October was full of friends and fall. We had lots of sports and activities, meet ups for the kids, and some fun food.

I really loved this hashbrown crust quiche and it was a really great combo.

These chicken curry burritos went from a sit-down meal to a hand-held burritoized version.

This Chicken Caesar Salad Dip can be hot or cold and opens a whole new flavor world from buffalo chicken dip. I loved it hot and melty but cold and topped with shredded lettuce would be so fun.

I know we’re on the brink of Halloween but I’m also excited for Thanksgiving. We teased the holiday with Thanksgiving meatballs and it’s the perfect time for a Thanksgiving sandwich.

The big kid: He’s having a great hockey season – and he’s so hungry after the late practices. Middle school is definitely more work with real grades so we’re proud that he’s adjusting.

The littler one: Field hockey wrapped a fun season and she’s blowing our minds in just a few weeks of acro to see a back handspring coming along. She’s determined and willing to try again. She’s off the yogurt bandwagon which is unfortunate.

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – I got some brown flats that are so comfortable.
Side dish emphasis  – hmmm. nothing super special
Soups & salad – not really, though we did a salad bar night
More drinks – it is nightly tea season!
What I’m reading – It was a fantastic reading month. I read Wild Dark Shores and loved it. Notes on Infinity is for anyone who liked Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Also, Parisian Heist was so fast and fun.

September is the return to routines and all the new things which is a relief and an adjustment all in one. The start of middle school, new elementary bus stop, bigger time hockey, next age group field hockey, changes and ramping up at work, and a lot to keep one step ahead of.

I kept summer foods going with Big Mac Pasta Salad that features everything-but-the-burger.

It still felt like summer with Ranch Dogs to jazz up a regular meal.

September last summer hurrahs need cocktails – like a strawberry lemonade cocktail

Then after all the summer tastes, I switched gears to enter autumn with Fall Quinoa and Sweet Potato Grain Bowl

October excites me – more of the groove we’ve gotten into. Halloween feels like tomorrow after finding all the pumpkin and apple things to eat. I may plan a breakfast and maybe some lunches. The benefit of hockey being pretty late means dinner isn’t a mad rush. I’ll embrace the fall in the air…whenever that comes.

The big kid: He’s getting settled into middle school – math, French, and science sound good so far. I’m proud of him for rolling with all the new things as that is isn’t his jam. He’s had some food requests – like Chinese takeout, frito chili pie, and meatloaf. Middle school having a cafeteria, therefor hot food, is a highlight for him. We’re so proud of how hard he’s working at hockey.

The littler one: She’s thrilled to be back to school- and for desks instead of tables. Field hockey started up again and this year is with the next ages. Acro dance starts this week and she’s more than ready! She is obsessed with some very specific Belgian waffles that are only occasional available.

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – I meant to replace some very tired brown flats. Maybe Oct is the time for that.
Side dish emphasis  – we had a very fun pasta salad
Soups & salad – the grain bowl was salad-esque, right?
More drinks – yes! the strawberry lemonade cocktails
What I’m reading – I read The Correspondent for bookclub and loved it, but maybe not to the same hype of the masses. I absolutely loved Fast Girls: A Novel of the 1936 Women’s Olympic Team. I flew through Five. There were a few others books that weren’t as big for me.