A recent obsession with finding the best hot chocolate lead to some googling, some facebooking, and finally some shopping. We went to World Market and found some single serving samples. Then found some more at Target and before we knew it, we had seven! We are on a hunt for the best because hot chocolate is a key component of some family themed gifts this year. So, it has better be a good brand! Most surprising to me, was how different every brand was. I seriously never would have guessed that a cup of hot chocolate could be so varied. I also found that I liked the first one I tried the best, but then when I went back and tried it again, I didn't like it that much after all. Another surprise was the comfort of what we are used to. I have never tried a fancy hot chocolate. I think have had a Starbucks hot chocolate once. A few here and there at restaurants, but they probably get something random too. I thought for sure the expensive brands would taste better. And honestly, some of them did taste more rich and flavorful, but it's hard to resist that good ole comfort of what you grew up on. Anyway, here is the order of my favorites. Ghirardeli, Perugina, Swiss Miss, Cadbury, World Market, and Land O Lakes. I actually didn't rank the Land O Lakes mint because I felt the mint threw it off. It was really good, similar to a liquid Andes mint, but just wasn't straight chocolate.
And here is the order of Jon's favorites. Swiss Miss, Land O Lakes, Perugina, Land O Lakes mint, Cadbury, Ghirardeli, and World Market
We thought it was funny how different we both were. I HATED the Land o Lakes. I thought it was way too sweet and just weird. The most different of them all by far. But Jon liked it second best. We both had Perugina and Swiss Miss in our top three and we both disliked World Market. It was pretty bad. Cadbury actually had really good flavor but the texture kind of threw me off.
Vanessa got in on the tasting too. We tried to get her to try them all and find one she didn't like. But she kept drinking the same one and telling us that she liked that one. Typical, stick with what is good. She doesn't branch out in her food much.
Playing in the dirt outside our house. It was all Vanessa wanted to do. So I let them. What does a little dirt hurt?
I loaded these backwards and I am too lazy to fix them. In the beginning everyone was fully clothed. But, the clothes were shed (just off the kids) since skin is easier to wash. I had to crop Vanessa to keep it web appropriate. I love Benson's face on this. And we actually did three, but the third is on the other side of Vanessa
Benson amidst his glorious mess. He started throwing the pumpkin guts, like he throws everything. Good way to make me mop the floor I guess.
And the beginning. They thought it was so interesting looking inside. Both of them were a little leery to touch it at first and then, obviously, that wasn't a problem for long.
This was taken at the pumpkin patch picking out our pumpkins and playing. This was a really cute old truck they had out for kids to play on. They had a bunch of other things to do as well. Little swing sets, and a mini haunted house, and Vanessa rode a pony!
Ward Trunk or Treat. This was the only picture we got of them in their Halloween get-up. I just bought them something this year. Vanessa, I am sure, will be more excited to pick her costume next year. I think she'll remember. She didn't remember Halloween from last year but she definitely picked up on the whole idea pretty quick.
A few shots at a local park. Apparently it is the hot spot for family portraits because EVERYONE was out doing family portraits. There were seriously probably ten or more families.
Life is good. We are stoked for Thanksgiving. We are driving down to Oklahoma to spend some time with my sister. My parents are also flying in. It's going to be a party! And then just a short month later, we'll make the LONG trek back west. I can't believe we are already half way done with St Louis! Oh, and Vanessa is now officially fully potty trained. Easy Peasy. I hope they are all as easy as her. But, more on that later.
