The Museum of Florida History

Today Kaitlyn and I went to meet some other ladies and kiddies at the Museum of Florida History. Even though I have lived in Tallahassee for 3 1/2 years, I haven't really participated in any culturally or historically driven activities. I love to get out and do things, but I'm also happy being a big, fat hermit. But I have to say, it was fun (and free) going to see the Annual Quilt Show at the museum. I would highly recommend it and a visit to Grandma's Attic.

We Came, We Saw, We Froze

Wednesday, October 15th: And so, it begins-

At 5:30am we set out for our journey to Albany, New York! Why Albany you ask? Because that is where Gwen is! Gwen is our little niece/cousin that was born on March 21st, 2008 that we had yet to meet in person. Gwen lives with her Mommy & Daddy, Jared and Ashley Crosby (Jared is Jake's younger brother).

After one layover and two sleeper holds for a squirming toddler, we landed in Albany around 2pm. We picked up our rental car and we were off to see New York in the fall!
The weather was beautiful when we landed!

If you ever get the chance,
you should definitely see New England in the fall.

There are plenty of Bed and Breakfasts to choose from if you don't have any family in the area to mooch off of. This picture doesn't do the scenery justice.

Thursday, October 16th: A Historic Gathering-

This morning Gwen and Kaitlyn had their first playtime together. Gwen was very well behaved. Her cousin, on the other hand, wanted everything Gwen had and would promptly take it away from her. Gwen would sit quietly and contently when such a crime occurred. Despite the thievery, the two cousins did love sharing kisses with one another.

She is such a pleasant and happy little baby!

That afternoon, we set off with Aunt Ashley and Gwen to visit the New York State Museum. Our real intention was to ride the Carousel they have on their 3rd floor, but a little history on the side couldn't hurt us right? Wrong. Kaitlyn had her first public tantrum. Yea! She threw herself on the floor and began rolling and rolling! I was very grateful that we were there on a weekday and that there were very few people in the museum.

We also got to play on one of the original subway cars. Kaitlyn's favorite feature was the stairs. Up and down she climes, over and over again.

We also got to learn a little about Sesame Street! Kaitlyn's favorite show. This was one of her few happy moments at the museum.

We then ventured up to the 3rd floor to ride the Carousel, only to learn that the operator had gone on break and would not be back for an hour. So, we cancelled that plan and headed back home.

In the car we saw Gwen going to town chewing on her favorite toy....
an empty, plastic Ricotta Cheese cup. Mmmmm, mmmmm.

Friday, October 17th: Time for an Adventure-

We ventured out into the backyard today. Jared and Ashley have a beautiful backyard and Kaitlyn thoroughly enjoyed it. She loved picking up the leaves and handing them to Aunt Ashley.

Aunt Ashley tried raking some up for Kaitlyn, but she didn't pay much attention. Later, Kaitlyn took notice of the rake and liked dragging it around.

She also liked swinging on the swing on her belly and spinning it around.

Later that afternoon, once the babies were energized and fed, we headed out to Bowman Orchards. It was a really great trip because Katie finally got to see real, live animals instead of just reading about them!
She LOVED the horses!

Then we went and took a look at the goats and the sheep. We paid a quarter for some cracked corn and they licked it out of our hands. They would keep licking even if your hand was empty. I was distracted taking pictures and didn't even notice that one of the goats had Kaitlyn's entire hand and wrist in its mouth! Luckily, Kaitlyn didn't mind and the goat didn't bite.

We also took a walk through their pumpkin patch and took advantage of their plywood cutouts for some picture ops.

Saturday, October 18th: Saratoga Springs, Here We Come-

Saturday afternoon we headed out to Saratoga Springs. It's a quick drive from Jared and Ashley's home. It is a really beautiful community with a lot of history. It is also home to the National Museum of Horse Racing and the National Museum of Dance. There was a really beautiful park in the center of town where we finally got our carousel ride!

We then ate lunch at a cute bakery with delicious sandwiches and even better desserts! Then, we walked down Main Street and window shopped at some cute, overpriced stores. The weather was just a little chilly and windy, but very pleasant when you kept moving.

Sunday, October 19th: Hello, Jack Frost-

We woke up to 33 degrees this morning. Each morning has been frosty, but this one especially chilly. Maybe it's because I haven't been wearing socks. I love the scenery here in the fall, but I have a feeling Winter would have me begging for the humidity of Florida.

After church, Kaitlyn and Gwen started another round of "Kissin' Cousins." Gwen picked up on this habit fairly quickly.

Kaitlyn has also shown signs of regression while we've been here. She LOVES playing in Gwen's stand-alone toy. It is her favorite thing! I think that is mainly due to the fact that it makes barn animal sounds.

Monday, October 20th: On the Road Again-

We hit the road at 4:30am this morning to make sure we made it to the airport and on our 6am flight. Needless to say, we were sleepy and sad to leave our family! Bye-bye New York Crosbys!

Aunt Karen's Santa Fe Chicken

This meal has been a favorite in the Crosby household ever since the institution was established in December 2004. My Aunt Karen gave me this recipe at my bridal shower, and in all honesty, I don't even look at the recipe card anymore. It is one of those recipes where precise measurements are not needed. As long as you are using good quality ingredients in a modest amount, you'll be good to go. Not to mention, I guarantee you have these ingredients in your house already. If you don't they're pretty cheap to get.


4 potatoes, peeled and diced
Lawry's Seasoning Salt (optional)
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb of chicken, thawed and diced
16 oz. of salsa ("heat" is up to your discretion; take advantage of Publix's B1G1)
15 oz. of canned kernel corn
shredded cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. (You could also just mic the diced potatoes for about 10 minutes. That's the way my Aunt Karen instructed me to do it. She is a working woman with 3 girls and very busy. She knows how important time is.)
2. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Then spread out the potatoes into a single layer and give 'em a healthy coat of seasoning. I like to use Lawry's Seasoning Salt. You could also use garlic salt. Or you could use the always dependable salt and pepper.
3. Place potatoes in oven for 30-35, or until just golden and easily forked.
4. About 15 minutes before the potatoes are done, heat olive oil in large skillet.
5. Coat skillet with olive oil and toss in chicken.
6. Once chicken is cooked through, add salsa and corn. I usually only use one jar of salsa. However, if you like your food very saucey/wet, add more.
7. Once all of these elements are evenly heated, add finished potatoes.
8. This is your chance to add any other seasoning or elements you desire before serving.
9. The very last thing I do once I have dished out the servings is add shredded cheese on top. If you can live without the extra calories, omit the cheese.

If you want it to be a truly well rounded meal, add a healthy sized salad. Enjoy!