Apple Picking 2014

This year we swung by The Elegant Farmer (a repeat of last year) to go apple picking.  We knew we wanted to stay away from the zoo that is Apple Holler, especially on a weekend.  As it turns out, we picked on of the warmest days of September to go. Armed with my good camera (which comes out less and less lately thanks to my iPhone camera; and I say it every time... I really have to get it out more often) we went apple picking.

We got there a bit before it even opened in hopes to beat the rush.

Waiting patiently in line with me for apple cider donuts.

Arguably one of the best parts of apple picking is filling your face with apple cider donuts.  There isn't much better than a warm, sugary donut with fresh cider to wash it down.

She has the best, most kind big brother and I think she knows it.

Nora was so excited to start picking. Myles was far less enthused about the long walk up the hill to the orchard. There was a lot of whining and a mom who was already losing patience by the top. Luckily, the mood changed once we got up.

Last year we were smart and did things the same way this year. We knew we only wanted one large bushel but that isn't as fun to carry we let each child take a small basket so they could fill their own.  Then before you pay we consolidated.  That's the way to go.

I love all the pictures I got of Greta here.  They're all so cute with great lighting.  Her outfit.  Her hair shining in the sun. How blue her eyes looked. Her chubby little hands clutching the apples.  Too much!

One of my favorites from the trip.  Digging for apples in the "no good" crate.

Once she got an apple she didn't let go.  She ate the entire time. Which was wonderful because it kept her occupied - the girl barely moved (believe me... very rare!)

Consolidating

There's something about these pictures that makes my heart happy.  Makes me forget about the complaining.  Makes me forget about the epic meltdown Greta had (see below) because she was overtired, hot, and couldn't fall asleep in the ergo.

 

 

Lunch alongside the train.  A secret place no one else was. A perfect, calm way to end the day.

I believe I remember jokingly saying to Dan, "We are making memories, damn it!" Because, after all, they won't remember those dampers either.  They'll remember the fun times. They'll remember going to pick apples, running from tree to tree filling their baskets, the warm donuts. That's what they'll remember. The memories we made for them.

Young Badgers

Dan and I must have been slightly off our rockers.  That's the only logical explanation for why we thought this year Myles and Nora were old enough to attend their first Wisconsin Badgers football game. At just 3 and 4.5 years old I wonder what we were thinking.  Lucky for us they really did awesome and enjoyed themselves!

We dropped Greta off with Gram for the day and packed everyone in the Prius.

They thought they were so cook sitting so close to each other.

Ready for kick off.

 One of their favorite parts of the game was participating in the "First and 10, Wisconsin!" cheer.  Even when you didn't think they were paying attention they'd hear the announcer and they'd follow cue. For the rest of the season they'd say it anytime football was on tv.

 

They spent most of the game on and off our laps but they were very good at staying there and not complaining about not moving much at all. I really am amazed at how well they did.

We went down for a closer look at the halftime show.  Another favorite part.

Not only did they make it through the entire game (we assumed we'd be leaving during the third quarter) they made it to watch the 5th quarter as well!

 

I think they caught Badger fever. They say they want to go again next year!

Greta: eleven months

Yes, indeed!  She's taking steps!

Sometimes she'll start off walking, take about 6 steps and then go into the bear crawl.  After all, that's her fastest mode of transportation.  Other times, she'll start crawling then stop and stand right up and walk. I forgot how cute it is to watch the zombie arms, rigid legs and the mix of excitement and concentration on their face as they learn how to walk. This is fun.

The other big news is that I've been weaning her.  I had been debating whether or not to quit breastfeeding for months and months.  Ultimately, I'm glad I stuck with it.  She was ready to wean and I followed her lead.  It worked out great for the both of us.  She also took to whole milk wonderfully.  No transition needed.  I handed her a cup and she never blinked.  Easy peasy.

I'm happy she's starting to like books.  Even if she loses interest after just one or two.

And one last thing.  Can we just take a moment, please.  This is Greta's last monthly post before she turns one! What?! That makes me happy and sad all at the same time.  Can you believe it? ONE! Wow.  The Lord is good!

Great America

Every year Accenture hosts a family day at Great America.  The park gets shut down to the public and only those who pre-ordered tickets are allowed in.  The past couple of years we've had other obligations on family day but this year we could finally attend and we brought the kids along.  While Greta stayed with my mom at our house we spent a chilly September afternoon getting the kids hooked on roller coasters. 

Ready to take on the day.

First up was the double-decker carousel.

Of course we had to wait to get onto the upper deck! The lower level
would be unacceptable. 

One of the best parts about the day was the lines... or lack there of.  Because there were far less people there than a typical Saturday afternoon the lines were so short you barely had to wait 10 minutes - especially in the kids areas.  The lines for Batman and the other popular rides were only an hour or less.

We started the kids off slowly with the balloon ride. Of course they loved it.
It was a simple ride - just up and down in circles.  Not Dan's favorite but
it wasn't too long! 

A handsome pair if I do say so myself. 

My riding partner. 

When it was over they of course asked to go on again but we explained that we wanted to try lots of rides and then we could come back to our favorites at the end. Next we went on the Scrambler - a ride I had to take Nora and Myles on myself since it was too much for Dan's stomach to handle. To say they loved that one was an understatement.  Dan could hear Nora's giggling as we passed him.  Absolutely no line on that ride meant we rode it twice in a row.  This was when I knew they'd love the bigger roller coasters too. The Scrambler was fast and really whipped you around - and they loved it.

One of the oldest roller coasters. A small one meant for kids.  

Since the tickets to the park were free, it was easier
to say yes to a $15 face painting since that was really
the only expense of the day. 

Glittery, pink, and purple.  What more could she ask for?

We did many other rides but our final roller coaster was the biggest one they could on. (Myles was disappointed he couldn't go on Superman because he wanted to go upside down!) The Whizzer is a pretty big and tall roller coaster for someone their age so I was a little nervous but they were ready.  Dan and Myles went first while Nora and I had to wait for the next set of cars. 

Awaiting departure.  As you can see - that face looks a
little tentative.  He was nervous.

 I saw Myles' face as they pulled up after the ride.  My first thought was, 'oh no, he didn't like it' but turns out he loved it just didn't show it too well on his face. He wanted to go again.

No nervousness from this one.  She was so excited to go.

 She had screams of excitement and loved every twist, turn, and drop.  I'm telling you, that roller coaster was tall and fast - especially for someone that age but they both said it was by far their favorite ride of the day.  We rode it two more times before we left for the day.  

Thumbs up for both of them.

Every time we pass Great America on our way back to Wisconsin they ask when we can go back. They caught the fever! 

Dusting off the DLSR

As you may or may no know, I've been working on #365daysofGreta this year.  It's very similar to the "Through My Picture Window" I did a couple of years ago but this one is all Greta.  I didn't want her to be the typical third child with nearly no pictures of her as a baby because she's the third. So I'm forcing myself to take at least one picture of her everyday and I post it on Twitter and Instagram.

But because of this I rarely take out my good camera and I realized I don't have a whole lot of pictures of my other two now! So we took a trip to the park with my camera in tow just to have a photo session.

 

Of course Greta Bear still got some camera time.  

 

One of my faves.

 

 I think she really enjoyed the attention too. Evident by the occasional poses. 

 

He has one of the best smiles.  His entire face lights up.

 

 

I say it every time I get my DSLR out - I really have to use it more often.