Fall Camping

We went to our favorite place to camp this past weekend for "Little Tykes Pumpkin Patch" weekend.  Jellystone in Fremont, Indiana.  Favorite.
Lots of activities on the schedule, not to mention the whole family up for the weekend, along with some football.  Mom and Dad were able to snatch up a cabin so it was perfect.  Weather cooperated nicely giving us warm temps during the day and cool temps at night for the fire. 
Friday night was basically spent around the fire...talking and making s'mores and pudgie pies.  These are moments I love. 

Saturday morning we geared up for the big Michigan State vs. Notre Dame football game.  Amber, being from the Michigan State area, of course, had to support her team.  Her girls agreed ... as did our girl, with out team ;)

Pumpkin picking at the pumpkin patch was up first. 

Next was ceramics.

And lastly, we did some trick or treating at the field.  LOTS of little ones.  Ruby even dressed up for the occasion!

The men pretty much enjoyed the day watching football games...

Went back to the camper for a "fall like" dinner before the game...bread bowls, chili, baked potatoes with all the fixins, apples/cookies with pumpkin dip, donuts and hot cider!!  Couldn't have asked for a better menu.  All great hits!  Especially the chili and pumpkin dip I got from pinterest! 

Chili
2 tsp. oil
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 can 14 1/2 oz diced tomatoes
1 can dark beer
1 c. strong coffee
2 cans 6 oz tomato paste
1 can beef broth
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp. chili sauce
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. salt
4 cans 15 oz. kidney beans
4 chili peppers, chopped
Heat oil.  Cook onions, garlic and meat until brown.  Add tomatoes, beer, coffee, tomato paste and beef broth.  Add spices.  Stir in 2 cans kidney beans and peppers.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  Add 2 remaining cans of kidney beans and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Pumpkin Dip
1 cool whip
1 instant vanilla pudding mix
1 can pumpkin
Mix well and serve with apples and/or vanilla wafers

Watched the game during the campfire...it was kind of chilly for me, but perfect for this time of year.  So glad ND pulled out the win.
Sunday...always a sad day.  Pack up day.  The girls got in one more swim at the indoor pool and we were off for home by 2 pm. 

Family, food, football and fun.  Great weekend!