Trinity Park Train

We traveled together to Texas in mid October for my cousin Amy's wedding. We had some free time to do some things with the kids. We convinced Grandma Sue, Grandma Lois, Heather and Reed to go to Trinity Park in Ft. Worth with us. There we took a ride on the Forest Park Miniature Train. The train was driven by a small locomotive and had open seating. The ride took us along the Trinity River, over and under bridges and took about 40 minutes. It was a beautiful day and was a great way to see some more of Ft. Worth and the kids really enjoyed it.

At The Park

A quick trip to the park near my parent's house

Mr. Giggles

Leo giggling on our drive home from St. Cloud

Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery

My parents, sister, brother-in-law, Julie and I have started a tradition of doing things for Christmas instead of giving things. On a sunny fall Sunday Heather and Jason surprised us by taking all of us to the Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery. There was wine tastings, food, dancing, grape stomping, wood workers, vendors and more. My parents talked the owner, Jon Millner, and discussed their heritage for awhile. It was a fun time and if you're ever out in central MN you should stop in!



My wine choices following a few tastings

Jon Millner (in front) getting ready for the grape stomping

The kids got a slice of wood with a face from a man using a chainsaw

Gma & Gpa with their Gkids

The kids watching the Scandinavian dancers



Big Sis, Lil' Bro

Gotta love the smiles at bedtime.

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.