Fall Fun

We had more family fun on Saturday as we had our traditional visit to Stades Farm.
It was cloudy and a little cool, but the farm wasn't very crowded, so it was perfect!

Our first stop was the corn boxes.

There was lots of diving and burying going on.

Then we hit the spider web and hay maze.

They're getting so big!

As we were walking around, Ryan and I were talking about how great days like this are. Being outside as a family, running, playing and enjoying the day!

We saw Frank the combine. Cole has a machines book that he loves, so he was excited to see the combine. He was running around saying "A combine! A combine!"

The farm has all kinds of fun. There's a petting zoo, pony rides, trains, twirly cars, etc. Being the cheap parents we are, we were sticking to the free stuff. After many pleadings from Hayden we gave in and let them try the $.50 slide, the cheapest attraction there ;) They loved it!

We ended our morning with apple cider donuts and a pumpkin picture!

Pickin and Flyin

Saturday was the perfect day. The weather was gorgeous, so we had to get outside.

First we went to Homestead Orchard to pick some apples.

The kids each got a bag and headed out to pick.

It was fun watching how excited they were.

Cole kept doing his cheese ball smile (which he does on command, also).

The orchard was started by and is still run by a family that lives on the orchard. They make their own honey there, also. The bees were blocked off, but Ryan was able to take a minute to show the kids where they make honey in the distance.

It's a very quaint and beautiful little place. We headed home with 2 bags of apples and some honey. So far, we've enjoyed eating the apples plain and in apple crisp. My first attempt at apple pie is coming in the next few days ;)

Later that afternoon, we headed to our "backyard" to fly our kite.

The kids (and Ryan and I) love flying the kite. It's just one of those simple joys in life!

It was a great family day, spent in beautiful weather. Perfect!

Ballerina

We have had a ballerina at our house today. Hayden put this on first thing this morning, and has been wearing it all day, even during her nap! I've gotta get this girl in a dance class!!

Rites of Passage

Our kids are growing up...

 Hayden gave her first talk in Primary on Sunday. She was so excited!! She did a great job and her finger didn't go in her nose until she was walking away from the microphone. She has a thing with putting her fingers in her mouth or nose when she gets nervous. Thankfully that's usually the only time, but if she's nervous then there are probably a lot of people watching her little fingers.

She had her 4 year check up last month.
Her stats are-
35 1/2 lbs- 70%
41 1/2 in- 70%

She is super healthy and just perfect! She was upset about the 2 shots she had to get, though. Poor girl. I had to hold her down. She just got her flu shot last week and did much better. Not a single tear. She told me afterward, "I decided to be brave!" Love her.

Cole is officially in the terrible twos. He is somewhat of a menace these days, (a cute menace, of course) and his artwork on the wall today proves it!

I had to throw this picture in, because when these two aren't fighting like crazy, they love each other like crazy!! Hayden likes to "babysit" Cole while I shower sometimes. This is how I found them after my shower one morning. I love Hayden's arm wrapped around him. Hopefully, they will watch out for each other forever!

TWO

This little man turned 2 a few weeks ago! He was so happy to have his birthday. He was singing "Happy Birthday to me" all day!

He went to a race car practice with Grandma and Grandpa Woodland, Aunt Camille and Uncle Eric and few months ago, and has been talking about it ever since. So, I made him a race car cake.

We had a few friends over to celebrate with us.

Cole was spoiled with lots of fun things. Grandma and Grandpa Woodland got him a little tikes basketball hoop. Grammy and Grampa got him a mickey mouse guitar. We got him a train track and some trains, and his friends spoiled him with "boy things."

He is so fun! He always makes us smile. He is super silly and loves to have fun.

We each took a turn getting our picture taken with the birthday boy.

Here's a little clip of him singing happy birthday to himself. Sorry it cuts off abruptly. I ran out of space on my memory card. Oops.

At 2 he still talks a ton, loves balls, trains, books, and still loves to play with his sister. He's often seen wearing a princess dress and slippers. He has started being a little naughty. He thinks it's hilarious to hit, pull hair and sit on his sister. It's all a game to him. We're working on it. He has also started potty training and is doing pretty well. He gives great hugs and lots of kisses, eats pretty much anything, sleeps in a big bed, and is Hayden's little shadow. His best friend is Justin, but he loves to play with all of his little friends. He is a runner, climber, jumper. He still loves songs and singing.

He had his 2 year check up this week.

His stats are:

Weight- 27 lbs- 50 %
Height- 36 in.- 95%

Still super tall and skinny, and healthy. Just the way we like it. I just love this little boy. Ryan always teases me that Cole has me wrapped around his finger. It's true. How can you not be?

When you think Tim McGraw...

I hope you think of me, because I've seen him. That's right. For my birthday, Ryan bought me tickets to see Tim McGraw while we were in Utah.

We headed to Usana Amphitheater. I was so excited. It's been a long time since I've been to a concert, and I had forgotten how fun they are. It was prime people watching, too. All I have to say is wow! Lot's of Cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and SKIN!! About 95% of the people were dressed trashy. Nice.

The Band Perry, which I love, opened, and did an awesome job.

They were followed by Luke Bryan. Not my favorite. He seems like a trashy hick to me.There were some older ladies behind us who were a little overly hormonal at the sight of Luke Bryan!!

Waiting anxiously for Tim McGraw. (Yikes, bad picture.)

Tim McGraw put on a great show. Ryan was teasing me before the concert, because I couldn't name many of Tim's songs. Once he started singing it all came back. There were only 2 songs I didn't know.

He sang one song with Luke Bryan and one song The Band Perry. Ryan's favorite was the song with TBP. There was a lot of drinking, not very much clothing, but tons of fun!!
Thanks for the birthday present, Ry! It was awesome!

The concert was on Saturday night. The next day we went to church with Ryan's parents and then dinner and games at my parents. Then we headed home on Monday morning. It was such a great trip. We got to see lots of good friends, lots of family, and had many adventures. Good times, for sure!