The Orchard

It's fall!!  We love fall in this house and one thing it means is a trip to the apple orchard.  We don't actually pick apples, but we do everything else!  :)  We took the children to a local orchard here and it was lovely.  See for yourself.  

King of the hay!  It's a maze and a giant hay bale hill.  :)

This area had this table and a race track of sorts with different riding toys.  Will spent them majority of the time at this table.  :)

Finally decided to try a riding toy or three...

As you can see, we had a hard time with pedaling and paying attention to the road AND steering all at the same time.  :)

Finally up on the "wall" that makes the boundaries of this play area.  Children were up and walking on it (with parental supervision of course).

Old Sturbridge Village

We recently took a visit to Old Sturbridge Village, which "is  one of the country’s oldest and largest living history museums, depicting early New England life from 1790-1840 with historians in costume, antique buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm. Visitors can view antiques, meet heritage breed animals, and enjoy hands-on crafts." (http://www.osv.org)  The day we went admission was free, so we were able to spend a little to do all the extra fun stuff there (coach and boat ride).  It was a beautiful day!

Will was trying to play this old-time fun game for children.

The Boys

Will and cousin Simon had a a great time playing together over our recent Illinois/Minnesota vacation.  They especially loved searching for and playing tree frogs.  Thanks to Deedee for searching them all out!  :)

Cousin Kent had a dinosaur in his back yard!!

Sweet baby Caleb resting on the lawn. 

Cousin Simon holding a frog.

Frog catching net.  Will has one in the net and Simon has one in the hand.  :)

Fishing!

Will experienced a few "firsts" during our recent trip.  One of those was fishing!  He was able to not only fish for the first time, but catch quite a few while we were at it!  WARNING:  Picture heavy post! :)

Going out on the boat.

Pops is teaching Will the fundamentals of operating a fishing pole. :)

Touching a fish for the first time.

Reaction after said fish flapped Will in the face as it escaped cousin Kent's grip.

Cousin Simon bravely holding a fish.

Waiting...

Caught one!

Should we have it mounted?  :)

Love these pictures with Pops and Deedee.

Finally was brave enough to stick his finger in the fishes mouth after the face flapping incident.  :)

Too cool driving to smile for the camera.

Cousin Simon enjoying his turn at the wheel.  

The Sprinkler

When on vacation in Illinois, Will discovered the true joy of running through the sprinkler, thanks to his Auntie Holly.  :)  I love the expressions caught in these photos.  They make me laugh every time.  Precious moments that make precious memories.

I love the expression on his face in this one as he looks at his Auntie Holly.  He loves her so much and had so much fun with her.

Okay, these next two are my favorite!  They blindly await the sprinkler and the expressions they have when it hits them are priceless.

4th of July

This year on the 4th we actually went to view fireworks for the first time since Will was born.  Last year we could see some from our house and he was still frightened by the noise.  This year we went to a parade and the fireworks and Will enjoyed both. 

We did give him ear protection during the fireworks, which made it significantly more enjoyable for him.  :)

I also did a bit of experimenting with shooting fireworks this year, and was happy with some of the results (for my first time at least). :)