Pumpkin patch

We've broken all the rules! We went apple picking, we decorated for Fall, and we went to the Corn Maze-- all in September!

This year, again, we went to Pigeon Roost. We thought about going somewhere different, just to try, but the kids had so much fun there last year, that we decided to go again.

They had just as much fun this year as they did last year-- and it was warm! We took pictures on the pumpkins, went down the slide, sat on the tractors, chased roosters, hugged goats, went through the mini corn maze, played in corn, went through a scary tunnel, played on the playground set, and went through the huge corn maze (and got lost). We could have spent the whole day there... but we didn't.

I love these traditions that we have created for our family. And I hope that the kids always remember them. Maybe they'll even use them in their own families. I sure hope so.



 

Put-in-Bay

When Billy came home from work last Friday night, it felt like any other night, even though we were now officially starting his vacation time.
Then, it hit us. "Let's do something." And just like that, we planned to go to the Island of Put-In-Bay the following day. Who said we're too old to be spontaneous?
So the next day, we got in the car, drove 2 hours, took a ferry for 30 minutes, and arrived in Put-In-Bay just in time for lunch.
Then we walked around the town, played a little, took a walk on the beach, visited the caves, ate some ice cream, took the ferry back to the main land, and drove back 2 hours.
Even though the beach was covered with huge rocks (not white sand) and we got soaked, it was my favorite part of the day. I loved the breeze, the water, and the relaxing feeling I get in such a peaceful place. The ride on the ferry was pretty awesome, too, though.
I think the kids' favorite part was picking out special rocks in the caves souvenir store. They have been playing with them every day since we got back.
I'm so glad we decided to go explore Ohio. Put-In-Bay is the Bomb!

Apple picking

This weekend, we went apple picking. It was totally a spur-of-the-moment thing. The weather was nice and cool. Logan and Taylor had just learned about the letter A and apples in school that week. And, let's face it, we're ready for Fall. In fact, that afternoon I set up all the Fall decorations. The kids had a blast and ate a bunch of apples, as they were picking them. Not sure if that was allowed, but we did it, and so did a bunch of other people around us.

 

First Day of School



This is it! School has officially started! My boys are preschoolers. I am excited for what lies ahead. I am excited for what they'll learn. I am excited for new friends. And I am excited for a little more freedom (if I can be honest).

 

 

 



Update: The first day went well. Logan and Taylor need a little work on self-control (they're both very impulsive). But overall, they did great. And me? I thought I'd be doing a happy dance, but instead I kept checking the clock, counting the minutes until I could go back and pick them up. I missed them soooooo much. And I think they missed me, too.

Last week before school

Going to school for the first year is a BIG deal. So I wanted Logan and Taylor's last week of "freedom" to be extra fun! I planned something cool with just us and with friends every day of the week. I am happy to report that the kids had A LOT of fun, and so did I.

Monday: Splash pads

 

 



Tuesday: Playgroup at the church (The kids rode their bikes)

 

Wednesday: Zoo

 

 

Thursday: Playground with friends

 

 

Friday: House of Bounce with friends

 

Touch-a-Truck

Yesterday, we went to Homestead Park for Touch-a-Truck. And it was Awesome! The kids got to sit at the driver seat of a delivery truck, ambulance, semi, ice cream truck, tractor, police motorcycle, and school bus. Sadly, my camera died shortly after we got there. But the kids had a blast. I love that Columbus always has fun activities for the little ones.

Logan and Taylor are 4!

This is it... My little babies are big boys. On a different note, I feel lame. On their birthday, I invited a few friends to play with us, but I didn't throw a big party like I have done in the past. Billy's on a tough rotation, and I knew he wouldn't be there for the party, so I just didn't throw one. We still went to Chuck-E-Cheese's that night, though. Does that count?

Taylor is such a fun and sweet boy. He loves to play outside, climb, run, and play with guns. He also loves to wrestle with Logan, and even takes his shirt off to do it like a real wrestler. At bedtime, Taylor always tells me what he wants for Christmas and for his birthday. The list usually includes a bike (which he got), a scooter, and a skateboard. When he grows up, he wants to be a firefighter. His best friend is Logan. His favorite color is green. His favorite food is noodles. His favorite sport is biking. Things he has said that have cracked me up: "Eww, daddy is eating green poop!" (It was guacamole)"Mommy, you'd better watch it- I'm going to pee on you!" He is really excited about going to school in September, and although I will miss him a bunch, I am excited for this new chapter. I am excited that he will be learning and experiencing new things. But most importantly, I hope he will remain himself. I hope he will always be that silly boy who cracks up everybody and lights up the room.

Logan is very mature and opinioned. He loves to play on the swing, play games on the iPad, and play with race cars. He also likes to correct everybody because, let's face it, Logan is always right. When he doesn't get what he wants, he gets mad and pouts, which either annoys me or makes me laugh. When he grows up, he wants to be Iron Man. His best friend is Taylor. His favorite colors are yellow and red (like Iron Man). His favorite food is pasta. His favorite sport is biking. Things he has said that have cracked me up: "Daddy's name is not William. It's Honey." After being told we were going to the dentist, "And then we're going to get candy!" Logan asks about going to school every single day. I know he will make friends easily because he is very social and has always been drawn to other kids. But I hope he will always remember his brother and best friend. I hope that no matter what, he will always stick with Taylor, hold his hand, and help him through life.