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.

Camping...uff da!



Leo decided that he belonged to the family reunion going on next to our cabin, and they thought he did too!



It rained a ton on Friday, so Saturday we played in the puddles.

Leo used his floatie for the first time on Saturday.

We improvised due to the nasty mosquitoes. It didn't work very well.



Our little swim girl. No floatie only because she was in the kiddie pool.



We took another camping trip mid July at the KOA in Albert Lea with my parents (I won't say annual trip quite yet). We stay in the camping cabin and thank goodness we do. It rained and stormed again this year. We even went to get pizza on Friday night because we couldn't do much else. It only took over an hour because Julie and my dad got lost. Friday night, Dru had a difficult time falling asleep so we decided we were just going to have to go to bed too after 3 hours of bedtime battle. Saturday we didn't fight it and let her stay up until we were ready to call it a night. That was much less frustrating! We had a great time when we could enjoy time outside. The kids loved the huge grass puddles and we were able to spend time in the pool. They can't swim on their own yet but amaze me in their improvement each time we get into a pool. I think we may attempt camping again next year but may switch locations just to try something new. I am just grateful we were not in a tent!

4th of July Parade and BBQ

Mariah, Ray and LeAnn before the parade.

Leo plugging his ears for the police sirens.



Julie BBQ-ing with her parents keeping her company



Yummy! Watermelon!

Airplane rides from Mariah.

Our 4th of July BBQ has been a tradition for most of the last 10 years or so. We start at the city parade and then head to our house for a BBQ then for those who wish we watch the fireworks at 10pm. We used to be able to see them out our front door but since we've move we can't. A few of us drove down the block to watch them from the school ball field and we could see quite well. Julie stayed home with the kids and was completely dumbfounded that they didn't wake up. She said the house was shaking and it was so loud. Thanks everyone for joining us again this year!!