We're Back!

We had a blast this weekend on our camping adventure.  We didn't get eaten by bears, but my camera may have...  will post pictures just as soon as I can find it!! 

Boys Trip

Michael took William to Legoland today.  Some dear friends of ours gave us a couple of free passes, so they went and had a good time while I stayed at home with the baby.  Michael was kind to me and took a lot of pictures. 

Neighborhood Days

The last couple of days we've stayed close to home.  I find it refreshing not to go out, especially since Thomas cries so much in the car.  I think he much prefers staying home, too.

I put warm, sudsy water in our water table for a chilly October afternoon

William likes the suds a lot.  Sadly, I think he learned this from me.

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We did run out to REI today to pick this up.  The thought is that the kids and I will all fit in here, and Michael will enjoy his own kid-free bag.

Brotherly love at its finest.  Such sweet little guys!

Pumpkin Patch

Today after Mass we headed to the pumpkin patch.  There is only one "authentic" spot to get your gourds in our area, and we joined hundreds of other people who shared the same idea of how to spend a Sunday.  We picnicked under the shade of a tree in hopes of a respite from the ninety degree heat, and afterward headed out into the pumpkin fields under the hot, hot sun.

Dissecting his PBJ

William tried to pick up every pumpkin he came across

"Peek-a..."

"Boo!"

Tired and flushed on the way home

This is the face Thomas makes when he's talking.  He's not sad.

See?  Happy!

A preview of next weekend's adventure!

Choo-Choo!!

Saturday was the Train Festival at a local park.  Grandpa Mark joined us as we started with a scrumptious breakfast at the Hamburger Factory, then hurried over to the boarding platform to wait in line for the train.

A New Baby!

Nope, not ours :)  In our circle of friends, there are a LOT of new babies!  I decided to try out making a homemade "taggie" blanket.  But how on earth can I craft (and use pins, no less) with two munchkins underfoot?  I waited until Thomas was down for his first nap of the day, then showed taught William "the bank game."  None of my game names are very original. 

 
We have lots of spare change, and too many Costco sized empty animal cracker tubs to admit to.

Meanwhile, I got to work on my blanket.   I had already pinned on my ribbon loops at 4 am this morning when the baby wanted to play.

 

Not too much later and I had my finished product.  Hooray!

Duck Duck Goose

 "I don't know about this duck business, Mom."

 Launching the first piece of bread, William was thrilled even with no ducks or geese in sight.  Throwing food is fun no matter what, and the addition of birds could only improve an already awesome activity.

 But those birds did indeed flock to us, and William was beside himself with excitement.  He roared at them as they quacked and honked, viscerally releasing that boyish energy.

We had three large bags of bread, and let me tell you, these creatures can EAT! The large geese even remained friendly, patiently waiting their turn for their fill.

 The big guys only got too close a couple of times.  Even then, they remained very gentle, even to a toddler about the same size they were.

 Another successful adventure accomplished.  After today, I'm sure there will be many more lake trips on our itinerary.