Family Time

This week we celebrated Jeritt's birthday, enjoying dinner out (al fresco, even!) and cake and ice cream at home. And this weekend we had lots of visitors, including Grandpa Rich, Aunt Jill and Uncle Adam, Ava, Reid, and Grandpa Al. Grandma and Grandpa C. even came by on Sunday, after spending the weekend with Erin and Martin. Hopefully they'll all come back soon once this baby girl finally decides to make her entrance into the world!

Ella was very proud of her tall Lego tower.

Jack loves the new hiding place that our built-ins provide.

Celebrating Jeritt's birthday!

We bought him this pressure washer more than a month ago, and the kids managed to keep it a secret.

A picnic before school.

Jack riding pony, who was led by Ella.

She's such a fashion trendsetter.

Cousin love!

Ella and Jack couldn't wait to see their cousins!

Another Halloween festival/parade.

Reading with Papa.

Ella dressed up like a scary princess for today's event.

Jack the dragon/alligator/crocodile.

One of our last photos as a family of four. And yes, Jeritt is giving his Blue Steel look.

Erin, Mom, and me.

Field Trip to the Farm

I may be anxiously awaiting baby girl, but at least her lack of arrival has allowed us to enjoy more fall fun. This week we attended Ella's annual school field trip to the pumpkin patch/farm. It was Jack's first time, and he had a lot of fun petting all of the animals and riding on the hay ride. I always have to chuckle to myself when I see all of the "city kids" witnessing live farm animals for the first time. I'm so glad Ella and Jack can be urban kids with Iowa roots:) The beautiful weekend brought more fall festivals and Halloween activities, this time right in our neighborhood at the local parks. And earlier in the week we kicked off the costume season with a trip to the nursing home for a sing-along.

Jack practicing rocking the cradle.

Trying on witch hats.

Making Halloween cupcakes.

Feeding the goats during Ella's field trip to the farm.

A selfie on the hayride.

Picking out pumpkins.

Brushing the pony.

On our way to the Halloween sing-along at the nursing home.

Scootering through the leaves.

Another one from the nursing home.

Decorating our gate for Halloween.

Making a feast for Brownie.

Ella getting her face painted at a fall festival.

Riding the horse at Costco.

She wanted to be a butterfly.

Jack at a Halloween party at the park.

A little piano lesson.

Another Halloween festival. 

One of the benefits of shopping with Dad.

Still shopping with Dad.

Scooter time...

Ella and her friend, Quinn. 

Ella broke into dance (photos don't capture the dance very well).