Stoney Ridge Farm

Yesterday we went to Stoney Ridge farm and had a great time. We fed farm animals, ran around a pumpkin patch and corn maze, went on a hay ride, and ate some delicious food. Of course, Ethan's favorite part was seeing all the "mawmowee" tractors.

I Heart Magazines

Most of you know that I am a voracious reader. I usually have 3-4 books going at a time - a non-fiction, a classic, a devotional, and a contemporary novel. In addition to books, I am absolutely hooked on magazines. Ever since my first Sassy at age 12, I have subscribed to dozens of magazines that have chronicled my interests in life. Currently, I subscribe to the following:

The Week - I recommend this magazine to everyone! It is a concise news mag that takes articles from newspapers across the nation and edits them into small news pieces that represent a variety of editorial opinions. The best part about it is that it's slim, articulate and to-the-point -you get the basics on numerous cultural issues.

Cookie - A mom's magazine with a chic edge.
Better Homes & Gardens - I mainly just covet all the interiors.
Real Simple - A classic for modern women.
In Style - It's a little embarassing to admit, but this is the magazine that I look forward to the most. There's just something about getting a big, glossy, perfumey magazine in the mail. I usually read this one all in the same night I get it. It's quite contradictory to my nature - I rarely spend more than $15 on any article of clothing, much less $600 on a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos! Really - does anyone besides celebrities actually pay that much to look good? I guess it's an indulgent escape for me - I love the fashion, the beauty secrets, the other-worldliness of it all.

When do I have time to read all these? They are a perfect companion to my rare date with the treadmill or the gym. And unlike books, they don't require concentration, so I read after Ethan's gone to bed during commercial breaks.

The reason why I bring this up is that my renewals are coming up soon and I am thinking about switching things up. So what I want to know from you is, what magazines do you read and recommend? Write me your suggestions please! I am eagerly awaiting. Happy reading.

Ethan turns 2!

Ethan's turns 2 tomorrow and we had a small party for him yesterday. It started out at The Fun Zone - an indoor play area with large bouncy structures. Then we came home, opened presents, and ate some food and cake. Here is Ethan with his cousins Travis and Jayna and Aunt Sarabeth in a big bouncy box.

Here is Ethan enjoying some birthday cake:

Today we did our annual pictures in the leaves photo session. My favorite:

Later today we are going to go pick some apples so we can make some homemade applesauce. I love this time of year! The fun continues for him tomorrow, when he gets to spend the whole day with his Grandma Sue instead of going to daycare. Thank you to the folks who came to our little gathering - we appreciate you making a trek all the way up here. Ethan woke up this morning delighted with all his new toys. A shout out to Bonnie - also the birthday girl, and our dog Bailey, who shares a birthday with Ethan.