Down on the Farm- part 2

Yesterday we took Ryan to pick out a pumpkin.

Of course, he played in the hay and dirt (such a boy)…

got really excited about the selection of pumpkins…

and helped us pick out the perfect one.  (and two, and three.)

He even got to ride a tractor…

and a horse…

and play with his friend, P.

All in all, a perfect little Saturday.  I think that I am beginning to like fall even more than summer, because of this beautiful weather and the festive holidays.

Down on the Farm- part 1

Last week, this city girl decided to drive out to the country to take her almost-toddler apple picking and to see a farm for the first time.  We went during a weekday, just the two of us, so we practically had the place to ourselves.  It was just what we needed to get away from the hustle and bustle and to enjoy the fresh air and serenity.  Everything was so peaceful, from the simple farm animals to the quiet pond to the beautiful apple orchards.  I know that Ryan was also feeling at peace because he didn’t cry or fuss the whole three hours that we were there.  (And trust me, this is a rare occasion).

I think it was this cow that motivated Ryan to start “mooing” and walking (still holding on, of course).

He was mesmerized by a chicken and liked hearing the goats make loud, sudden noises.    

Apple picking was the best part, because Ryan kept giggling every time that he heard me drop an apple into the bucket.  Then he would try to find it and dig it out himself.

Our little guy is definitely on the verge of walking.  Every chance that he gets to hold on to something, he pulls himself up and cruises.  

But so far, he has only taken two steps without holding on to anything.  (And he has only done this twice).  I love the proud look that he gets on his face when he walks while hanging on to my hand.  I am excited for Ryan start walking on his own, but I am not exactly looking forward to chasing him around even more than I do now.  (He is a very fast crawler/knee-walker)

For now, I will be enjoying this last stage of babyhood and the sleepy, blissful look on my little guy’s face while I lug him around in his wagon. 

Homemade Sushi (Vegetarian)

I had a lot of fun with this one!  I do need more practice with the sushi mat, since my rolls came out kinda messy (but still delicious).

Ingredients:

2 cups short grain rice

2 ½ cups water

3 tablespoons water, extra

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

5 sheets toasted nori

1 cucumber

½ medium carrot

½ medium avocado

2 slices cheddar cheese, cut into thin strips

Directions:

Place rice and water in a large saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with tight fitting lid and cook for 10 minutes.

Place rice, extra water, vinegar and sugar in a bowl and mix well.

Place nori sheet onto a bamboo sushi mat. Spread warm rice over nori sheet.

Cut and prepare the fillings.

Layer cucumber, carrot, avocado and cheese at narrow end, and roll up from narrow end using the sushi mat.

Repeat process with remaining ingredients to make more rolls. Cut each roll and serve with wasabi sauce.

YUM!  
ENJOY...