Koko stuck in a tree!

We eventually coaxed her down from the tree. Dan's arms fell asleep while he held a laundry basket above his head. She eventually jumped in and we lowered her down.

Dan, Cathy, and Emily Conquer Bean Town

Ballpark franks at Fenway Park:

Photos of Boston, Fenway Park, Italian Festival in North End, Heifer International:
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Trip to Duke Chapel and Gardens

When Cathy's parents were visiting us in October, we took them to the Duke Chapel and gardens. Here we are at the Duke Chapel:












Here's a shot from the Duke Gardens:


Check out more photos from our trip:

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here's the recipe (courtesy of northpole.com) for the cookies that we had at the Outer Banks:

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup salad oil
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon milk
3 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon soda
1 package of chocolate chips
1 teaspoon salt

Mix ingredients in order given. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes on a greased pan

Pinecone firestarters

I came across this crafty idea from another blog. We definitly have plenty of pine cones lying around so I thought I've give this a shot.

Dried pinecones
Paraffin wax / ends of used candles
Double Boiler
Tongs
Waxed paper
Crayon with paper removed (optional)
Dried, crushed herbs or glitter (optional)
Fragrance (optional)


Gather up a bunch of dried pinecones, or--if they are not yet dried--you can speed up the process by placing them on a foil-lined cookie sheet and baking in a 150 degree oven oven for around two hours.

In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt a block of paraffin wax, or the ends of used candles. If you want to add color, you can throw an old crayon to the mixture. For scented firestarters, add a few drops of a fragrance or essential oil.

Using tongs, carefully dip the pinecones into the wax to coat, then allow to dry on a sheet of waxed paper. You can also dip your waxed candles into dried, crushed herbs or glitter, to make them even more beautiful.

To use, place one or two in the fireplace with your kindling before lighting.

Pineapple Casserole Recipe

The pineapple casserole seemed to be a big hit at Christmas dinner so I'm posting the recipe for all to enjoy.

1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
2 (20-oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained, and a few tablespoons of juice reserved
1 cup cracker crumbs (Ritz is best.)
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted, plus a little for greasing the pan

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with melted butter. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour. Gradually stir in the cheese. Add the drained pineapple chunks, and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Spread the Ritz cracker crumbs on top and drizzle with melted butter and a little pineapple juice. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Champ Declared!

Mary won the 2009 holiday poker tournament, held at the Outer Banks. Photo evidence is below:

Bunny ears courtesy of big brother Dan.



Mom ordered this sweet trophy, which Mary is now proudly displaying on her mantle.

In other news, Drew won the fantasy football trophy for the season. No pictures, but word is the traveling trophy rests proudly on his mantle as well.