Apples and Pumpkins

Fall wouldn't be complete without a trip to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch and we set out to do just that a few weeks ago with friends and had a great time.

We mixed it up this year and went to a different spot - the ol' stand by was getting a bit stale for the kiddos and we thought given that we were going on a week day we had a little more time to spend, so why not?

We headed out to Minnetonka Orchards in Minnetrista and we were not disappointed.  We got the opportunity to see some animals, pick apples, choose some picked pumpkins and enjoy a hayride.  The kiddos were thrilled!!

Even though the weather was a bit chilly, it was a fun way to celebrate the fall season and we'll continue to do so as we get in the spirit this weekend by carving our found pumpkins!

Goldy's House - 2012

With the football season upon us it was only appropriate to deck the boys out in their Gopher gear and head to the stadium for a game.

James knows the routine now and was pretty excited about getting back to Goldy's House for a game.  He talked it up all week!  Henry, as a rookie, didn't know what to expect, but he, like always, just rolled with the punches and had a great day.  Henry slept for part of the game but otherwise enjoyed the wonderful weather and flirted with our seat neighbors during the game.

James got most excited about seeing Goldy down on the field and followed his every move throughout the stadium for the entire game. 

  

James actually got to attend a game two weeks in a row - and at the second game he got a chance to sit on a U of MN police department motorcycle at the tailgating lot and him and Elliot had some fun running the concourse after the game!  He had a fun afternoon and the end result was a very exhausted toddler!

Mom and Dad are looking forward to the rest of the season - perhaps the boys were good luck charms since the team was off to a 3-0 start at this time ... we'll see what the rest of the season holds after two disappointing loses.

Rolling Over and Sittin' Up!

Henry is on the move these days ... not crawling just yet but rolling over and sitting up on his own.  With sitting up - came lunging for some of James' toys.  I'm sure it won't be long before these two are arguing over toys - but for now James' thinks it's kinda cute that Henry wants to play with his toys.  We are enjoying the opportunity to give them baths together now too!

State Fair 2012

We couldn't let summer slip on by without going to the State Fair as a family. After debating whether to take a stroller or not, we decided it was best to do so, and minus getting the giant double stroller on and off the bus, we didn't regret it.

James and Henry did great at the Fair.  James enjoyed his first "ride" on the Ferris wheel with the boys.  He wasn't too sure about it, but once they got going he really liked it. 

James and Elliot also participated in the Little Farms Hands barn.  They drove tractors, planted seeds and picked apples all before selling it at the "farmer's market" and getting some "money" for their goods to purchase something at the store.  What did James' pick out?  Dill Pickle flavored potato chips - go figure?  Guess his tastes have expanded beyond Cheerios since last year, huh?

Henry dozed off and on most of the day and just took in the sights - he really is so easy going that he didn't mind the view from the stroller.

We shared lots of eats - ice cream, cookies, corn and cheese curds - and James liked them all!  Good thing this is just a once a year activity!

Before we left we took a walk through the Miracle of Birth Barn so James could see all sorts of animals in one barn rather than traversing through all the separate barns.  He loved seeing the cows and baby chicks and kept asked where the pigs were.  He remembered petting one last year, but instead of a pig he got a chance to pet a lamb this year.  Thank you swine flu :)

It was a fun day at the Fair with the family and friends - we'll look forward to closing out next summer doing much of the same.  Some traditions are just meant to be!