capitol.

I got the idea from my mom. When she was visiting me (during the 90's when I lived in DC) she had the idea that the presidential race should be just that- a race- from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the steps of the U. S. Capitol.... Not a bad idea.

what did we do for ben's birthday?

We went skiing! Mount Hood Meadows opened yesterday, so Ben left work early and we headed to the slopes.

The weather was perfect.

As Ben would say, "The mountain was out."

After skiing, I made Ben an amazing dinner (I'll post about it later) followed by a homemade chocolate cake!
Happy Birthday, Doll!

how was our visit to meet our new nephew?

Great!
Steven Arthur Ford is the newest nephew in our family. He was born on our anniversary and this past week we flew to DC to meet him. He is a great baby and very handsome. He sleeps, eats and cries a bit when you change his diaper. Ben and I held him a lot, were able to feed and burp him and took him for a walk around his neighborhood. We had a wonderful time hanging out with Abby and Jason and seeing their new house, too. I'll post more about our trip in the next couple of days. We had a GREAT time!

who carved their very first jack-o-lantern this year?

Jade. She's the daughter of my friend Michelle. We always have a great time when she comes to visit. We carved pumpkins and made dinner while her mom was cutting Ben's hair.

Here she is drawing her design on her pumpkin before she started carving...

and here she is trimming her jack-o-lantern's nose.

After we carved the pumpkins, Jade wanted to have a contest (notice the post-it notes under the pumpkins). Jade's pumpkin, on the left, won!

what am i doing with the apples being harvested in hood river?

Making apple butter and applesauce.

I wanted to learn how to can. So, Ben brought home apples from the orchard where he works and using the directions from the jars I bought and my mom's expertise over the phone, I taught myself to can. Once I completed the first batch of apple butter, I realized canning is not too hard.

how was our race?

Incredible! Here we are before the race- Ben, me and Sarah.

Ben and I started the race together. Ben was running the half marathon and I was splitting the half with Sarah.

Here we are at Ben's turn-around point, my finish and Sarah's start.

Ben finishing the half marathon. Woo Hoo!

Sarah and I are reunited at the end!

what do i love about hood river in the fall?

The leaves.