Wordless Wednesday: Costumes

Alright, not the best shot (always cookies at the shop!). But, the kids were so excited to be wearing their costumes!

Country Basket

Well, here it is. The cold winds have blown in and the chill seems here to stay. I can't say I'm exactly sorry that autumn is here, but it just seems to remind me that yet another year has passed. I can't believe that it was over a year ago that we first ventured to Country Basket for cider, pumpkins, and doughnuts! The calendar confirms, though, that it's true.

And, the kids enjoyed it as much as last year, though kittens were scarce this year. We squeezed in our quick visit between ominous clouds and even a little hail (!) to grab a couple of pumpkins. Feeding the goats remained a favorite activity; Mia talked about it for days! I'm astounded by what big kids they look like in these pictures.

Wordless Wednesday: Stretching

Helpful, or not?

Recently, the twinks helped me clean up the high chairs that were being retired from the dining room. The hose, scrub brushes, sponges, and bubble. Combined with Mia's love for cleaning and everything pointed to a good toddler activity. Everyone got a little wet, but the chairs were cleaned and the kids were happy.

The next afternoon started out as more of the same. Mia, spying the scrub brush on the counter, begged for me to pull out the bucket. Living on a dirt road there is no shortage of dirty things around our backyard. Everything started out fine...chairs being wiped and washed. However, things quickly took a turn toward the unusual. Mia started with her arm, Ben began to brush his hair with the scrub brush. Before I knew it everyone was drenched and bubbly! While we've since had requests for the bucket, I think we're going to hold off for a while!

The Big Lake

Without the cottage, that big body of water to the west just isn't what it used to be. Something about the sand up there was a little better, the water a little more perfect, and the air a little less filled with gulls. That said, we've really got to head to the beach more often. I anticipate that it will get easier and easier to tote two tots to the beach, especially as they grow less weary of the sand. This particular day was perfect; not to hot but not exactly chilly either. Kathy knew the perfect parking spot, Theresa supplied a good dose of conversation, and even the children were relatively cooperative.

While Mia looks perfectly content here, she was not as impressed by the whole beach bum thing. She wandered constantly toward the area where we came down from the pier, as if to say, "Mum, I'm ready to head out." Both kids, however, thought the gulls were hysterical, much to their mother's chagrin.

Ben would have stayed hours longer if we could have. After watching Lilyana and Max lounge on their towels, B rolled in the sand to emulate them. Without the towel under him, he looked like he'd been rolled in sugar--so sweet!