Faux Fall

Fall may have officially made its entrance this week, but we've been enjoying some amazingly warm weather. With the looming thought of winter constantly on my mind, we took advantage and hit the parks as much as possible. Or at least as much as this preggo can handle these days. 

Playing hoops at the park.

Jack loves playing at Ella's school. I wonder why.

Making smoothies.

On Saturday morning Ella and I enjoyed some "girl's time," which included a volunteer project and ballet.

Jack picked out his own clothes. And got his hands on my water.

Playing at a fall festival.

Ella and her pal, Morgan.

Donuts!

Ella's pouty face after I told her she couldn't stand on the back of the fire truck.

Picking out a pumpkin.

Ella and her friend, Mia.

She created a tripod for her camera.

Jack "wookin" (working) in his room. He is wearing part of his fireman's hat.

We got pumpkins and Ella decorated hers.

First Day of School!

Monday was Ella's first day of her last year of preschool. I clearly remember feeling anxious and excited for her last year, and this time it was like old hat for both of us. It was great returning to a familiar place with familiar faces, and she had a wonderful first week! Today we ventured down to the hospital for a tour and class to prepare the kids to be "super siblings." They both had fun seeing where we'll spend time when the baby is born - it won't be long! Also, I have to give a shout out to my big man, Jack, who is officially potty-trained and doing an awesome job of being a big boy! Hopefully he'll embrace his role as big brother, too!

First day of school photos!

Ella and her friend, Sophia, on the front steps at school.

Keeping themselves entertained during one of my OB appointments. They love helping hear the baby's heartbeat each time!

Second week of ballet - loving it!

Getting ready to be a "Super Sibling" at the hospital.

Jack picking up his graduation certificate.

Annual Trip to the Apple Orchard

Today we spent the morning at the apple orchard - an annual tradition that is honestly one of my favorite days of the year. And this year was no exception. It was a beautiful fall day, we managed to beat the crowds, and the kids enjoyed it even more than last year. We were even early enough in the season to snag some Honeycrisps! The rest of the weekend was spent with one of our favorite visitors, our friend, Sara. We also hosted a dinner night with some friends and their kids. After a chaotic summer, it felt good to return to some of our routines. And finally, Ella is officially a ballerina. After months of asking to take ballet, she started her first class on Saturday morning. She may have been more excited about the outfit than the class, but she seemed to have fun and is already asking to go back. One more note - on Wednesday morning we took her lemonade stand proceeds to The Night Ministry and she was graciously greeted by a few staff members. It was a wonderful experience, and they did a great job of explaining how her money would help the homeless. We're so proud of our kind-hearted girl!

A few throwback pics from our first time as a family of four at this orchard. Next year we'll be a family of five!

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