Fall Creek Baptist Church Fall Festival

Our church's annual fall festival was this past Sunday.  Benj, Aimee, Nolan, and Kenley were able to go because they were in town.  As usual there were the carnival games, inflatables, hayride, food, and of course the magic show.  It was a nice day but a little windy.  The best part was seeing the kids playing together and spending time as a family.  Even though they now live in Columbus, OH. they will soon be moving to New York City so we won't be able to see them every other month or so like we do now.  We'll miss you guys!!!

Scarecrow Brooklynn

Kenley taking notes from Braxton on fishing

It seemed like the kids took turns being in pairs....

Braxton and Kenley

Brooklynn and Nolan

Brooklynn and Kenley

Nolan and Braxton

And of course my man and I are quite the pair!  :)

The festival is always the 3rd Sunday in October so if you missed it this year then put it on the calendar for next year.  It is always a great time and also free!

Riley Days

Beth and Katie invited us to go to the Riley Days Festival in Greenfield, IN on October 8th.  Whenever I hear Riley I automatically assume it is associated with Riley's Children Hospital, but it was actually started after James Whitcomb Riley, the poet.  He grew up in Greenfield - they say you learn something new every day!.  Anyway....Braxton was freshly 2 (it was the day after his birthday).  It was ridiculous hot for the time of year but it made it a great day for a parade and walking around looking at all the different booths.  We even found something for Heath for his birthday.

The kids enjoyed the parade while eating a healthy snack

Another shot of a sweet brother and sister moment!

Braxton made a friend while we were in line waiting for Brooklynn's pizza.

Braxton is 2!!!!

Although he spent it sick (got a cold which activated his asthma), Braxton turned two on Thursday, October 7th!  I took his mug shot before we started the day.  He had some chocolate chip pancakes and bacon for breakfast (which he only ate a little of).

We went to MOPS in the morning and came home for lunch (which he didn't eat).  Tried to nap but awoke 15 minutes into it from coughing.  We had plans to go to jump at the bounce house but those were cancelled due to his rugged breathing so Beth and Katie came to visit for awhile, bringing him a cool gift - Buzz Lightyear mobile rocket and a Halloween book.  We made cookies for a birthday snack. 

Katie and Braxton before he opened his birthday gift

I hated the fact that Heath was out of town and that Braxton wasn't 100%, but we made the most of the day.  We are going to celebrate with friends and family next Saturday when daddy is back in town and hopefully Braxton is feeling better!

I can't believe my little boy is already two!  He is such a BLESSING in our lives!

Annual Tuttle's Orchard Visit

September had lots of rain and it looked slim at getting a chance to hit Tuttles while there were still apples left.  But this first week of October was just gorgeous - sunny and in the 80's!  So Tuesday we drove out for our annual Tuttles Visit.  As luck would have it green delicious, Heath and Brooklynn's favorite, were available for the picking.  There were several apples still left on the trees but mostly high up.  So daddy got his workout lifting the kids up to pick.  As usual, we spent the rest of the trip enjoying the play area with several mazes (sunflower, hay, and rope), farm equipment, swing-sets and more.  Heath and I played corn-hole while the kiddos played - he won yet again but it was at least close (he plays with 3 bags to my 4)!  The Maxson's were there too so we chatted for a minute before heading home for dinner.    

My guys

Meredith, Brooklynn, and Braxton attempt to feed the feisty goat.

Heath lifting the kids in order to get some good apples!

Although they fight quite often, the sweet moments ALMOST make up for it!

Smith Family Farms

Last Friday my MOPS group had a playdate at the Smith Family Farms in Pendleton, IN (which was actually down the road from 69 and 13).  The weather was cold and very windy so we bundled up and made a go for it.  The petting barn was great.  Most of the animals were interactive and just the right size for Braxton.

Braxton was a magnet for a lot of the animals!  This pony was determined to get to him no matter the cost.

The goats were very friendly so Braxton was able to pet a few.

This cat couldn't get enough attention from us.

 Braxton ran from plaything to plaything....it was like he understood it was cold and we wouldn't be there long.  For the short time we were there he really enjoyed himself!

Me and my boy!

The last leg of the outing was to go to the pumpkin patch to find a pumpkin.  We had to go far back into the patch to find a good one.  Braxton picked it himself and was so proud of it.

Just the right size for him to pick and carry

He wouldn't put it down the rest of the way home.  It is so cute to hear him say pumpkin...but not so cute after the 100th time!  :)

 I would go back again to Smith Family Farms....just on a nicer day!

Cool Creek Park Rain-out

Heath's appointments have been dwindling down for Amerifence.  The upside is that we are able to spend a little more family time.  So last Thursday when it was BEAUTIFUL out we decided to accompany daddy to Westfield for his only appointment of the day where he would drop us off at Cool Creek Park and then return to have a picnic after his appointment down the road.  So we loaded up the car and had the picnic made up.  I got the wagon out and the kids ran to play on the playground....for a whole 5 minutes until the sky turned black and it started to rain!  Luckily the park had a nature center where we could stay dry, unluckily it was a half hour before it closed!  But the kids were able to check out a lot of turtles, see a lizard, hear live nature sounds (muffled by the rain), color some fall bookmarks and read/see other nature exhibits.  Here are few pics... 

 A few minutes before they closed there was a lull in the rain so we made for the pavilion.  Here is how we spent the following 45 min in the cold rain!

Braxton did so well being obedient, just staring out at the tempting, yet wet playground

Brooklynn was a different story....boy do that girl and I but heads!  Finally daddy arrived to rescue us from the cold.  We decided to do our picnic indoors at the McDonald's Playground so that the kids could still play and that we didn't get stuck in rush hour traffic.  Luckily we were sneaky enough to get our food in and were not kicked out!  I guess Heath did get a tea.

Brooklynn and Braxton at top of McDonald's Playplace

We tried to spontaneous and take advantage of the opportunities that day but it didn't quite go our way.  However we made the most of it and still had some family time.