Together at last

My brother and his wife Laura live in San Diego with their precious baby Elle. My parents live in our home town of Birch Bay, WA. Pete and I live in Portland, OR. ....Although the three states are right in a line, we rarely find ourselves ALL in the same state at the same time. This past weekend we reunited in Birch Bay for a cozy fall weekend.

Pete and I were thrilled for some much needed family time and the best perk of all was spending time with our niece Elle Grey (who will be turning ONE in December). We had so much fun watching her speed crawl, attempt to walk, giggle, and chase after nellie.

The girls hit up the local pumpkin patch while the guys caught a Husky game in Seattle. My parents made us a tasty dinner of steak and halibut on Saturday night and we lounged around the bay and just caught up. A memorable weekend and a good reminder just how important family is.

Just licked out the bowl...

These are my favorite cookies in the whole world. My mom has been making them since I was a little girl. They are Pete's favorite now too. Just finished a batch....were perfect for dessert.

Cheryl Weg's NO BAKE COOKIES :)

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
2 teasp. cocoa
1/2 cup butter - 1 stick
1/4 teasp salt
mix above and full hard boil for 1 minute ( a little longer is ok)

then immediately. add:
1/2 c crunchy peanut butter (or creamy)
3 c. quick oats
1/2 teasp. vanilla

mix well and drop on wax paper or foil.