MICKEY'S HALLOWEEN PARTY

Before moving up north, my friend Amy mentioned the idea of attending Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland, and I was all for it! The tickets were purchased during the summer, and then we had to nail down our costumes for the night! We settled on the original Mousketeers, including ruffle bobbi-socks and pleated skirts. We had a super fun night going from ride to ride (waiting in no lines!) and of course enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of all things Disney! The weekend was made even better with a ladies night out at the mall, and breakfast with my favorite girls and their Mom, Mandy. It's always so comforting to come back and find that people make time for you when you come around for a visit! Now, when can I go back? Meeska, Mouska, Mickey Mouse!

VISITING MOM & DAD IN PASADENA

Last week, I flew down to Pasadena to visit my parents. Earlier this year, my Dad took a new job based in Old Town Pasadena (his office is right on the Rose Parade route!), and being empty nesters, they live in a high rise condo during the week, and venture down to Carlsbad on the weekends! Since I hadn't ever seen their new place, or explored the LA/Pasadena area, I ventured down for a visit. I was treated to delicious food, fun sight seeing, and even better company! These two really know how to rock city life; we walked to dinner, shopping, and many more places! We visited Farmers Market, The Grove, The Norton Simon Museum, Americana Mall, The Rose Bowl, and great restaurants within walking distance. We ended the weekend back in Carlsbad, and ventured downtown to admire the skyline that I love so much! It was a great weekend, and I love these guys! As my Mom put it, it was a great weekend with the #theoriginalthree.

BISHOP'S PUMPKIN FARM

Over the weekend, Derek and I ventured out to the small farm town of Wheatland, CA to visit the famous Bishop's Pumpkin Farm. We delighted in the best apple crunch pie & homemade ice cream, giant pumpkins, and a colorful sunset. We arrived right at dusk, and the cool weather and beautiful grounds did not disappoint. The country store was high on Derek's list, where he loaded up with salt water taffy and sarsaparilla to keep him content for the evening. I loved seeing all the different types and sizes of pumpkins grown at the farm, including the huge ones that were still on the vine out in the field. It was a fun evening and the perfect way to celebrate cooler weather and the beautiful fall season here in Sacramento!

LIGHTENED UP ZUPPA TOSCANA

On weekends Derek is on call, I like to have easy and hearty meals for him to eat in the few moments he is able to come home between cases and his pager going off. This past weekend, I made one of his favorite soups, along with some pumpkin muffins, while listening to General Conference on Saturday morning. I so enjoyed being busy in the kitchen, while hearing uplifting messages echoing in my kitchen and hearing the trees rustling outside from the open windows. This soup is traditionally made with heavy whipping cream, which is so decadent, but often too heavy on our stomachs. This version is lighter, not only by using half & half, but also by taking the time to remove the spicy sausage to drain (when you see the paper towel after it drains, you will want to faint). This is one of my favorites for the Fall/Winter season, and is a major crowd pleaser, especially with hungry missionaries. After a busy weekend, this soup was a welcome meal for Derek on Sunday evening served with some crusty bread & a muffin before crawling into a deep slumber.