Matt's October vacation

Matt took a week off at the beginning of October and we soaked up the fall weather as a family.  We went to the apple orchard, got lots of projects done, played like crazy, and walked around ArtPrize for a day.  We didn't actually get to see the piece that won this year (something about a long line and a huge double stroller and two wiggly, impatient girls...), but we got to see a lot of really beautiful art.  

Later in the week, Matt and I went up north for a night away without the girls.  It was so nice and so refreshing to spend time alone together.  We drove up to Boyne, did the "Tunnel of Trees" drive, ate yummy food, went to the movies, slept in, and got to talk to each other without being interrupted every few minutes:)

We also took our annual trip to Orchard Hill Farms, where the girls got to feed and pet their animals, go on a hay ride, and eat donuts:)

I couldn't be more thankful for this time together.

quick stop at Deadman's Hill Scenic Overlook

hayride!

she's clearly a fan of the donut!

Applesauce Day!

The first weekend in October, we headed down to the farm to make our annual applesauce stash, and to hang out during harvest.  Matt loves fall and harvest, and his love is quickly spreading to Kate.  She really likes riding in the combine with Grandpa:)

washing apples

Kate helping make applesauce

tractor ride with Bri Guy

COUSINS!

FMG fun

The weather was so nice, I took the girls to Frederick Meijer Gardens to play in the Children's Garden on Monday morning.

playing in the sand box

And then we went back with friends on Friday morning for more playing and story time! The weather was not quite as nice, but we still had a lot of fun.  Special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Pridgeon for our FMG membership - we love it!

Paisley, Ellory, and Liv

Abby, Kate and Haven

September fun

September is one of my favorite months of the year, and it really flew by this year.  I can't believe it's over already.  Looking back, we had a lot of random fun in September.  The girls are growing so much and it's really, really fun to see them starting to play together.  They've mastered saying cheese for photos, and love to play outside more than anything else.  Liv loves pushing her baby around in a stroller or "mowing the lawn" with her Fisher Price mower.  We take lots and lots of walks around our neighborhood, and Kate loves to make collections as we go (rocks, leaves, etc).  Liv is liking the stroller less and less - she wants to walk and run, just like big sister.  These girls LOVE music and LOVE to dance.  And daddy's arrival home after a day at work is pretty much the biggest celebration every day; both girls scream, "Daddy" and run to him for hugs and kisses.  It's adorable.  Such a fun stage

popsicles!

just having a quick tantrum...

rocking their babies

chocolate pudding faces!

meeting baby Adah

this girl loves talking on her pretend phone

daddy sandwich!

planting tulip bulbs

yogurt face!

fall at the zoo

We spent the morning of September 11 at the zoo with my mom.  School was back in session, so it wasn't very busy at all.  We had a great time checking out all the animals.  Even Liv was excited; every time she spotted an animal, she yelled, "See!" and pointed at whatever it was.  So cute!

who knew wallabies were so friendly?

driving the train

Labor Day weekend

Uncle Adam came home for the day on Saturday (of Labor Day weekend), so we hung out with him as much as we could while he was here.  He even brought the girls a few thoughtful and fun gifts; a Buddha Board (paint with water) and new finger paints.

painting with the Buddha Board

We celebrated Adam's upcoming birthday with dinner at The Old Goat in Alger Heights.

On Sunday night, Kate had a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She's been wanting to do this for a while, and since everyone was going to be home on Monday, this seemed like a good time.

watching Winnie the Pooh when she got dropped off

Monday was a really warm day, so after breakfast, we headed over to the pool.  Kate was super excited to swim and did awesome.  She's always been a little tentative, but she was swimming across the pool and back by herself! 

That afternoon while the girls napped, we painted all the outdoor trim at our house.  And Kate painted on her new Buddha Board:)

We also had a delicious steak dinner with my parents.  What a great weekend!