I think every red-blooded person (and not just my plaid-wearing, pumpkin-spice-loving self)) can agree that fall is probably the most beautiful and busiest time of the year.  Looking back on the past two months, I feel that our family has done SO MUCH against the backdrop of autumn leaves and the perfect fall breeze. Below is a photographic summary of September and October (via my phone).

Joe ran the Willow River Trail Challenge and placed first in his age group and 15th overall for the 10.6K race. The girls ran the kids obstacle course and Rosie crossed her very first finish line with a huge smile (I think it was because she loved that giant carrot actually). Although I didn’t run, I still consider myself a winner because we won one of the door prizes- a $25 grocery gift card! We treated ourselves to grilled steaks that night!

Temperatures reached 90 degrees F on the official first day of fall. Although it was bizarre, we rolled with it by inviting the neighborhood kids and their parents over for some waterslide fun in our yard. If you look closely at the above photo, you can actually see trees turning red while all the kids are running around in bathing suits. Thanks to all who joined us on that weird, warm first day of fall!

During that heatwave, we ended up going out to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival because that was the only weekend we were free to go. To be honest, it was kind of a stressful experience because I was so worried about trying to keep the girls and the baby cool. Even though it was an abbreviated trip, we still hit the girls’ favorite features including the Fairy Wing Forest, Mermaid Cove, pony rides, and that big trampoline thing.

In September, the girls also started gymnastics (or “gin-nastics” as Rosie says). They were thrilled to find out that they were signed up and eagerly looked forward to class each week. Since beginning the session, Cece’s cartwheels have much improved and Rosie’s love of the ball pit has only intensified. As a perk, Joe and I got some time to ourselves each week in the parent waiting area (with Ares too, but still!).

Because of the sheer awesomeness of Joe’s parents, he and I truly got some time to ourselves as our kids spent the weekend at their grandparents’ house in St. Cloud. We treated ourselves to a rock climbing at the new Vertical Endeavors for a date and a sushi dinner. I also had a chance to catch up on housework and house projects… and even got my haircut. I literally felt like a million bucks and I can’t fully  express my appreciation for what they did. What’s even better is that the girls enjoyed their time with Grandma and Grandpa so much too! And Ares handled his first night away like a boss baby.

We made a weekend trip up to the cabin in October to help take the docks out of the lake (or rather the men took the docks out of the lake and we totally supported them for doing so). As expected, the girls loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa two weekends in a row and Ares couldn’t get enough of watching all the action at the cabin.

We are still enjoying our neighborhood as much as ever. With this warm fall, Cece has been playing outside with her friends still nearly every day and we’ve been able to soak up the autumn weather and colors at the parks. During a big thunderstorm, lightening actually struck down at one of the playgrounds… which later became a fun photo opportunity.

In the beginning of October, Ares turned 5 months old. He’s been up to all sorts of new activities including trying food, rolling around constantly,  really playing with/banging/grabbing toys, and more (which is a blog post for another day probably). I can’t believe in just a few days he is going to be 6 months old. All babies seem to grow up way too quickly, but this little man just seems to be zooming through his monthly milestones and I wish it would slow down just a little!

Speak of milestones, Cece and I got to playing our first game of Scrabble together one rainy Saturday. This is something I loved playing as a kid with my Grandma and also my sister. Even though we only made it through half a game, I was so happy that Cece suggested it!

My mom (Grandma Pat) and my Aunt Gina also visited us a couple weekends ago. That meant extra hands for holding the baby, extra bedtime story readers, and of course, extra snacks and fun! Counting down the days until I can see my mom again. I’m not sure who misses her more- me or the girls! (But to be honest, probably Joe ; )

Lovely visitors kept on coming! Last weekend my dear friend Azure and her husband Satish stopped by as they were in the Twin Cities for a wedding. Even though our house was crazy as usual, it cheered my heart to have some in-person time together! And they brought me cheese. Which just ensures my everlasting love.

Fortunately, the good times with friends hasn’t ended yet! Just yesterday I enjoyed a paint nite at Cheers Pablo with these fantastic ladies. This was my first time attending one of these wine and paint extravaganzas and I think it’s my new favorite thing ever. Look how talented we are! So. If you’re attending some type of paint nite in the future, I highly suggest bringing me with because I’m lots of fun and so is the experience.

So, cheers! That’s been all the recent happenings! I keep promising myself I’ll get back to blogging frequently, but life doesn’t seem to be getting any less busy! I’ve had photo sessions about every weekend for the past couple months, so any free time I have has been spent editing pictures. I’ve been so grateful to have a chance to connect with former clients as well as meet new fabulous families who want me to take their photos. If you’ve let me take photos for you, THANK YOU! It’s been great to be feeling a steady flow of creative juices!

Once more, if you’ve clicked on my blog and managed to read to the end, thank you so much for checking in on us! Hope fall has been wonderful to you and yours!

 

xoxo,

Rachel