We stayed busy on this beautiful fall weekend. With some stressful news that came into our lives Friday, and totally derailed potty training, our goal was to get outside and enjoy the fresh fall air as a family.
On our way to breakfast at Toast Saturday morning, we stopped by the Davidson Farmers Market. The delicious smells coming from that direction were too enticing to ignore. It turns out they were having a chef cook-off between several local restaurants and catering companies.
I perused the menu at Fork, a new farm-to-fork restaurant in Cornelius and put it at the top of my must-visit list.
We arrived at Toast famished.
By the time I got my camera out, my breakfast had been disassembled by a hungry toddler.
With full bellies, we ventured out to the Renaissance Festival!
It’s been years since I’ve been to one and forgot how much fun it is. Between the people in costume, the games and the food. It’s quite the experience!
Hailey was in love with the petting zoo and kept insisting on ‘More An-mals!”
I took notes on pretty ways to display herbs and spices.
We pushed well past nap time, but had a ball.
We spent the afternoon kicked back and watched Georgia start strong, then barely squeak by with the WIN against Florida. Three years in a row- whoop!
Sunday I was set on seeing leaves.
We took a family hike (Koda too!) at Lake Norman State Park. I’m constantly impressed with Hailey’s increasing ability to keep up. We didn’t break any speed records, but she hiked nearly the whole time and loved it. I loved the fresh air, family and the view.
It’s fall, y’all.
Sunday afternoon filled up with meal planning and epic toddler meltdowns in Target grocery shopping. On the menu this week…
Sunday– Grass-fed Steak, Roasted Asparagus, White Sweet Potatoes and Tomato Slices
Monday– Layered Mexican Fiesta Bowls
Tuesday– Spicy Shrimp, Avocado and Black Bean Salads with Cheese Quesadillas
Wednesday– Crockpot Soft Chicken Tacos
Thursday– Spice-rubbed Baked Chicken (bone-in), Green Beans and Brown Rice Pilaf
Friday– Veggie Pizza
Breakfasts– Love Grown oatmeal cups, egg and avocado on bagel, goat cheese and veggie omelets with grapefruit
Lunches– Salads with millet and feta, leftovers
Snacks– Deviled eggs, Greek yogurt
Did you do or cook anything fall-inspired this weekend??
Danica @ It's Progression says
Those pictures of the leaves are beautiful!
Over the weekend I made a big pot of chili, which screams Fall to me, and I also picked up a bunch of apples to make homemade applesauce (for the first time) this week!
Brittany Dixon says
Are you using a crockpot?? I really want to make applesauce soon!
Danica @ It's Progression says
yeah! I found a few different recipes that I’m going to use as inspiration 🙂
char eats greens says
I did a whole lot of nothing this weekend in terms of school or using my brain to think haha. Fall hikes are seriously the best. I love the colours so much! Sounds like a great weekend. I can’t wait until Nia sees a bunch of different animals in person. I am going to love her reaction! haha
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I love hiking and wish there were more trails around us! I think Em would have fun 🙂
Christina says
Your menu sounds amazing, you eat such good food! Beautiful fall weekend, gorgeous pictures of the foliage.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I’m not going to comment on the Florida/Georgia game. 😛
Looks like you guys had a super fun time! I love your sweet girl’s princess dress!
Brittany Dixon says
Let’s be honest- if their would have been a few extra minutes, who knows what would have happened! We started off strong, then the momentum definitely went to you! 😉
Mike @ Midwestern Bite says
Have to love this fall weather. Our weekend took advantage of it and included us pulling kiddos in a makeshift hay wagon around the neighborhood for Trick Or Treat, lots of leaf peeping/playing, and finally watching our Browns beat the hated Ravens!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
That picture is beautiful!! I didn’t cook anything FALL inspired but the pregnancy inspired meal I cooked was garlic parmesan chicken fried in olive oil (that made it healthy of course). We ate every last bite!
Brittany Dixon says
That. Sounds. Awesome!
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart says
It looks like you guys had a great weekend! Sorry to hear about your stressful news on Friday, I hope everything is ok.
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! I hope it is too. <3
Ali says
I love the pictures of those leaves! I hope everything is okay in your family!!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! We’ll know more soon. <3
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Hope everything is a-okay! Thinking of you!
Despite the stressful news, it looks like you guys had a beautiful fall weekend! Glad you got some fun family time in. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Ashley! I appreciate the extra thoughts and prayers. Hoping all will turn out to be just fine.
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
Sorry to hear about the stressful news 🙁 Hope everything will be okay soon. Your menu sounds fabulous!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Kaitlyn!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Is it weird that I have actually never tried a white sweet potato before? Do they taste different from the orange ones?
Brittany Dixon says
They definitely taste like sweet potatoes, but perhaps not as strong? I liked them a lot! Only grabbed them because it was all the had 🙂
Jessica says
Sorry about the extra stress… I hope it works out <3.
I am ten ish weeks and I cannot wait for my normal eating habits to return. Are you counting calories this time around like you did in your last pregnancy? I have to nibble so often I haven't at all but I am trying to be aware.
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Sorry about the bad news. I hope everything is OK!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Your Tuesday night meal (actually all of your meals) sound delish!!! I am such a planner and have to have somewhat of a plan for meals going into the week too 🙂 (PS: I hope everything is ok!)
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
What a wonderful day and I love all the fall photos. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air works wonders 🙂
Trisha says
Very healthy meals. Love those tuna asparagus and tomatoes. We need to eat healthy together with our families and enjoy things together such as hiking.
Neil Butterfield says
Some incredible pics here, Brittany. I love the pics of the water.
Kelli Haxel says
First of all I love your website and recipes, keep ‘me coming! Quick question does Hailey eat whatever you and your hubby are eating or do you always cook separately? I have a 22 month old and it’s getting so taxing to cook two separate meals.