Apple Jacks, haircut and fun at the park

On Saturday morning we decorated our pumpkin and instead of carving it we used Mr. Potatohead pieces.  The kids loved it and it was way less messy than our normal route!

Then we decided to head to Apple Jack's Orchard as Madelyn had a blast at Minnetonka Orchard earlier in the week and we thought Jack would enjoy going as well.  It was cooler in the morning but we still had a great time.  We ate apple donuts (so yummy!), went down the slides, climbed on the tractor, visited the petting zoo, played in the corn pit and took a ride on the cow train!

 

 

On Saturday afternoon we decided to stop in and see if there was a wait to get Madelyn's hair cut.  She has only had 1 haircut and that was when she was 18 months old.  She has been so excited to get her hair cut since she's been along many of the times we have had Jack's haircut.  Much to my surprise there wasn't a wait at all so we got right in.  She got about 3 inches cut off but you can hardly tell as her hair is so long.  She did great and didn't cry one time even when it was snarly……she cries before I even start combing her hair so that was a huge improvement :)

On Sunday afternoon we met the McCormicks at the park to release some energy!  We went to a park by their house which Madelyn refers to as "Evie & Teagan's park".  It's actually my favorite park as both kids can do some many different things……and it has swings.  It was a gorgeous fall afternoon!  As we were getting ready to leave, Max showed up!  He was there with his friend but it was such a fun surprise!  Madelyn just lights up - as evidenced in the picture below - whenever Max is around!  Max is always pretty happy to see Madelyn too :)  It was a perfect fall weekend!

Minnetonka Orchard with Madelyn

Yesterday Madelyn's class went on a field trip to Minnetonka Orchards and I was one of the parent volunteers.  We had never been to Minnetonka Orchard so it was fun to experience something different.  We took a tractor ride around the orchard, got to eat an apple and an apple donut, took a hike to pick our own apple and then finished the morning playing on the playground!  I love that our preschool has all these fun activities as the kids love it and I love going along to experience the fun and spend time with Madelyn! 

Growing up!

These kids are growing up so fast!  Here are a few pictures from our fall adventures!  Jack is into stacking things (sippy cups, blocks, books), reading books, singing Twinkle Twinkle, saying NO :), jumping from the stairs (even when someone isn't there to catch him?!), putting words together and just being his cute little self!  Our neighbor boy Joe is so good to Jack - he plays catch with Jack and will toss Jack the ball and let Jack throw it back to him!

Madelyn is such a sweetheart!  She is a great big sister and is always wanting to help Jack.  She loves school and is excited to tell her teachers new things, her laugh is precious - I wish I could bottle it up as it melts my heart every time I hear it!  She loves playing with Colleen, our next door neighbor, and acts older every week.  I look at her and can't believe she is only 3.5!

We are truly trying to soak up every minute as the time goes so fast and the kids are at such a fun age….and it just keeps getting better! 

Grandma Emily

Grandma Emily came up on Thursday night so she got to go to dance class with Madelyn.  Even though parents/grandparents aren't allowed to watch you can still peek through the door so that was fun.

Our daycare was closed on Friday so Grandma watched the kids.  They had a great day, like they always do when Grandma is around!  Grandma brought books which they read over and over and over :), they played downstairs, they made applesauce, they called Grandpa (he was in the field) and they put puzzles together.  Jack decided it was too much fun to nap when Grandma was around so he went his first day without a nap. He did pretty well although he was definitely tired by 7:00!

We didn't get many pictures on this trip but that was just because we were having so much fun!  We love when Grandma and Grandpa come and stay for the weekend - it's such a treat for everyone! :)

Tea Party with Madelyn

On Monday Madelyn's class had a tea party and they could invite one guest.  I was fortunate enough to be able to go celebrate with Madelyn.  It was a fun morning.  The kids waited in line to get their guests cheese, crackers, fruit and then they poured their own tea from the punch bowl.  You could tell they had practiced and were so excited and proud to have their guests there!  Next year Madelyn has already requested to bring Daddy as her guest :)

 

Madelyn & Natalie Yantos

After the tea party we went back to their classroom and the kids showed us their activities.  It was so fun to see what they do…..and there are so many different options/activities!  

The best hour of my week spent with this sweetheart!!!!

Gustie Homecoming 2014

On Saturday we went to Gustavus for Homecoming.  I haven't been back to GAC for a long time so it was fun to be on campus and see what was going on.  There was a bouncy house for the kids, a BBQ for lunch and tractors to play with.  We turned it into a mini reunion as we met up with my senior year college roommates and their families.  There are 11 kids total (+1 on the way for the Fell's) between all our families.  The kids had a blast together.  We stopped by Nissa's house afterwards and had a BBQ while the kids played outside.  It was a great day…..a little chilly but it didn't phase the kids!  We all slept well that night!  I guess I only got pictures of Jack as Madelyn was off playing with the big kids :)