out and about

A few weeks back- we visited the zoo and the arboretum (not in the same day, but, you know).

I don't know why it seems less exciting to write about it now.  I suppose because it was a few weeks ago.  But really- if I didn't say so, you'd never know...and it's be just as 'exciting'.

Moving on....


Our trip to the zoo.

We met up with some friends.  This was a school day for Parker, so I only had Grace and Nolan.  We had a wonderful time visiting, seeing the animals, and a picnic lunch.  Looking forward to more playdates at the zoo!

This was Nolan's first trip to the zoo.  He wasn't too impressed.  :)  Haha!  No- really.  He was so good.  I don't think he really cried.  He fussed a little and I carried him around a big, but then after he was fed and changed, he went right to sleep after putting him back in his car seat.

Always so fun to see the giraffes so close.

Sweet friends!

A little train ride.

And a tired boy.

The next week, Kristin and I met up at the arboretum to attempt a few pictures in the pumpkins.

Payton

Parker and Grace

Our 3 Pumpkins

We enjoyed lunch.

And a little play time.

We tried to visit the new outdoor children's museum there...but but by this time, it was hotter, we were more tired...and pushing around my big double stroller was not the easiest in certain parts.  Looking forward to going back with the girls to really look around and 'explore' that new area.

So thankful to be able to be home more now and make these memories with the kids.

story time at the pumpkin patch

This past Saturday- I bundled up the kids and headed to a local little pumpkin patch in our town.  As we were leaving our house the temps were in the 70s....and by the time we left the pumpkin patch they were in the 50s!  It was pretty chili, but we were more than happy to welcome cooler temps!

Some of the proceeds from this pumpkin patch go toward the children's library here, and so I try to support it by getting our pumpkins here.  Anyways- they also have a story time each Saturday followed by some crafts, face painting, and then some other featured fun thing.

 We got there a few minutes early...so the girls ran around a bit playing hide-and-seek in the hay maze.

I have to brag on this guy.  He did SO good the whole time.  Just looked around...played with his toys...and then napped when it was time to nap.  I am so thankful for this go-with-the-flow-baby {most of the time!!}.

Those eyes.  Those cheeks.  That smile.  I'm toast.

The girls were the only ones for just a little bit and then a few more joined in.

After story time...we quickly ran to pick up lunch and ate in the car because we wanted to go back to the pumpkin patch for Patchy the Scarecrow (Patchy does a cute little show..telling stories, singing songs, and interacting with the kids).  So while we waited for Patchy...the girls got their face painted.  They both got flowers on both cheeks.

{and this is when my big camera ran out of battery....so phone photos it is}

A little crafting.  This was Parker's first time with a paint pen and she was in love.  She now 'needs' a paint pen.  Haha.

Patchy also made the girls flower balloons while we were waiting for the show to start.

Nap time!

I love love seeing Grace raising her hand here just like the bigger kids.

So here....the kids are sort of acting out a song with props....when it's their turn...they're supposed to raise of their prop and/or do their specified motion.

And oh my goodness...Grace was too funny.  She would not smile.  At all.  The whole time she was standing up there.  She made the face you see below the whole time.  I would smile...make faces at her....and nothing.  The parents and volunteers that were watching all got a little kick out of her.  

She's a mess, I tell ya.

Still sleeping, sweet boy.  Holding onto his toys.

We made it almost to the end of the show, but Parker was getting a little too cold so we headed out a few minutes early.  It was a fun little morning/afternoon with the kiddos.  So thankful for fun {free} activities like this!

fall 2012 at the arboretum

We finally made it out to the arboretum to see the many beautiful pumpkins and the Chihuly exhibit.  Each year I am still in awe of the pumpkins and neat it all is. The Chihuly exhibit is exceptional and just beautiful.  

The weather: cloudy and cool.  Perfect for our visit.

I had originally planned on getting an early start....but we were slow moving this morning.  When we both have a day (actually half of a day) off together...my intentions are to get so much done.  But we both end up being so tired and then just want to enjoy all of us being together without the stress of blowing and going.  Another treat- Grace stayed in her bed all night AND slept til 9am!

But the slow moving paid off.  It was a little crowded as we got there a little past 11...but by noon...there weren't really that many people and the girls were able to run around a bit.

Instead of trying for pictures for an hour...we really only tried for about 10 minutes.  We got a few of BOTH smiling and so I call it a success!

There was a family beside us taking pictures of their boys and asked Geoff to take a picture of them.  So he offered to take a picture of us.  Love Parker's face.  She was NOT happy about this 'strange' man taking our picture and she was not going to smile.  He actually took 2 pictures and her face is a little nicer in this one.  Ha!

In Cinderella's carriage....

While standing in line for face painting..Parker decided to chase this squirrel.  Yes- this is the same girl that screamed for me this morning because there was an ant 3 feet from her that was 'going to get' her!

At the last minute she decided she'd better return....

I wish Grace's face was in focus here because I love it....

Other than when she's sleeping.....this is the most still I have ever seen her sit!

Running around the hay....

Just amazing...

Parker asked for us to take this picture of her posing....Oh brother.

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And because it's what I do.... 

Parker in 2008

2009

2010

And last year....I forgot how little Grace was just a year ago!!

(I spent so much time on Parker's skirt she gets 2 years wear out of it!  And you'll probably be seeing it for the next 2 years on Grace!

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OK- off to catch up on the show Revenge.  Do you watch it?  We cancelled our cable over the summer and got Hulu.  With no shows to watch during the summer lull- I watched the entire first season of Revenge and was hooked!  I also watched the third season of Parenthood and it might be my new favorite show.  It gets me every week!