Scenes of Autumn on Ivy Creek (2007)

After a pretty sub-par summer filled with drought and heat (no famine, thankfully!!) we were pleasantly surprised when fall exploded onto the scene a couple weeks back prettier and more colorful than ever. We haven't done too good of a job taking photos (if we only had the camera on our drive last weekend, when we came across Bluff Park's Lover's Leap and the ridiculous view out across the valley full of trees in full color!), but we have captured a couple of nice sights around the yard.

Here are the trees reflected on one of our birdbaths after a rain shower.


The pear tree in the back yard turned bright red this week.


The one nice thing about the vines which I battle with twice a year on the back hill is that in the fall they turn pretty colors.


We've had so many perfect fall weather days lately that I even caught Mr. Gnome out surveying his territory!


Happy Autumn everyone!

Visiting Rob and Robyn in Dallas

On Veteran's Day weekend we continued our tradition by celebrating Thanksgiving early for the 2nd straight year. Not only does it give us a much less stressful actual Thanksgiving weekend, but it was a great opportunity to travel to Dallas and catch up with our friends Rob and Robyn and their daughter Brooke.

On Sunday, we prepared a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Rob is the designated carver, and he did not disappoint with this turkey! (Thanks go mostly to Robyn and Katie who did the majority of the cooking!)


Brooke approves!


Rob is settling in for the meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and bread.


Here's the happy mom and daughter afterwards.


We always have a good time visiting, as they are perfect hosts and Brooke is a lot of fun and entertainment! (Although I think we'll all be ok when she gets over the Barney obsession!) We are looking forward to our next visit soon!