The Pumpkin Patch...

We took advantage of a warm, sunny September day to go to the pumpkin patch. I can't recall being in capris and shirt sleeves to pick pumpkins in many years. We got some fresh apples from the orchard and picked out our pumpkins from the patch. We also got to feed some animals, ride on a train behind a lawn tractor, and played some yard games. It was such a fun day and Owen was so good despite missing his nap. Ava thought it was all great except in true form, wouldn't feed any of the animals herself because she may get dirty. I love fall!

Ava Starts Dance...

Ava started dance classes in Luverne in mid September. It is once per week for 30 minutes which is about perfect. She was so excited when I told her she was going to be in dance. The excitement only grew when she got her leotard and shoes on. Much to my surprise. she was not scared at all. She joined right in with the other kids and participated rather well. To say she loves it would be an understatement. She is always grinning the whole time. It is actually quite entertaining to watch the practices and amazing to see the girls pick up the steps. I don't think she's going to be the one who masters all the steps perfectly, but she is having fun!

Experimenting in Photography...

Just experimenting with my new camera on these. Ava is so willing to cooperate and do whatever I ask. If only Owen were...

Addie's 5th Birthday Party...

Owen (his first very sick day) & Daddy at the play gym

We traveled to Sioux City last weekend to celebrate Addie's 5th birthday. Ava couldn't have been more excited. Addie's friend party was at a gymnastics place so all the little girls got to play on all the equipment. Ava thought it was really fun and followed Addie around every where she went. We then went to Shelly & Jason's house for cake and ice cream with the family. It was their first official day back in their house after the evacuation. We were so happy to get to celebrate Addie's birthday back at her "home".

Our Messy Eater...

Messy Eater = Cute Grinner!

What Time Is It?

Ava is singing a song with her "accompaniment"

Ava has been obsessed with the clock lately. She kept asking me what time it was and I would tell her every hour of the day it seemed. Then we had the talk about the big hand and little hand, and before we knew it, she was telling us what time it was. She's not very good at the minutes yet, but she can tell us what hour it is. We had no idea she could even recognize all those numbers! She never ceases to amaze us. The bottom pictures are of her singing her made up songs in the toyroom. She often uses the drum, triangle, or symbols to accompany her vocals...quite the imagination!

The Little Man (more 11 month old photos)...