This weekend can best be described in one word: abundance. We are blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, an abundance of good friends and an abundance of great food. We started the weekend off with a drive over to Leavenworth to follow in the footsteps of my friend Lynn and visit the fruit barn that she finds worth the drive. Once we got there I eagerly pronounced to Cameron, “I love this place” Who knew apples could make me that excited. I eagerly selected a few bags only to be coerced into buying 25 lbs. yep you heard right 25 lbs…… that sure sounds like a lot of apples for two people. So the baking and finding endless uses for apples begin. I like to think of the basket of apples from Lynn as the gift that keeps giving. After a wonderful day of hiking through the sun drenched trails and bursts of autumn color we headed to my good friend John’s home to celebrate with his family. John is not only one of the kindest, sincerest people I have ever known, but has the dearest family. His kids are adorable and his wife is so sweet and kind. John is also a soup and bread maker extraordinaire and after a day of running around and hiking the food and company was perfection.

Sunday was an equally busy day as we were lucky enough to share in the joy of having our friends Elizabeth and Ryan’s baby christened. We felt touched and honored that they would want to share this with us and left feeling blessed to have such good people in our lives. After church I decided to tackle the mound of apples and make my first ever two crust apple pie. I think all in all it was a success, but as with everything I learned a few things for next time. We ended the weekend on a high note as we spent time with my family who always makes us feel important and loved. This morning I enjoyed the monster cinnamon rolls my Mom sent us home with and am still licking the cinnamon from my lips. Aaaaahhhh life is good.