Autumn in Our Woods

"Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;

Lengthen night and shorten day;

Every leaf speaks bliss to me

Fluttering from the autumn tree."

~Emily Bronte


I am so happy that fall is here. It is my favorite time of year. We've been busy at our little Missouri cottage. The walnuts are starting to fall from the trees along with the leaves. We’ve been out to the orchard, and picked up some apples. I swear this year’s apples are some of the best apples I have EVER had. They are so sweet, so juicy, and just plain delicious. We have devoured a whole 10 lbs bag of them in a week. lol I had to pick up some more apples so we can make some caramel ones. Yum!

The woods are especially beautiful this fall. They not only are filled with the various colors of the leaves, but a multitude of purple, white, and yellow wildflowers still remain. (Although after this weekend’s freezing temps, I don’t think they will be around much longer.)

I have also managed to get the kids their costumes for Halloween already. McKenna is going as a 50’s girl, and Brendan as Mario from Super Mario Brothers. He is obsessed with Nintendo. Not quite as bad as his obsession with LEGOS, but still pretty bad. I feel way ahead of the game.

Strawberry Festival

We went to the Strawberry Festival at Vaile Mansion the other weekend. It was really a fun time for all of us. Vaile Mansion is an old Victorian mansion in Independence, Missouri. The house is stunning. McKenna and I went on a tour of the building while we were at the festival. McKenna was impressed with the beautiful paintings on the ceilings. She also fell in love with a Victorian wedding dress they had on display. It was gorgeous. The festival had music, performers, antique dealers, an antique car show, and of course STRAWBERRIES! lol The kids loved taking the carriage ride around the neighborhood. Good old fashioned fun!

Brendan's Favorite Car


McKenna Had Her Favorite


McKenna Making Friends


Going On The Carriage Ride


Dad and His Girl


The Kids Outside Vaile Mansion


Vaile Mansion


Inside Vaile Mansion








McKenna Whispered In My Ear If People Got Splinters LOL


The Gorgeous Wedding Dress


The Doll McKenna Made


My Son


McKenna Rose


Learning to Play the Banjo

Mom Perk

One of the perks of being a Mom. Wildflower bouquets.

The Hailstorm

Some of the huge hailstones that hit our house the other day. They were golf ball to tennis ball sized. Notice the car in the background that pulled into our yard to get under the trees. The guy was desperately trying to throw a blanket over his sunroof. It was the largest hail either Burt or I had ever seen in person. The pieces in the photo weren't the largest on the ground, they were just the closest to the door. Burt didn't want to risk a hailstone to the head to retrieve more. lol It sounded like someone was throwing rocks at our house.

It wasn't the largest hail that hit our area that day. Up north they had GRAPEFRUIT sized hailstones. However, our pic here was featured on our morning news all day! It was the largest hail in the actual metro area. McKenna was so proud that her hand is famous now. lol

Kansas City Market

We recently went to the Kansas City Market down by the Riverfront. The Market is part farmer's market and part flea market. It also has several restaurants, which have some of the best international cuisine. When you spend time at the market be prepared to EAT. We started our day at Cascone's. Cascone's is an Italian restaurant that has an amazing breakfast. Their biscuits and gravy are some of the lightest, fluffiest biscuits I have ever eaten. We spent the next few hours exploring the different stands and shops. They have a new cupcake shop called Baby Cakes. They let you make your own custom cupcakes. Their cupcakes are to die for. We found our produce, the freshest and best in the KC area. There fruits and vegetables beat anything found at the grocery store. Much better and less expensive.

Our favorite place is the Italian market. We love to stock up on our deli meats and cheeses. Burt loves to visit their grill and score some sausages.

We really enjoy the Market, a truly unique experience in KC.
~K




The Hydrengeas Were Blooming All Over

The Mennonites Were Selling Delicious Baked Goods
The Kids Scored Some Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Morels Were Mushroom Gold At $25 A Pound

Who Invented This?

Fudge On Mini Cones

Their Produce Is The Best In The City

Brendan Loved The Smell Of The Cinnamon Sticks At The Spice Store
Burt Restocked His Pancetta and Prosciutto Supplies
Couldn't Convince The Kids To Try The Squid

They Opted For The Gellato
Mom And Dad Tried The Cannolis

Everyone Loves The Grilled Sausage

Burt Heaven

One Of My Favorite Stores

McKenna At Baby Cakes

The Cupcake She Made For Brendan

After All That Eating We Went For A Walk At The Park