Apple Orchard

Today we spent a glorious fall day at the apple orchard about 30 miles away. This was our second time visiting (last year Andrew was literally days old), and the kids definitely had a blast.

Our first stop was the corn pool. Andrew wasn't sure what to think at first, but he ended up liking the feel of the corn. (and shockingly did not try to eat it!)

Kate enjoyed jumping off the hay bails.

Next up: goats. I was really surprised how much Andrew liked these guys and thought it was hilarious when they would lick his hand.

Near the goats were the 3 little pigs houses: one of straw, sticks & bricks. I was the big bad wolf and Kate would run from each before I blew the house in. We repeated this several times.

We then took a tractor ride to a corn maze. This was fun at first. Then we got lost & tired and it became less fun. (but that only lasted about 10 minutes)

We then hit up the bouncy pillow. Kate loved this, and Andrew even got a few bounces in.

After this was a giant slide that you rode down on potato sacks. Once Andrew went once, he would laugh when we climbed back up to the top because he knew what was coming next.

Kate went by herself and wanted to go again & again.

Finally, the kids rode a small tractor around in a circle.

Yes, I am aware that no actual apples were picked at the apple orchard. However on the way home, Kate had a caramel apple in one hand & and an apple doughnut in the other, so the apple industry was indeed supported.

Birthday Celebrations

Our sweet little Andrew turns one tomorrow! Because of grandparents who are traveling the country this month, we celebrated the big day a bit early.

He (of course) loved the cake.

A favorite present: football from Uncle Tom.

Another cake...for me?!

Thanks Aunt Alisha!

Another favorite gift: a singing tool bench!

Thanks to family for making both celebrations so much fun!

Cruisin'

Andrew took his first steps last week, and though he still only takes a few at a time, he cruises right along when he's behind his new walk & ride that we got him for his birthday!

Daredevil

More often than not, after dinner we walk to the park that is very close to our house. Usually Andrew spends his time eating woodchips, but this week he has taken up a new hobby. It's called "Superman Down the Slide". He starts by crawling up the steps.

Stopping to grin with pride at the top.

Plunging down head-first.

{bad photo but you can see his full-body extension}

And ending with a chuckle as he heads back up to the top to do it all again.

Dare I say I think eating woodchips may have been less stressful for mom?!

Destination: Zoo

Jason and I realized this week that we never made a trip to the Omaha Zoo like we had wanted this summer, so we decided today was the day. The ride there went great & we had a fabulous day.

{I promise the children looked at live animals, but these photos are much cuter than the backs of their bald heads}

Kate & Daddy rode the skyride. I thought Kate would be nervous, but she loved seeing the animals from above!

Mr. "never sits still for a second" wasn't to be trusted, and luckily fell asleep during Kate's ride.

The first 40 minutes or so of the trip home was rough, as Andrew wanted to count the above rest as his nap, but both kids then fell asleep and Jason & I were able to enjoy the CYCLONE VICTORY on the radio.

Labor Day Bike Ride

The weather here was gorgeous this Labor Day weekend. We took advantage of it & hit the High Trestle Trail for only the second time this summer. Here's Kate gearing up for the ride.

Andrew was a bit obsessed with the bikes. He climbed in, out & through them each time we stopped.

The boys.

The girls.

Making sure daddy stays hydrated.

Stopped for lunch.

Kate has loved watching the corn grow this summer, so she was excited to see just how big it was.

Immediately after lunch (which was only 6 miles in), Andrew had a meltdown that could be heard for miles. It only lasted a few minutes though, and this sweetness was what followed.

Although it was not quite the workout we were hoping for, we couldn't have asked for nicer weather, better scenery or a more perfect way to wrap up the weekend.