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.

Our Day at the Fair

We made it over to the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday, September 3rd, the day after we got back from our trip to Virginia. It was a lovely day and we had loads of fun. It was only slightly less perfect than last year's trip to the fair. (And that's only because last year's visit was extraordinary.)

We enjoyed rides at the Kidway, the Giant Slide, the Little Farm Hands exhibit, too much yummy food, and seeing all of the farm animals. We must've had good karma again this year because people kept giving us coupons for free food. Score!

All About Our Trip

Yes, we have been back for a little more than a week now. I've been meaning to share pictures of some of the fun we had on our trip. It's just taken a while because I've been feeling quite melancholy and unmotivated (more than usual) for obvious reasons.

I'm really glad that it worked out for us to take the trip. And overall we enjoyed our visit. Especially all of the time we got to spend with my side of the family. I think for the first time I might have taken too many pictures. It has taken forever to sort through them and post the highlights. Here we go.

The following photos were taken Thursday, August 27, 2009. We spent some time at the hospital to visit my grandpa, took a break at my dad's house, and then went out to eat for dinner.

Miss Doodle on Grandaddy's "country swing." (her words)

Bug and Grandaddy (my dad) goofing around.

My brother's super cute baby girl, hammin' it up for the camera.

Nana (my step mom), Uncle Tim, and baby Ivy.

My Grandma is about to turn 90. She looks really good for her age, wouldn't you agree? (I hope I'll be that lucky.)

Next up are pictures taken on Friday, August 28, 2009. We spent most of this day at the hospital, but also made time to go out for dinner with the other side of the family.

Miss Doodle with Grammy (my mom).

The Bug and the Queen (aka Auntie Cass).

Aunt Jess and cousin Madeline.

My sweet baby niece and me.

The Bug showing off her skills after dinner.

On Saturday morning we found out that my grandfather had passed away during the previous night. My father told us to go on over to my other sister's house in Maryland, he said that there was no need for us to stick around while they planned the funeral. So on Saturday, August 29, 2009 we made our way over to Aunt Crissie's house. Miss Doodle had a blast playing with her cousin Madeline and swimming in my sister's deluxe in-ground pool.

Grammy and all of her children and grandchildren. All in one place! Amazing.

Fast friends.

Three beautiful girls.

My sister Crissie's three kids and us. From left to right: Mason, the Bug & me, Miss Doodle, Mads, and Chris.

On Sunday, August 30, 2009, we stayed at my sister's place all morning, while the kids swam. Then right around lunch time we said our sad goodbyes and headed back to Virginia. On the way back we stopped at Harpers Ferry. We got some frozen custard and played in the water. It was a gorgeous day and a lovely location. I have many fond memories of childhood trips to Harpers Ferry and it was fun to go there with my own kids.

Pure bliss. I would be happy to sit at the water's edge all day.

Miss Doodle and Auntie Cass get their feet wet. Miss Doodle also soaked her pants while collecting shells from the river bottom.

The Bug was intrigued by the friendly goose.


A Bug on a rock.

On Monday, August 31, 2009, we made our way over to my Grandad's house. Poor Miss Doodle wasn't used to the hilly, curvy country roads and got a little sick on the way there. I blame myself. I was having a little too much fun joyriding on those beautiful back roads. I took the curves much slower for the remainder of the trip.

We stayed over that night. On the morning of Tuesday, September 1, 2009 we picked elderberries, and went for a short hike down to the pond. I also did some quick cleaning, and fed the birds and deer for my Grandad before leaving that afternoon.

We hated to leave so soon, but had to be on our way because the viewing for my grandpa who passed away was set for Tuesday evening, and we also had to get ready for our flight back to Minnesota, which left Wednesday morning, September 2, 2009.

Miss Doodle and Great Grandaddy (my mom's dad).

A Bug in the woods.

Miss Doodle in the woods.

The Doodle and the Bug enjoying the pond.