Finding Autumn

 Autumn is my most favorite season. It always feels like a fresh start and prelude to all the holiday festivities that end the year. Living in sunny Southern California (aka: the desert), we don't get to experience it the way most people do. I'm always envious of New Yorkers during this season, and to quote my Hubby's favorite movie, You've Got Mail: 

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." - Joe Fox 

 My remedy this year was to go find Autumn for ourselves by taking a family day trip to the Oak Glen apple orchards. This quaint little area full of Fall-worthy trees is tucked away in the hills, offering cooler weather and a slight countryside feel. Going apple picking is rather nostalgic for me. I had fond memories as a child, visiting the apple orchards in Northern California. I wanted our little family to share in a similar experience.

We packed our lunch and had a picnic on the benches near Riley's Apple Farm. The weather was beautiful - sunny, but with a cool breeze. It was nice to escape the October heat back home. Unfortunately, as much as we were looking forward to picking apples, apple season had ended early this year, and they told us there were no apples to "pick." So instead, we walked around some orchards we found across the parking lot, and even spotted several apples which I may or may not have picked...

Still drooling over the mini cider donuts found at Snow-Line apple orchards!

We also visited Oak Tree Village (their little downtown), where we were greeted by peacocks! By 5, most of the stores were already closed, especially for a weekday. The place was a bit of a ghost town by then, I guess we'll just have to come back and visit! 

On the way home, we stopped by my old college town for dinner at The Salted Pig. I was quite impressed with this gastropub (yes, we are unfit parents). Their filthy fries and jalapeno burger were pretty tasty, as well as their pork belly sandwich. If only this place existed when I was still attending college, it would've been a Freshmen 25 rather than 15.

The day ended much too quickly, but as always, we have photo memories to look back upon!

Ahoy mateys!

We threw a Sailor-themed 1st belated birthday party for the little guy, with a group of people who have played a special part in the early months of his life. How strange it is to think that over a couple years ago, he never existed in our lives. It almost feels as though he has been a part of our little family this whole entire time. Life felt tremendously different before him-- I was different, our lives were different. It's incredible to see how much a little person can change the way you live and view life in general.

Much of the decor used for his party were things I found lying around the house. I tried to be resourceful by tweaking old decorations in order to fit the theme. Simplicity seems to be of the theme of my life these days. Pinterest also sparked some ideas such as hanging baby's onesies on a clothing line to use as a banner across the room. My version involved hanging some of his sailor-inspired outfits from birth-now. The rest involved construction paper and good ole Elmer's glue!

Bebe J was such a trooper and partied until his eyes grew heavy as it was way past his bedtime. I'm sure he didn't know this was exactly a party for him, as he was overwhelmed with all the extra attention (which did involve a "minor" meltdown). I guess first birthday parties are more for the memories down the road, and we made sure to take a ton of photos for him to "remember," so that he can thank us later ; )