Picking the Perfect Pumpkin :: Heiser Farms

Matt and I had a lovely time visiting Heiser Farms in Dayton Oregon on Sunday. We have made it a tradition to pick our own pumpkins each year, and this would make it our 8th time together picking pumpkins and our 3rd time at Heiser Farms. Last year and the first year we were dating, we went to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, which is also fantastic, but we wanted to stick closer to home this year. We may still go to the haunted corn maze on Sauvie Island next week... but we shall see!

Barn in the background at Heiser Farms.

So many to choose from. Normally, we go the weekend before Halloween and everything has been picked over, but this time around, it was really hard to choose!

Maybe...

Too warm for a jacket...

Still looking...

This one was lovely... but the grass is always greener.... have to keep looking...

We have a couple winners!

Chicks at the petting zoo.

Autumn is here!

Softest bunny... (hand unknown).

I was finally smart this year and wore some rubber boots (Hunter boots from gilt groupe!).

Waiting in line for some grub.

An abandoned piece of kettle corn.

Look! That's us a few years ago!

Pumpkin canons.

Traditional photo by the giant pumpkin 2009.

At Heiser Farms in 2007.

At Heiser Farms in 2006.

Last year, someone stole my pumpkin off our front porch, so we're keeping them indoors for now... maybe I need a few back-up pumpkins? There's still time before Halloween!

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Mt. Angel Oktoberfest 2009

Last year, when Matt and I went to the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, we said that the next year we would eat even more... and I think we accomplished that goal. The food there is consistently delicious and was actually fantastic relative to a few duds in terms of food at events this past summer (carnival food is so hit and miss). We started out the weekend of food by heading over to Oktoberfest Friday night where we indulged ourselves with bratwurst and sauerkraut and then apple strudle for dessert. I didn't want to mess with taking night photos so no photos of Friday, but here are the Sunday highlights:

Watching the German dancing.

The baker's dance.

Posing in front of the Harvest Monument.

Checking out the arts and crafts booths... similar to last year's photo.

Tourist shot in front of the entrance.

First food stop on Sunday... baked potatoes with everything.

Next came the corn of the cob.

This was really delish, but I always hate how it gets stuck in your teeth. I forgot to take a photo, but it was accompanied by marionberry lemonade.

Matt got the marionberry pie with ice cream...

... and then strawberry shortcake with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, strawberries and a cherry.

We also ate some apple fritters...

...with mango lemonade.

A nice and enthusiastic couple took this lovely shot.

At the car show.... and who's in the backseat?

Dapper bunnies!

St. Mary Parish

Taking a little break.

I had to get a full length shot of this cute dress, which I snagged at Loyale's sample sale that I found out about through Unruly Things blog. And Joanna says it's the new trend... legs! This is paired with the Anthropologie Sandy Stretch Belt (I had to punch a new hole in it because the small was too big) and Me Too shoes.

Another shot of the hubby.

Sunset.... goodbye, Oktoberfest! Until next year...

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Etsy Contest :: A Handmade Moment :: Help us spread the word!

Matt & I have submitted a quirky little video to the Etsy "A Handmade Moment" Contest. Please view it! We put a lot of love and laughter into this piece for all to enjoy! Also, please spread the word by blogging about the video if you like it. :) Email to friends! Here is the link (through this link, you'll see the "embed" code if you'd like to support it by blogging about it): CLICK HERE (http://www.etsy.tv/video/A-Handmade-Moment-by-myrakim)

The contest ends August 31st in terms of submissions. The top 25 videos based on number of views will move onto judging by a selected panel (so the beginning round is a bit of a popularity thing, so help us out by spreading the word!). The theme is "A Handmade Moment". Let me know what you think. I'm sorry if it isn't Oscar-worthy. I just learned the software yesterday! The lovely music is being provided by Mood Area 52 (used with permission) who were wonderful at our wedding (thank you!!!).

Thank you so much for your help and enjoy the fruits of our labor (we had a blast making it for you!).

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