Pumpkin Patch

One of our favorite Fall traditions is going to Nall's Produce and visiting the pumpkin patch.  We went on a perfect weather day and had a blast!  Being around a huge variety of pumpkins always makes the kids laugh and the tunnels and (new!) hay pit was a huge hit.

In Other News

We were house hunting all summer. Maybe I will someday memorialize the frustration but it's long and been verbally rehashed too many times already. A few weeks ago, Roy randomly looked at a listing from our realtor and wanted to go see a house. We liked it, but decided to sit on the idea for a few days. We went back again and it just felt right. While we are so sad to leave Springfield, we are excited about moving. Because, guys, we are buying a house. We have been working and saving and planning for so long that it feels unreal that we are doing this. We move in December and projects begin right away. My buddy Andrew had to tough out my first stake-out of Lowe's. Thank goodness there's lots of fun to be found :)

Soccer for Lydia

Since she has been dragged to soccer practices and games for almost 2 years, Lydia and I decided it was time for her to try a class. The practically free enrollment that came as a benefit for Roy coaching the last 2 seasons helped too :). Lydia loves the class and Coach Kurt. He loves Lydia and calls her Goldilocks, Blondie, and, her personal favorite, Sunshine :)

Boys

Boys have such interesting brains.  They are weird creatures :)  I'm sure grateful for my boys and for the laughter they bring me.  My life is certainly richer (and a little crazier) with them!

Santa Rosa Children's Museum

We had such a great time at the new Children's Museum in Santa Rosa.  We all love hands-on science museums and this one was impressive.  There's a nice variety of stations, both indoor and outdoor, that covered music, theater, building, art, science (there were even live bees!), and water.  Loved it!  My kids are excited to go back next time we are visiting Santa Rosa.

Random Pieces of California

We had the best time on our California wedding/reunion/run-away-from-humidity vacation.  Here are some silly shots from our trip:

Books with sound effects that would be perfect for any collection

Hugging my parent's dog, Pucchini (aka Poochie)

Always ready to strike a pose

Attack Uncle Neil! 

Sweet cousin time after a long, long day

Another long, long day for Dad :)

Slurpees as a reward for great wedding behavior

Silly faces are a must

My dad taught the kids some very basic trumpet skills:

Fun with the boys at Howarth Park:

Armstrong Grove

One of my favorite places to visit when we are home in CA is the Redwoods.  It's gorgeous.  It's peaceful.  It holds happy memories for me.  We held the wedding lunch there for my brother the day before the wedding.  It was fun to see my kids enjoy the area and explore with cousins.  Abby and Sam even disappeared with the big kids on a very long walk and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.