A monkey. A squirrel. One happy family.

Corn maze! Spencer's company, Veteran's United, held a family-friendly fall festival extravaganza at Shryocks Callaway Farm . There was a bounce house, kettle corn, hot dogs, s'mores, apple bobbing (try not to think about the germ factor), and, of course, the famous corn maze.

Hello! How are you? It has been a while, I know, so here I present a photo essay of Ella baking her first solo batch of cookies. I sat on the sidelines offering tips and drinking a glass of wine. I also got a little nostalgic remembering my own mother showing me how to level a cup of flour using a table knife. I also have a vivid memory of her showing me how to measure tricky ingredients like shortening and peanut butter using the displacement method in a Pyrex liquid measuring cup. I love you, mom! Ella levels her scoops of flour like a pro. I remember when the sound of this mixer used to send her fleeing in terror from the kitchen. Best part of baking: licking the beaters. Scoop! Safety first. Ella demonstrates proper (and enthusiastic) use of oven mitts. The finished product! Sharing a cookie with Annie. Other things are happening besides baking. Soccer season is wrapping up. Ella loves playing goalie, but Annie, after seeming to enjoy the first