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.