Fall Catch Up

 I have some random pictures from the last month or so that I don't have enough to create an entire blog on, but wanted to share them...so here we go... 

 Aiden started his "big boy" ECFE, meaning that we stay and play for a bit and then parents and kids separate for about 45 minutes.  So far the parents have been called back to both classes because of crying kids.  The first night, Aiden did fine.  The second night, the domino effect trickled down to him and he seemed to be exhausted crying when I got back.  Hoping for a better week 3!  Class is super fun since we already know so many people from past classes including our friends, the Clark's and the Chadwick's.  Alex even got a playdate at Mitchell's one night and Grandma's the other.  We also get to go with our friends and neighbors, the Hoppe's and Gibson's.  Looking forward to a fun year of ECFE. 

This was the best picture I got of the three of them on their "first day of school"!

Grandpa and Grandma Johnson brought over some footballs to kick this football year off to a good start.  I had to let them both in because the more I show dislike for the Packers, the more Alex likes them.  Reverse psychology much?

Friday night dinner nights with my Grandma and Grandpa Andersen!  I hope to be as in love with Andy as they are with each other years from now...

Andy and I finally updated and got Smart phones (even though they make me feel dumb).  Alex is really enjoying his new levels of entertainment.

We enjoyed many walks out at Cleary Lake and jumping in the leaves is always fun too!

My mom has done so much for me and my little family this summer.  Watching the boys a lot and helping so I can make some extra money.  It wasn't near enough, but to show my gratitude we went and got some pedicures!

Alex joined the choir at Church this year, which has taken away one more night from home.  Oh well.  The boys love exploring our Church. It's only for a half an hour.  Aiden and I walk around outside and eat snacks.  I am super excited to see Alex sing in Church!

Listening to the musicians practice for the middle schoolers!

Walking outside Church.

Alex is in the front row, second from the end in red.

Eating at Sawa Japan in Lakeville after having our family pictures taken was a definite highlight!

We enjoyed the Dozinky Days parade in New Prague.

I hope you are having an enjoyable fall as well!

Our First Patch

We had so much fun last year carving out a big pumpkin and putting Aiden inside of it.  We wanted so badly to be able to do it again, with both the boys.  Not only that, but they both love going to the pumpkin patch.  Andy talked to his parents and they agreed to carve out a little piece of land for us to grow some pumpkins down in an area of land that they farm.  We planted seven hills of 100-200 pound pumpkins.  We ended up planting them a little late, into June already and with all the nonexistent rain, the pumpkins got big, but not nearly as big as we were thinking. 

Today was a gorgeous fall (summer-like) day and we headed down to pick up the pumpkins.  We have been sporadically checking on them throughout the summer, but haven't given them too much care.  The boys loved seeing how much they grew and counting them.

 

Good thing Daddy has big muscles!

We piled them all into the back of the mini van and the boys (and I) were impressed with how many "good" ones there were.  The deer (or some type of animal) got to some of them.  When we got home, we quickly lined them up outside the house.  We are surrounded by large, orange pumpkins.

Grandpa and Daddy found a secret little patch that was perfect for Alex to carry.  He felt super special having big muscles just like Daddy and Grandpa.

Aiden loves to pick, take a bite and throw an apple.  

Grandpa and Grandma helped us pick the pumpkins and then we went out to lunch.  We tried Pizza Ranch, but it was already busting at the seams, so we headed over to Godfather's Pizza for a nice lunch.

Another great day in Waseca.

Date Night

Life is crazy busy lately. Period.  Aiden has been doing great with all the changes in our routine and schedule.  He's naturally easy going.  Alex used to be like that, but as he gets older he seems to get a little more effected each year.  This year seemed especially difficult for him with a new daycare, new Sunday School class, and starting preschool.  He really struggled in the beginning of September and I felt bad for him.  He wasn't showing people the Alex I know is in his heart.  He's been adjusting a little more each day and that makes my heart so happy.  I wanted a little time by ourselves to tell him how proud of him I am and how special he is to me.  So, we planned a 'date night'.  Just the two of us.  My Alex and Me.

Andy had to work, so Grandpa and Grandma Johnson volunteered to babysit Aiden.  What a special treat for Aiden!  Some one on one time with Grandpa and Grandma.

I asked Alex what he wanted to eat since we were starting our night with dinner.  I was dreading the response I thought I was going to get, "Chucky Cheese" or "McDonalds".  Instead he just answered with hamburgers.  I gave him choices and he chose Fuddruckers.  Another place I loved going when I was younger.  We got there, ordered and had a great time building our burgers.

Alex chose to sit on the patio at the restaurant.  We sat, ate (he ate his whole burger and not one fry) and then I gave him a little present.

I gave him the book, "Duck for President".  We read it together and then I told him we were going to Stages Theater to see the play version.  He didn't quite understand what that meant. 

When we got to Stages Theater they had little booster seats for the kids.  This made it so much better for Alex!  He loved the show.  He even held my hand for a little bit and he it seemed like he was my little boy once again.  As the show started, Alex's eyes lit up with excitement.  It was so much fun experiencing this with him!

 

After the show, the characters line up outside and you can get their autograph.  Alex didn't want to ruin the book, so he got the playwright signed.  The farmer and the duck were some of his favorites, oh and the bull! 

We were in the car for home when Alex proclaimed that we had forgot something.  I started freaking out thinking I left my money or camera at the theater.  No, we forgot the dessert!  We can't forget that.  We stopped and got a blizzard for Alex .  It wasn't long after that he was sleeping.  We had such a great day, I definitely think this needs to happen more often. 

I love you, Little Guy!

Fabulous Fall!

I feel so blessed to live in an area with so many wonderful family oriented things to do.  Last Sunday, Andy was working so my mom and I took the boys out to Emma Krumbees for lunch and to see the annual scarecrow festival.  This is by far my favorite time of the year.

The boys had a great time riding around on the bikes, going down the big slide, seeing the goats, picking their favorite scarecrows, going on a "train" ride, jumping in the big haystack, going through the maze, and playing on their play equipment.  So much to do!

Yes, I know...I need to take a camera class.  I have had this camera for a year and still don't completely understand it or any of it's settings.  This apparently was white out day?  I'll figure it out, sometime...

If we are being truthful, Aiden beat everyone on getting out the fastest, but he cheated.  Little twirp went under the ropes.  Whatever works, I guess?

Grandma spoiled the boys and bought them a five dollar ride on the ponies.  This was by far the highlight of the day.  Aiden did not want to get off his and made that perfectly clear!

The boys were pretty tired after Emma Krumbees, but I didn't foresee another opportunity to go out to MN Harvest, so we hopped in the car and woke them up when we got to MN Harvest.  It is always fun going out there and I am grateful we have somewhere to go for apples, but I was a little disappointed in the selection this year.  The bags were each 20 dollars to fill.  So, we got one.  I know it was a tougher year for the apples, so I am sure we will give it another chance next year.

We went on an extra long wagon ride, but the boys really did enjoy it!

I could eat them right up...

Hope you are having a fabulous fall!