Pumpkin, Pumpkin,& More Pumpkin!

I don’t know what has gotten into me this year but I love everything pumpkin. When I go to Starbucks? a tall skinny pumpkin spice latte, a local bakery? I look for pumpkin doughnuts or muffins (and as I type this I am eating a pumpkin muffin from Panera!). And now, last week when I walked into Trader Joe’s, I came out with these:

 

 

Let me tell you about the pumpkin waffle mix. It just might be the best waffle I’ve ever had! Mmmm, with warm real maple syrup it is just to die for! Oh and the pumpkin cream cheese tastes great with apples, a cinnamon bagel, and even crackers! I do not know what I am going to do after fall is over and I have to wait a whole other year for my obsession! What can I look forward to in the winter, spring, and summer!?!

Chicago!

Sorry I have been MIA. Life sometimes gets in the way, you know. 

A few weekends ago we went up to Chi-town for the Men’s health Urbanathlon. A group of people from my gym went last year and talked about it all year long about how fun it was. When the sign ups came around in June I knew I had to go this year. I got my team together and was ready to take on this challenge.

The Urbanathlon is a race you can either run individually or on a three-man team. I, of course, did the relay. I was the second leg of the race that included a 3 mile run, jumping over Marine hurdles that were over 5 feet tall, going under cargo nets, and climbing across monkey bars. I had a blast, and so did the rest of my team! For our first Urbanathlon we came in at 1:46:46 putting us in 454th overall. Hey, I’ll take it! I am looking forward to next year (I am thinking of running it alone!!).

Chicago is one of my favorite cities for a few reasons-shopping, pizza, & shopping! After the race we headed over to Giordano’s for their famous stuffed pizza. Seriously people, pizza doesn’t get any better than this.

We then went and did our shopping. I found a few cute things but by this time I was so tired. For some reason my body decided to wake up at 430 am on Saturday, and after running the race, going to lunch, and walking around downtown I was just DONE! But I was a trooper and went out Saturday night. At the top of our hotel (The Wit- read my husbands review here), was a bar called The Roof. The view was breathe taking and so was the drink prices ($14! But hey I was in Chicago so why not!). I enjoyed my Punk Rock Runaway(mount gay rum, lemon, Washington apple syrup, candied apple) and took in all the beautiful views.

 

Before we left my favorite city, I decided to walk down the street to take some pictures and find something for breakfast. I stumbled upon Argo Tea. It was such a next place! They had so many delicious looking drinks and I decided to go with the Mate Late (Yerba Mate, almond, and milk-YUM!) and a pumpkin muffin. If you live in Chicago, NY, or St. Louis you must visit this place! I am sad there isn’t one close to me! 

 

We had a great weekend and are already looking forward to next year!

Fall Traditions

Last weekend we went on our annual trip of picking out our pumpkins and getting some apples. 

I love this picture of my brother and my mom.

We get out picture every year together at the farm. 

I think this just might be my favorite that we've ever taken together. 

Logan and me (can you tell we went on Bengals Sunday? My jersey was in the car)

I always pick the pumpkin that's a little different. This one is gray/green and I love it!

Here are the ones we picked to come home. 

After the pumpkin farm it was off to the apple farm. It was pretty chilly Sunday morning, so I couldn't wait to get some cider and sit by the fire. 

Andy and Lauren enjoying the fire too! 

David and I drinking some cider. So GOOD!

I'm so lucky to have the family that I have and that we hang out all the time. 

We all look forward to this weekend every year!