Visit to the Apple Orchard

We went to Deardorff Apple Orchard in Waconia again this year. I was hoping to avoid any hay/stray/corn. Unfortunately they added a huge straw pile for the kids to play on. We did keep the kids off of it so it didn't cause Leo any problems. This is a pick your own orchard which we really enjoy, so we took home some Honey Crisp and Haralson apples. I also bought some pumpkin butter which is quite good (it's like apple butter). It is one of my favorite events of the whole year and I know the kids really have a great time! We may have to pick a new one to try next year.

Dru in the pumpkin patch

Still amazed they had a fire going at the orchard

On the wagon waiting to get a ride to the apple orchard

Look Mom, I picked another one!

 

Me with the kids who don't cooperate for photos 

MN State Fair

Opening day without the kids

My Jude

Leo's favorite ride

Dru's favorite ride

Pretty girl with her painted face

We were able to get to the fair twice this year. We went on opening day without the kids and had a great time that included the beer garden! Then on the first Sunday we took the kids. It was nice to be able to do the things they wanted to do like the kid rides, giant slide and face painting because we had done what we wanted a few days before. This might be the way to go in the years to come. We love taking in all the food, fun and people watching each year.

Name Change

On August 23rd, I stood in front of a judge and was granted my request of having my last name changed. My parents stood with me as my witnesses. I am so lucky to have them be so supportive of my life and family. I felt that support that morning and won't ever forget that feeling. It has been a slow process changing everything from my old to new name. I'm sure it will take quite a while for everything to be completely changed over. The four of us went to breakfast after the 2 minute hearing.

Twins Game

Grandma Sue and Grandpa John took the family to a Twins game again this year. We went at the beginning of August and it was a beautiful day. This was our second annual visit to Target Field, and we hope to have the opportunity to do this family outing again next year.

Dru and Leo's First Movie

Julie and I took Dru and Leo to their first movie in a theater on July 23rd.

We saw Winnie the Pooh.

The kids were antsy after 20 minutes of previews but overall did well.