Happy Halloween!

I wanted Brooke to be a chicken for Halloween this year... only to find out she was going to be a little grumpy today and HATE feathers. Well, at least she doesn't hate the hat I made her!

Daddy time! Brooke loves to listen to stories. We try and read to her every day.

Oh Maisy! Part 4

Hmmm.... I wonder who found the lasagna dish? (Where there's a bone, there has been Maisy)

On the Record: Kent Chalmers

Click here to read an article from the Cashmere Valley Record, our local newspaper. Everything you've always wanted to know... and more about Kent! :)

Our Little Munchkin!

A big thank you goes out to Bob, Emily and Etta Wicks! We just had to try on that yellow outfit! Thanks for sharing!

Also, hugs and kisses to Great-Grandma Koke who sent Brooke this sweet little bear! It's the perfect size for her little fingers to grasp on to and so cute!

Woops! There it goes!

University of Idaho Homecoming

This weekend we made the four hour drive over to Moscow, Idaho for homecoming celebrations at the University of Idaho. Even though our time there is so short it is so much fun to visit friends, former students, and the campus during this gorgeous time of year.

Friday night included a rehearsal with the alumni band and as Brooke and I enjoyed a quiet evening at the hotel, Kent was off to see the bonfire and fireworks up at the Kibbie Dome. Saturday morning we had a great breakfast at the university followed by a parade down Moscow's main street. This is one of my favorite parades because it is so low-key with small bands, college students' attempts at floats, livestock and buckets of candy thrown out at the crowd.

Idaho is trying everything to get some Obama votes!!! Ever heard of an Obama Llama?!?

The cheer leading/gymnastics float was quite scary to watch... there's nothing like young girls twirling their bodies in the air on a moving vehicle. I'm sure it was "safe" but I'm not sure I'd be letting Brooke do this in 8 years!

The Idaho Marching Band entertaining the crowds as the march down the street.

From left to right: Ryan Coles, Bob Wicks (and 6 month old Etta!), Kent Chalmers and Chris Beery. Seeing all our trumpet playing friends really brought back memories!

Brooke's first college football game!






Elementary through high school students from the area joined the Vandal Marching Band for the pregame entertainment.




The trumpet and mellophone section playing a soli during the halftime show.



Kent and I left after halftime, which was good because Brooke decided she didn't want to be in the car seat. We probably stopped 5 times, which didn't include our frappachino fix at Starbucks in Moses Lake! Finally near Quincy she fell asleep and stayed asleep until we got home. It must have been all the loud noise and busy day, she slept the longest night ever, drum roll please... 8 1/2 hours! The longest ever was 6 1/2 hours, so I'm really not complaining.

Around my Garden in October

New Camera!

I waited a long time to get a new camera, but I finally caved in! I really enjoy photography so I decided it was worth it. I bought a Canon PowerShot S5IS and so far I really like it. Caitlin and I took a drive yesterday afternoon and tried it out on some landscapes around Cashmere.

I'm really amazed how the color is so bright, I've been using our camcorder this whole time. I thought it was okay, but is sure doesn't beat this camera!

Saddlerock Hike

Today we went to the 11am service at Grace Lutheran in Wenatchee and then picked our friend KC up to go on a hike. We ended up climbing Saddlerock and had a great time. We were all surprised at how warm it was. I had Brooke in the front pack and got a real good workout with the added ten pounds of Brooke.

Kent and Cassy on the trail.

KC, Caitlin, and Maisy taking a break.

Sisters enjoying the hike.

Cassy and Maisy think it's time for lunch. Sorry girls! Cup of Noodles is on the menu today!

We made it to the top! Kent holding Brooke and giving me a chance to eat my lunch.

Brooke loved the hike! The constant jiggling and rocking puts her to sleep in the front pack. She even took a short nap at the top.

A room with a view...

On the way back we ran into two women who both owned Golden-doodles like Caitlin's dog. They all got a chance to talk dogs and the dogs got a chance to sniff and get to know each other. Poor Cassy, who Kent and I think is just as adorable sat beside us getting no attention... I guess life isn't always as good being a mutt...

Cassy don't jump! It's not worth it!

What's for dinner?

White Chili



1 lb. ground turkey

1 c. chopped onion

2 T. minced garlic

1 T ground cumin

2/3 c. pearl barley

3 cans (16 oz.) Great Northern Beans (not drained)

1 can chopped green chilies

24 oz. chicken broth (3 cups water, 3 bouillon cubes)

2 t. dried marjoram

Monterey jack shredded cheese

1/2 c. sliced green onions (optional)

Sour cream



Cook turkey in a large skillet. Drain. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender. Add cumin and stir. Transfer to a slow cooker and add barley, beans, chili, broth and marjoram. Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. *On a stove top cook 1 1/2 hours on low-medium heat, no cover. Top each bowl with a spoonful of sour cream and shredded cheese.

Bad Hair Day

I've noticed how crazy it is to get out of the house lately. The rush to get out of the house includes getting Brooke fed, diapered, dressed, getting the diaper bag loaded and ready to go, and making sure I have my wallet and keys. Today Caitlin and I were headed out of her house to go on a short shopping trip to Wenatchee when she looked at me and said, "uhhhhhh...". Below is what she saw... now looking at it, it doesn't seem so bad; but it was so funny at the time. It really shows how I feel some days!

After Caitlin captured my great hair-do I took a quick photo of her. I've gotta say, I don't think she has any right to tease me about my hair!

Before changing the greatest diaper of all time, I had to snap this photo of Brooke. Don't you just want to snuggle with that little cutie (after the diaper change)!

Brooke and Daddy had a great conversation tonight after work. Kent had his orange on to represent Cashmere pride! :) Tonight is the big football game against the rival Cascade Kodiaks. I'm not sure how many people attend the "Pear Bowl" but it's packed! Brooke and I walked down the street to the football field and spent equal time in the Cashmere and Cascade sides. I saw many of my former students, teachers and parents who were really excited to see me and meet Brooke. When I left the game after half time the score was Cashmere 6, Cascade 0. We'll see in a while who will have bragging rights for a year.

Oh Maisy! Part 3

Today Maisy figured out where we store the dog bones. In and out of the dog door she went! I guess I need to exercise her more, but it's hard. Yesterday I found my raising focaccia bread licked on, my pumpkin's top eaten, and a mop from the basement in the lawn. I'm pretty glad Caitlin is off from work now... I've had enough "Oh Maisy's" for this week!

Yellow!

The leaves have really started to turn yellow in Cashmere. These photos are from our house. Soon all the leaves will be on the ground and we'll be waiting for our first snow to brighten things up again!.