bachelorettes, donuts, and roller coasters

I think I've just now recovered from two weekends ago... so busy! Friday afternoon I left work a little early and drove two hours to get to my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party in time for dinner. After a tasty meal celebrating our beautiful bride-to-be Emily, we walked across the street to a dueling piano bar where we spent the rest of the night belting Journey songs until we were hoarse. It was nice to have a little girls night! I called the mom-taxi to pick me up around 1:30; it's just like Lyft except way cooler because your mom (and dad!) picks you up.

On Saturday, we (mom, dad, brother, and sister) drove to a farm/orchard for some autumn activities: apple picking, corn maze, stuffing our faces with food. The corn maze was probably the best one I've done. It was spy-themed (sweet!) with word clues and crayon-rubbing stations scattered throughout the path. We were super proud to complete the entire maze worksheet.

After the maze, we picked some apples and walked to the General Store and concession area where we discovered the heavenly confection known as "cider donuts": handmade donuts coated in sugar and cider spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc). Delicious. DELICIOUS. Did I mention they were STILL WARM? I must warn you though, once you taste the cider donut, there is no going back. You will not be able to satisfy your craving for more until next fall. You will try to eat other donuts, but they will taste like compromise. You have been warned.

On Sunday, we took a family trip to Kings Island amusement park. Kevin earned the right to wear his Banshee t-shirt that he bought during last year's trip before the coaster was open. Seven inversions and a top speed of 68 mph... that's an accomplishment!

After such a crazy weekend, I was glad to have this past weekend at home. I was the bachelorette this time, with Dan at the Penn State vs. Ohio State game. It was a craft-filled weekend, so I should have some projects to show soon. Saturday was my knitting day. I gave up on my Monte Rosa sweater because it was taking FOR-EV-ER. Cables and I just don't get along well. The yarn is now re-purposed as a Guernsey Wrap in lap-blanket size. I'm hoping for a 4' x 5' blanket. I finished about half of it while binge-watching old episodes of "Lie To Me" on Amazon Prime.

Sunday I started working on my Halloween Costume. I'm a big fan of the homemade (at least partially) costume. I struggle to find something that's recognizable, easy-ish to make, and work-appropriate (e.g. not Sexy Ebola Containment Nurse, yes it exists). My favorite was the Dorothy dress I made about 5 years ago, which met all three of these requirements. This year I'm going as Madeline, the little French girl from the books. Hopefully recognizable, simple construction, not scandalous. Time to go work on my hat and collar!