Apple Jack's

Sunday morning we headed out to Apple Jack's Orchard in Delano.

The kids had a great time running, running and running some more.

Last year when we went to the orchard Olivia spent most of the time in the stroller as she was not even walking yet. This year the stroller did not even come with us and there is no way Olivia would have anything to do with riding in a stroller.

Last year our timid little 3 year old did not want anything to do with the pony rides but this year our big 4 year old could not wait to give the pony ride a try.

Ben helped Olivia up to the top of the hay pile and they thought they were pretty cool standing up there.

Grandpy joined us and we all enjoyed the wagon ride around the orchard.

I think Grandpy came just so he could try out the apple cannon. This was the favorite activity last year and I don't think things have changed much. I don't know who has more fun with this Ben or Grandpy.

All smiles all morning long!!

Right before the rain came the kids took a ride in the cow train that is pulled by a tractor.

Even with a little rain at the end of our trip the kids loved the orchard and it was a great family morning.

Fall Fun

The last few weekends have been filled with Fall Fun! We made a quick stop at the Minnetonka Apple Orchard last weekend to help Vinny celebrate his 1st Birthday. The kids loved the little train ride behind the tractor, especially with Daddy along for the ride.

October 16th was here before we knew it and our little boy was turning 4!! We had a little party on Sunday night with family and a few friends. Ben picked out his cake, a CARS cake was his choice.

Murrays joined our family gathering and Ben was so excited to have his buddy Cullen at the party to help celebrate.

He did not lack love, attention or gifts that day. He cannot tell time yet but still insisted he wanted a watch for his birthday. Grandpa and Grandma across the street came through.

(as a side note this morning he said " we have to go in 5 minutes, that is what my watch says, mom")

Thanks to all who helped celebrate with Ben!

This weekend was also filled with firsts for Olivia. Friday night we moved her into her NEW room and her Big Girl bed. We did family story time, gave her kisses and walked away. She gave me a little sad lip but then we did not hear a peep out of her. She has done great every night since.

She just looks so little in that big bed.

So once the swing set was moved across the fence it needed a few new parts. It now has a new rock wall, ladder that is safe for Olivia and a new slide thanks to Grandpy and Grandma. The kids love it!

Thanks Grandpy and Grandma for our new toys that will provide us years of fun!

Grass At Last!

This week we finally got our grass! It took over 14,000 sq ft of sod to cover the front and 2/3 of the back yard but it looks great. Now it is time to water, water and water some more. I also got the front of the house painted so slowly but surely we are making progress and hopefully before the snow flies the outside will be done.

Monday my mom and I spent the day getting Olivia's new room ready. We need a few more details but we hope to move her in there next weekend.
We are one step closer to being ready for Baby K #3

Knight Family Pictures

Before Leslie left to head back to Spain we decided to have Jeff take some Knight Family Pictures. The kids were less that cooperative but some how he still manages to take some great pictures.

Soccer Season has Started!

So Ben has moved from Summer T-ball to Fall soccer. Tonight was his first night on the PURPLE TEAM for Tiny Tonka Soccer. It was a beautiful night to be out and after just a few minutes Ben had his cleats on and was ready to run. They start with some VERY basic soccer drill for 30 minutes and then they played the YELLOW TEAM for the remaining time.

Passing to Cullen

Even Olivia got into the game! Look at that excitement

Getting ready for face off with the yellow team.

All in all the night was a success. Similar to T-ball that game looked like organized Chaos but the kids all had a great time.

New Siding and New Swing Set

After re-siding last fall as part of the addition we realizing this spring that the siding was bad and here we are replacing it again (luckily at no cost to us). Trevor started the demo last week and Jamie and Tim came Saturday and Sunday to start putting it up on the house. I spent most of the weekend painting it before it was hung and hauling to the drying racks that now take up our entire driveway.

A TRUE boy after a long day of helping the boys in the yard with the new siding. He was covered head to toe in dust and dirt and was happy as could be!

Daddy's helper safety glasses and all

This is the new swing set! It was moved a whole 40 Feet across the fence line from our neighbors yard. It needs a few new things but the kids love it!

Another Summer Has Come To An End

What would the end of the summer be without a trip to the Great Minnesota Get Together! We introduced Ben to a long time Alm family tradition last year as he made his first ride down the big yellow slide. This year it was Olivia's turn and she loved it. She got to the bottom after the first trip down and she just kept saying "more,more".

The other highlight of the night for them was not the food but rather climbing on all the equipment at machinery hill.

I ended the summer with a weekend at Middle Cullen with the kids while Trevor was in the boundary waters. You know fall is just around the corner when you spend all weekend in long pants and sweatshirts while having a fire in the middle of the day.