fall getaway.

this past weekend we were fortunate enough to take a wee break from the pretend fall weather in phoenix to visit some real chill just a few hours away. north and east, we headed to a charming little area in payson called christopher creek. it was just perfect. a camping feel but with a tiny cabin and kitchen; a playful little creek footsteps away, a wild visiting squirrel mikey was all too amused with, an adorable little playground,and a sky full of stars to gaze at wrapped up in coats and winter hats. 
they had a go with fishing as well nearby; although it really wasnt fishing. the easy kind where youre guaranteed a fish. back in phoenix we cooked it up for dinner and felt refreshed to be back; all the while really wishing we had a good week there to escape reality a bit. 
feeling truly thankful to live in city where such beauty is just hours away!

fall-ish.

with the temperatures coming down it is starting to feel like 'fall' in phoenix. declan picked up some pumpkins recently grocery shopping with me. the kids insisted on cooking them that day. so a scooping they did go. some toasty seeds and pumpkin bread later, the house was smelling pretty lovely. 
cheers to beautiful weather and all things fall. 

by the way, i discovered a new fun food site {food 52} that i love; it has a fun apple cider donut recipe i really want to try soon! check it out.