The Apples Don't Fall Far From the Trees

I wasn't sure if we'd make it to the apple orchard this year. With all of the sickness, snow and whatnot. So when we made it there last weekend, I didn't take it for granted. Not one little bit.

Saturday was decent. Almost warm compared to all of the other days this month. And everyone was feeling well so we hurried on down to Fischer's orchard. It has become our annual apple picking spot. It's very pretty there and not too far from our house. They also have some animals to feed and pet. Haystacks to climb and a wooden train to play on. Works great for us. Especially this year because there was hardly anyone there. (We don't really love crowds.)

Now if I could just find the time and energy to peel and cut all of those apples. And transform them into some delicious apple crisp.

More Fun at the Zoo

We made our way over to the Minnesota Zoo once again. We wanted to get over there and see the farm animals before they were gone for the season. October is the last month for the farm exhibit at the zoo, so we made it just in time.





As you can see, the goats and Miss Doodle were eagerly awaiting the handout.





Last year they put in a new exhibit called Russia's Grizzly Coast. Every other time that we've been there the bears were either hibernating or resting. Last Sunday, was a rare treat, because the bears were very active! They were horsing around in the water the entire time we were there. We had a great view too.

Now that's what I call a bear hug:





Our last stop before heading indoors was the new Woodland Adventure playground, which was just installed earlier this summer. As always, a definite hit with the kids!

Thanks again for the membership, Grandma and Grandpa! We love it!

Working Out with Mom

And Jillian Micheals. I think that Bug might be Jillian's youngest devotee.

It's very cute. That is until she starts grabbing my legs as I try to exercise, lays on my mat, or plays with the hand weights when I need them.

Turtles, and Stingrays, and Sharks, Oh My!

Last Tuesday we made it over to the Mall of America for Toddler Tuesday. We were running late and only caught the end of it. But we still had fun.

We bought a membership to the Underwater Adventures Aquarium at the mall. It only cost $42 because they sell the memberships for half price on Toddler Tuesdays. What a deal! We can go to the aquarium whenever we want for the next year. In other words, we'll visit every time we stop at the mall. Man are my kids spoiled! (Me too.)

Splish, Splash They Were Takin' a Bath

Our little Bug still loves to splash! And her big sister still hates to get water in her eyes. But thanks to Uncle Tim and Aunt Jenna, the Doodle now has a way to protect herself from her wild bathwater thrashing sister.

Gotta Get Out Before the Snow Flies

Yesterday afternoon (before the frightfully gusty winds began) we enjoyed a lovely autumn afternoon at Fort Snelling State Park, or as Miss Doodle accidentally called it, "Snort Snelling." (Hee hee.)

I'd hoped to take pictures of both of the girls while we were there, but I only got pictures of Miss Doodle. There are two reasons for that. First, the Bug tripped on a rain spout near the visitor center, shortly after we arrived, and landed face first on the sidewalk. (Ouch!) A nasty case of sidewalk induced road rash ensued. It's not pretty. The Regime joked that she looks as if she'd been attacked by a badger. And second, I had Bug on my back almost the entire time we were there, and she slept for more than half of our hike.

So you'll have to make due with these shots of Miss Doodle at her finest.





We hiked all of Pike Island while we were there. So what was our word for the day, boys and girls? That's right, confluence. Because the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet right at the edge of the island.


In front of the Minnesota River.


Putting her feet into the Mighty Mississippi. (Yes, I understand how gross that is. But she begged, and don't worry, we washed her feet as soon as we got home.)

The Madness Begins

Yesterday was "just another manic Monday." (Oh..woe.) And there will be plenty more to come. It was the first day of school for our household.

Miss Doodle will have preschool on Monday and Wednesday mornings at a local elementary school. She has to be there at 8:30 am sharp. I am proud to say that we made it there a few minutes early. (I know, I couldn't believe it either.) Hopefully tomorrow will go just as well.

After dropping the Doodle off, the Bug and I buzzed over to her first class. I signed her up for a young toddlers ECFE class which (conveniently) begins at 8:45 am on Mondays.

In our hurry to get out the door I yelled to Miss Doodle that she needed to find her backpack. Two seconds later and Bug came around the corner carrying one. I didn't even know that she knew that word. Fortunately it wasn't the new one I had bought for Doodle's preschool, but an extra (more worn) one. So she could carry it around as much as she wanted to.





So grown up! Already in her final year of preschool.

Miss Doodle also started soccer in the evening. It is a pre-soccer program for three to five year olds. They aren't really playing in teams, but in this program they are being taught the basic skills of the game. It was very entertaining to watch. Some of the kids didn't have a clue about what was going on.


Miss Doodle followed the instructions pretty well. She also got in some good, fun exercise.