Thursday, October 21, 2010

Splish Splash

Thanks to Grandma Sue's inspiration, the kitchen sink has become the preferred bath time locale for our two little monkeys. It's faster. Uses less water. The kitchen's typically warmer than the bathroom. And it's much more manageable for me to execute w/o Rye's help (meaning we can do them in the morning, when there's more time & we're all happier). Hey, and with all the splashing my counters, cabinets & floors even get a quick clean.

I think these shots prove this new approach is a hit -









Sunday, October 17, 2010

A HOT day at the pumpkin patch

The second weekend in October seemed the perfect time for a trip to an apple orchard. That is, until we learned unless you wanted to drive what seemed like forever we had missed this year's pick. I know - it always seems so crazy that orchards no longer have apples to pick this early in October! Still itching for some fall fun, we decided an excursion to a pumpkin patch/petting zoo (and other carnivalesque craziness) would fit the bill. Despite the HOT (80+) temps, we headed out with our friends the Chatburn's for what proved to be a fun day (if not exactly prototypically fall). Here are our summaries from the day -

S: HOT! Oh, and OUCH... that is, my forearms after holding a heavy, screaming toddler while she does her business in a steaming HOT port-o-potty. I think there's a market for a kiddie version of these dreaded boxes.
R: Overwhelming. We left the city for this crowd? And did I mention it was hot?!
E: Two words: PONY RIDE!
A: HOT! And mmmm... yummy grass.

Hooray, we're here! Now can I go ride a pony?!?!

This front row view of the pig races is all well & good, but what about riding that pony (seriously, she was relentless)!?

Annikah *clearly* enjoys her first pig races.

After a 30 minute wait, I STIIILLLLL want to ride that pony! I'm next! I'm next!

A mixture of pride & sheer bliss as she independently rides the pony (Honestly, we were shocked she didn't bail... and then didn't require Rye walk alongside her. This focused, relaxed joy we've only also seen on swings or when riding in the kid's seat of a bike. Maybe we need a pony!?).

Annikah's almost as thrilled about the pony ride. Did I mention it was HOT!?

The heat didn't seem to bother Elynor & Keegan.

It's difficult to pin A down for a photo when there are pumpkins to climb.

The best sisters shot we got. Did I mention it was HOT?!

If only the shopping cart was large enough to fit everyone on the trek back to the car.

Monday, October 4, 2010

R & S take DC

A dear friend's wedding (it was lovely Paul & Audrey) gave Rye & I a great excuse to escape to our nation's capital for a kiddo- free weekend. Grandma Sue arrived in Chicago Thursday eve, allowing our adventure to take flight on Friday (thank you!!!).

We touched down Friday eve and filled the next 2 days with the gorgeous wedding, exploring DC's many neighborhoods, sleeping in (on a heavenly bed... Ahhhh...), and playing tourist by bike (HIGHLY recco this!). Spending a little time with Jen, Wes & Hadley, and Tracy were icing on our cake. Ahhh... I wonder how long it will take to feel tired and running on empty again?! For now, I'll enjoy my relaxing flight home.

We did not take our camera, which was kind of nice actually (allowed me to enjoy the exploration without thinking of good shots). So here are a few iphone shots, taken simply to document our adventures (and not win any photog awards).



Not used to hold-outs on the iPhone!


Shortly before the rain...


Bringing greetings from Chicago to the Obamas (E asked us if we were staying at the prez's house).

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