My summer wrap up

As I was buying ingredients for this amazing pumpkin bread the other day, I realized that it is officially fall! Due to this, I decided to post a summer summary.

went to the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival

visited the fair

and went to my 1st demolition derby

attended this beautiful girl's wedding reception in Rexburg

took pictures of this great family

and went to Cats.

Not to mention swim parties, concerts in the park, camping, a big murder mystery date, the rodeo, and of course turning 23! Talk about a fun summer!

Impressing the In-laws

I came across this delicious dinner recipe in one of the many cookbooks I checked out earlier this year. Since then, it has become one of my favorites and one that Steph claims she will eventually use to wow her new in-laws. You should all give it a try. It’s quite tasty, not to mention simple.

Oven-Baked Apple Barbecue Chicken

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 min
Baking time: 35-45 min

One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
¼ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
1 large apple, cored, peeled, and cut into large chunks
1 large onion, cut into large wedges

Preheat oven to 375° F.

In a large bowl, combine: tomatoes, soy sauce, chili powder, vinegar, honey, and garlic. This will be your homemade barbeque sauce. Spread over the chicken, apple, and onion, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Note: For a fruity twist, pineapple can be substituted for apple.

Ode to Little Brownie

Last month when I posted pictures from Rockland I got an "anonymous" comment wondering, "What about little brownie???? HUH??????? I have a name too you know!!!!!!" I'm not sure who anonymous is, but with without further adieu here are Anna's seniors:

It was great fun going to the beautiful you-pick lavender fields near our house (especially when that chicken scared Anna-trust me it was great!), but honestly the best part was probably making Anna jump into the pool over and over. :)

Things to rock your socks

Working on editing some pictures today, but thought I would take a break to share some enjoyable things I have found online recently:

Can't help but smile at this new favorite

For fine office dining

Miss Aniela's "multiplicity" self portrait set on Flickr

Make your own shoes

Postman Park in London

Some wild hair

A paper wonderland

Details from a beautiful type poster I wish had not be a limited edition

An alarm clock sure to get you up and going

Levi van Veluw's work

and this real western spaghetti film :)

Home Again, Home Again

Last week I was able to get a full week off from work and visit my family in Washington. I loved it and wish I could have stayed longer and seen everyone. It was fun to have Stephanie there too! Together went to the Museum of Glass, had a BBQ with some friends, played "home shopping network" (thanks again for the pickles Mom! Such a luxury!!), read, rode bikes on the Ceder River Trail, shopped, hiked to Snoqualmie Falls, played in Seattle and went to SAM, enjoyed the hot tub, watched dumb aka: GREAT preteen girl movies about imaginary boyfriends, took Anna's senior pictures, and on and on. Like I said, it was a terrific week! Here a few of the documented events:

ok so this is total cheese, but seriously...PEOPLE EAT CHEESE!! I love it!

at the falls with Anna and Stephanie

cool pipes on the way to the falls

Museum of Glass reflection

sneak peek of my adorable sister Anna -more to come soon!

Part two

I finally finished up these pictures of Nick. Who, speaking of, has challenged me to join with him in creating 10 self portraits in 10 days. I wanted to start when he did, but since I am going home TOMORROW (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I am going to wait until I get back. So look for it :)

Pun Stores

If I had my own business, you can bet the name would have a pun. Seriously how great are these? They are definitely up there with, "curl up and dye" from Runaway Bride.

clipped from www.bspcn.com