Grandma's Apple Tree

One of my absolute favorite things this fall has been Grandma's apple tree. There are several apple trees in the yard, but one of them is drooping with apples this year. It is full of sweet, green apples that the kids have come to love.

It has gotten to the point that anytime we go outside, both kids run straight to the apple tree before they do anything else. They each find a good looking apple (Lorelei finds one on the ground and Leo finds a low one he can pick) and happily start munching away. Sometimes, they even need one for each hand.

If I were to hand them an apple during lunch, they might take one bite and refuse to eat it. But there's something magical about picking your very own food. They are so proud of themselves and excited to show me their treasure. These kids cannot get enough apples! 

So far, we've enjoyed fresh apples, applesauce, apple crumble, and apple cider. If you have any favorite apple recipes, send them our way! We still have a bunch of apples to enjoy...

We've had a beautiful, warm October and enjoyed lots of lazy afternoons playing in the yard and munching on crunchy apples. These are the moments I want to remember.

Albion Basin

I've lived in seven different states and three different cities in France. That seems like a lot of moving but I am grateful for each one. I've loved each of them for different reasons but I've learned that you can find amazing people no matter where you go and anywhere can be Home. One of my favorite things about moving a lot is that you get to see how beautiful our world is. The sunsets of Indiana, the hills and trees of Pennsylvania, the huge blue skies of Oklahoma... they are all gorgeous.

And don't forget the mountains and wildflowers of Utah! This summer we explored a bit at the Albion Basin. For a couple weeks each year, the basin abounds in wildflowers. It is breathtaking and looks just like a scene out of The Sound of Music. Unfortunately, I think we were about a week late because a lot of the flowers had already faded. I have big plans to spend a day hiking and exploring next summer during the peak of the beauty. But we found some amazing spots this trip, too! The kiddos were not cooperating quite as much as I'd like (when do they ever?) but I still think we got some pretty great shots.

PS: I made that dress! Maybe it deserves a post of its own because it turned out so cute! It's not really ideal for hiking, but great for posing in mommy's pictures!

I'm grateful to live in a beautiful place and explore it with family who lives close. And I can't wait to find more gems like this one in Utah!