Apple Choosing

We wanted to pick apples, but the apples were too early this year. Instead, we drank wine...

went on a hayride....

scooped corn....

rode bikes....

and picked our apples out of a wooden crate. We came home with a huge bag of apples, a gallon of cider, warm donuts, half a case of wine, and lots of memories.

Fire Safety

We never miss a chance to hang out with Uncle Mike and the firetrucks. Yesterday, we joined the Fenton Community Fire Department at Home Depot for their fire safety event. Thomas was super excited to wear his fire chief costume.

Thomas got to build his own fire boat. Grammy helped with all the nailing.

Tada!

Thankful Thursday

I’m thankful for my boys, my health, my family and friends, and the gorgeous season surrounding us. Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the cooler weather, changing leaves, football, soups, sweaters, and calm that it seems to bring. Today I am especially thankful for a jog on the Kal-Haven trail next to my 2 wheel riding boy. My boys took me on my first run since my surgery in August. It felt GREAT!

Today, Alan is thankful for the perfect plate of nachos that he made himself for dinner. Really, he asked me (half jokingly) to take a picture. Never mind the fact that the taco “meat” is really soy….

A Bike Riding Update

DAY 2: Road rash.

DAY 3: A pro. A pro wearing elbow pads.

He is now pretty independent on his bike. He can start himself most of the time and is still learning how to turn, but I think the training wheels are off for good. Going up and down our driveway is a new favorite activity.

Hide and Seek

Playing hide and seek with an almost 4 year old is bound to put a smile on your face. Thomas typically hides in the same 2 spots (behind the couch or under the table in the office). When I am done counting he jumps out of his spot and proclaims "I'm hiding under/behind _____." Not much seeking involved. He has branched out to more adventurous hiding. Can you find him? Hint - we don't store the blankets in the dining room....

BIG Summer!

This summer has been a fun one around our house. Thomas has been really active and kept us on our toes. He's been growing (1.5 inches in 3 months) and learning (most things) faster than ever. He's accomplished a few kid feats that kind of surprised us. He can now "pump" himself on the swing, swim about 10 feet by himself, and is now learning how to ride his bike without training wheels. Gross motor activities have always been his strength. Now, if we could only get him to count correctly past the number 8. He counted the buttons on the remote earlier. This is what he said, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 16, 6."

Heaven on Earth (for little boys)

Tractors, tractors, tractors as far as the eye could see. Big tractors, little tractors, red tractors, green tractors, steam tractors, gas tractors, antique tractors, and new tractors. We ventured out to the 27th Annual Flywheeler's Antique Engine and Tractor Show today. This place has a bit of a cult following and you don't really get it until you visit. It was awesome. This is a weekend long event that celebrates everything with a motor. If you want happy, smiling pictures of Thomas - set him in front of (or on) a tractor. There was so much to see. It was cool to see people driving around the exhibits, flea market, and campground on tractors, golf carts, quads, gators (the list goes on and on), etc. Many had homemade trailers with benches for their family.
Some people camp for days at Flywheelers. It wasn't uncommon to see a full sized tractor (or 2, or 3) sitting in front of a camper. Much like you would see at a campground with boats. It is like a whole other world at Flywheeler's. I'm thinking that we'll need to camp next year as well. We won't have a tractor to park by our tent, but I'm sure we can still conjure up some fun.

Rob finally got to take Thomas for a ride. He has offered to take him in the past - but Thomas was afraid to go. Today was the day. He had a blast. They drove around the exhibits and had some good man bonding time.

Pretending to drive Rob's tractor.

We met up with Cal a little later in the afternoon. He was nice enough to take Thomas for another tractor ride. I'm not sure who had more fun - Thomas or Cal. Upon their return, Thomas was able to talk about the differences between the red and green tractors, which brand was which, and which one was the best. It was a very informative ride.