Sunday, October 28, 2012

October? Where are you???

I truly can not believe that October is coming to an end!  It is a struggle keeping up with all that life has going on right now.  Whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed by the endless running list of things to do, I try to remember the words of my mother; "This too shall pass."  And sadly, she is right.  Someday this crazy life of mine will be happy memories and I will be wishing to do it all over again.  So for now, I wake up each morning, take a deep breath, and carry on!  
 
Marathon came, marathon went.  I am feeling a bit sad about it all being over.  I worked so hard for the last 5 months training and conditioning my body for another grueling 26.2 miles.  It was an amazing experience.  I can not thank my supporters enough for believing in me.  Now that I have had a week to recover, my muscles are feeling back to normal and my mind is already thinking about next years' marathon.  I know... a ridiculous thought!
Russell has been thorougly enjoying cub scouts.  He is 100% a boy ready to explore nature.
Here, Russell was getting ready to launch his rocket that he built and designed with only a little help from Aron.
Most recently, Russell took part in a hike where he learned how to use a compass and map.  After returning home, he spent over an hour drawing maps at the dining room table. 
More Halloween pictures will be coming next week, but here's a start.  Last night we went to Greenfield Village for our annual visit to Halloween Nights with the neighborhood clan.  Sloane was so excited to debut her "Daphne" costume.  We even colored her hair orange.
Russell (aka: Indiana Jones) and Zeke (aka: Anakin Skywalker)
Our neighborhood girls striking a pose with a friendly witch.
Most of the gang.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Cool, Crisp, and Colorful Fall!

Fall is here which means a lot of things are weighing on the kids' minds including apples, pumpkins, donuts, and cider!  Last week we made a quick stop on our way home after school at Yates Cider Mill for some delicious donuts and cider.  That quick trip only sparked the kids into wanting a trip to their favorite farm, Westview Orchards.  We typically visit here with our neighborhood clan, but unfortunately this year we weren't able to squeeze the trip into our busy weekends.  After seeing the weather forecast for Thursday of this week, I decided to take the kids after school.  What a gorgeous and fun adventure we had!  Not only was the weather perfect, but there were NO crowds!!!  We had almost the entire farm to ourselves.   
Chocolate sprinkle donut for Sloane and cinnamon sugar for Russell.  Yum!
Both kids enjoyed the petting farm.  The goats were fed plenty on the this day!
King and Queen of the mountain!!!
Ready for some pumpkin picking!
After MUCH searching, Russell finally found the one!
There's nothing like chugging cider to quench your thirst.