Beautiful Mess

The kids are destroying the house. Toys are Everywhere. My cleaning efforts are futile. 

GUILTY

GUILTY

Who are these crazy kids destroying my house? I feel like they need to be charged with breaking and entering, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace or something! If you see them on the loose, report to the authorities immediately, and may order be restored!

Autumn Scenic Drive

We followed the green Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive signs from Delafield to Plymouth, WI.

 I took some pictures from the moving car. The drive was curvy and beautiful.

We passed Holy Hill, 

a bunch of different lakes,

and cool looking barns.

We had a picnic and then hiked for two hours on what we later discovered were all horse trails!

With each of us having kids on our backs, I suppose it was where we belonged.

 View from the horse trail.

 We found the dark forest! But we didn't go in.

Abigail has just about outgrown the carrier.

Is this not SO beautiful?!

Lydia kept making Daddy fetch leaves for her to admire.

 I love this picture too.

Lastly, we climbed Parnell Tower and were rewarded with a 360 colorful view.

We left our house at 9:30 and finished at the tower at 4:30. I would think that would have felt like a long day on the road, but we dealt with no traffic and it felt like the best way to enjoy the autumn day!

The Sunday after that, Ben & I became Christian sponsors to Violet on her baptism!

Apple Holler Farm

 Hey, can we get this pumpkin?

No! We came hear to get apples!

 So...when's this tractor coming to take us to the apple trees? 

I'm already getting tired.

 Let's just wait at the barn. 

Here it comes!

 Rumble, rumble.

 I see a snake in the enchanted forest!

...

Okay, finally in the orchard. Honey Crisps are this way.

 A nice shiny red one!

 The bag is heavy.  Yup, this variety's good. 

 Hang on to your apples. The ride is bumpy.

Can I feed the baby goats before we leave? Can I?

His tongue tickles.

2013: Running at about 3 feet tall. 

ECEC News

The preschool sends us and e-Newsletter every Friday that sums up the week, has a note from the teachers, next week's theme, and a few pictures:

Lydia's in the middle  ^

This one's funny  ^

Open House is this Wednesday.  We are having lots of fun with ECEC!

Nobody told us it's September

 Lydia wants the pool all to herself, but I tell her, "the pool's big enough for both of you."

Lydia has her toys, and Abigail has hers.

Abigail fills, dumps and spills cups over and over and over again.

Lydia plays with mermaid dolls/toy figurines for hours.

Violet

Violet Ann Fernandez

 Stacy & Greg's beautiful little bundle of joy arrived Sept. 3rd!

7 lb 1oz, 19 1/2 in.

happy & healthy

Lydia admires and hushes her cousin.

 We were all thrilled to meet and hold Violet Ann...

including Abigail. She was literally squealing with excitement over the baby.

"I'm a Big Girl Now"

Long awaited first day of preschool at ECEC for Lydia! She's 3 1/2 years old and got potty trained just in time to start. She woke up singing "I love my school..." I think she's going to love it. She will be in Teacher Jamie's group.

After dropping her off, Abigail and I strolled back home and then headed to the doctor for an unusually calm 18 month check up. I think I could get used to this, and I'm excited to see how Lydia grows this year.  :)