October, how beautiful!

Fall is here, and it's been beautiful! We've already had a trip to a pumpkin patch, an orchard and have taken some time enjoy the fall colors (and weather). We really can't ask for more.

This time of year also means we're quickly approaching another birthday... the "terrible two's" as they're called. She may not be two yet, but we've had a taste of it's all about. Now, I have to say, the meltdowns are things I could really do without, but she's also doing some incredible things. She loves to count, sing (some of) the ABC's, color/draw (on everything), and play, play, play. She's also obsessed with opening drawers (empty, refill, repeat), opening doors (attempting to escape), using chairs and stools to reach lights (to turn them on, off, on, off, on, off...) and doing everything herself. Oh, and the word mine. To take something that's "hers" probably triggers more meltdowns than anything else!


But back to fun stuff... our first trip to the pumpkin patch this season. While we were hoping for a more lively trip, she just didn't really wake up from the nap on the way down there. She was pretty serious about picking out pumpkins with dad. She really wasn't too impressed with the goats or the miniature horses, but she enjoyed pushing the wheelbarrow and even accepted a ride after awhile.

Next up was the apple orchard. This round, she was much more fun. Grandma Lori joined us for this trip, so it was even better! If you haven't experienced this place, you're missing out. It is huge! She rode a toy tractor (with the help of dad), got her face painted (for the first time), watched a science show, played in a pool of corn, saw an old school house and rang the bell, "raced" a duck using an old water pump, saw lots of farm animals, and went down a huge slide with dad... phew, time for a nap after all of that!

On a closing note, a little update on Grandma Sally:
We held a benefit breakfast, silent auction, and bake sale a few weeks ago to help with her ongoing medical expenses, and we were blown away by the community support. It was incredible. Thanks to all who participated and to those who have thought of and supported our family through this last year. My mom got her first prosthetic on 9/26 and she's been going to rehabilitation sessions a few times a week to re-learn how to walk. Today, she was able to walk 125 feet, using her prosthetic and a walker. She gets very exhausted and she's not able to put her trust into using the prosthetic alone, but she'll get there with time.