Ella's First Field Trip

This week one of Ella's dreams came true. She finally got to ride a school bus! Her preschool took a field trip to a horse farm/pumpkin patch, which involved riding a bus, bringing her lunch, and Mom getting to tag along. It was a wonderful trip that we both really enjoyed. The farm is home to various animals, and our "Iowa" girl proved her roots by bravely feeding the goats, petting the llamas, and brushing the pony. She also got to pick out a pumpkin, and one for Jack, too! Over the weekend, Grandpa Al came to visit and we enjoyed a family dinner with Jeff, Kristin, and Jace on Friday night and a Hawkeye Saturday at their house. Ella especially was sad to see Grandpa go, but we're sure glad he made the trip!

Ella and her friend, Sophia.

These goats were so excited to see all of the kids!

Feeding the goats.

Brushing a pony.

Picking out pumpkins.

Playing in the leaves.

After running errands one morning, I treated my helpful shoppers to lunch at Potbelly.

A leaf bouquet. It's currently sitting in a vase of water.

Queen Elsa (from Frozen) and her minion.

Jack needed a cape, too.

Jack fenced himself in.

Doing art projects.

Showing off their Halloween shirts from Grandma C.

The best photo we could manage.

Jumping with Jace.

Jack loves to snuggle with his blankie.

Playing with Grandpa Al.

Jack's bed head.

Jeff, Kristin, and Jace.

Pants-less Panda Riding

Lately Jack has become Ella's shadow, mimicking every single move she makes. They are also playing together all of the time, as well as starting to fight and annoy each other, too. True siblings! This week Jack got a little wild on his rocking panda, rocking back into the wall and hitting his head pretty hard. We decided we'd better get it checked out, and thankfully there is a great pediatric urgent care center nearby. He ended up being fine, so he'll have to take it easy on his panda riding from now on. This weekend we made a day trip to Iowa to see Great Grandma K., who was in the hospital for a heart procedure. We also got to see Aunt Jill, Ava, and Reid, as well as Great Aunt Susie. Today was soccer and some time outside - hope you all had a great weekend!

Jack loves riding his panda!

However, shortly after this photo, Jack went to his first urgent care doctor's appointment...

Relaxing before bed. 

Ella's best buddy, Morgan, is moving to the suburbs:( We're sure going to miss seeing him and his family as often as we used to!

Jack was not happy as we had to wake him up from his nap when we arrived. 

Ella giving Great Grandma K. kisses (along with MooCow).

Hanging out with the cousins. 

Reid is nicely sharing. 

Ella is very lucky that she has such great cousins!

Ella crashed after we left from visiting great grandma Kunde.

But Jack was ok with this as he was now able to enjoy the iPad.

Making a cake for mommy

The finished product. 

Soccer!

Listening intently to Coach K. 

Ella scores a goal