Pumpkin Tasting Day

Now what would a GREAT Pumpkin Unit be like without a yummy Pumpkin Tasting Day? 

I sent a request to the most amazing group of parents and they responded with some YUMMY pumpkin treats!  I was shocked at how much the children tried and actually liked! 

Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Butter

Dario was a fan!

Of course, Pumpkin Pie!

Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Marshmallows!!

The children said the marshmallows tasted more like cinnamon that anything else.

One of our sweet parents made us some Pumpkin Cookies to taste!

Mrs. Miskelly, our intern from Winthrop, made Pumpkin Dip and it was a hit!

Chloë approves!



One last favorite was Pumpkin Cake!



 

Even though it may look like all fun and food, this tasting time followed a very important Social Studies lesson based on producers and consumers.  The children learned that Pumpkin Pie doesn't just appear at the grocery store...there are many steps before that!  But more on that for another post! 

Apple Tastings

I knew my 3 week Apple Unit was coming up soon so last weekend Mr. Lochel and I headed up to Sky Top Apple Orchard for a little inspiration.

We started off with an empty bucket--

We followed the signs to our favorite kinds of apples--

We picked our first apple--

And we knew where there was one--there would be many more!

Mr. Lochel is SUCH a good sport! 

Back in Kindergarten, we had a YUMMY tasting time during centers.  Some of our wonderful moms came to help and brought in some apple treats! 

Audrey loved the apples I brought back from the orchard!



Reese's Mom brought in an apple pie for us to taste!

Jennifer's Mom brought in some apple juice for us to drink! 

Our wonderful intern, Mrs. Miskelly helped pour out some servings of apple juice.

Chloë and Audrey's Mom brought in some homemade applesauce!

Dario loved the applesauce!

Giovanna loved tasting these dried apples!

What a GREAT experience for the children to taste some of the products that can be made from apples!  A big "Thank You" to all my classroom parents that helped by sending in more apple products for us to try and to those that came to help! 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Here is what I'm loving today--

I'm loving that this is our first full week of school!  We actually started school last week, but it was only 3 days. It's always so nice to get into a routine.  The children appreciate it and so do I! 

I'm loving this new creamer--I always say that I enjoy a little coffee with my creamer--it's the truth!  Natural Bliss Sweet Cream--enough said.

I'm loving that we are having a couple cooler days this week!  I am ready for Fall. 

I'm loving that I am finally going to go and see the movie The Help this weekend!  I read the book a while back, but am really excited about the movie!  I have a feeling this might be the first time I ever say that I enjoyed the movie more than the book.

I'm loving my Dream Dinners that I ordered and picked up last week.  They are Yum-O!  I ordered and picked up 12 pre-made dinners.  They are in my freezer and ready to be cooked.  What a saving grace after staying at school so late!

What are you LOVING today?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Here is what I'm loving today:

I'm loving that instead of having to go out and purchase my own copy of the USA Today, a fresh Wednesday copy was left right outside my hotel room at the Chauncey Conference Center.  Now THIS is the way to start off a Wednesday!!

I'm loving that my hubby and I get to make our way home from a little summer get away today.  We've been traveling since Saturday and nothing feels as good as the safety and comfort of your own home and bed! 

I'm loving a YUMMY treat that we found on the way back home today.  We were somewhere in Pennsylvania and had stopped for gas and snacks.  Mr. Lochel found some Chex Mix, not too excited until I saw what kind: 

I'M LOVING THIS!!!  We've made this on our own before.  We've called it "Puppy Chow".  But the fact that it was already made and in the bag made it even better! 

I'm loving that the countdown for back to school is truly on! Just about 4 more weeks until I get to continue doing what I love love love! 

I'm loving  that I have a super busy schedule from now until next Wednesday-- a movie with friends, Supper Club, a friends dinner and pool party, and the start of another week of Lunch and Learn. 

I'm loving all the blessings that I see and have in my life each and every day.  I am blessed to have my mom, my husband, my friends, and all the opportunities that I've been able to experience this summer.