Apple Orchard

We took our 3rd annual trip to the apple orchard on Sunday and Grammy was thrilled to get to join us.  The weather wasn't very good for apple growing this year, so we were a little worried, but the orchard did a great job of maintaining a decent amount of their crop and we left full of apples.  Charlie thoroughly enjoyed it and ate two entire apples, down to about an inch of rind, while walking around.  We also, as expected, went a little nuts in the gift shop and left with several serious bags of loot. 

 On the wagon ride out to the orchard

 Alec took apple picking very serioulsy

 This is pretty much how Charlie looked the entire time:)

Safety City BDay Party

Alec hasn't had a bday party since he was 2, so we decided he was overdue this year. We found out this summer that Safety City, a facility run by our park district, hosted bday parties and thought it would be a great place for his special day. They actually have a mini town set up out back and the kids get to ride bikes throughout the city while learning all about safety. They have buildings that look just like real buildings in Wheaton, all sorts of traffic signs and stop lights, and even a railroad track with a crossing gate that goes up and down. The kids all love it and it was super fun for a party. The kids did a craft, they rode outside, and then came in for pizza and cake. Alec loved having all his buddies around and it was a really cool place to do the party.

 Crafting

 Headed out to Safety City

 Charlie and Piper got to explore on foot

 The party crew, minus Charlie

 Alec insisted on the green football cake

 Charlie and Ryann joined in on the cake too

 Opening presents from the party at home, he has been in 7th heaven with all of his new toys

School

Both boys had their first day of school on Friday.  Alec started pre-K at the same preschool he went to last year and will be in school M,W, F from 8:30-12.  We were thrilled with Kensington last year and love that he gets another full year of preschool their this year.  He also loved it and was very excited to go back.  Charlie started a Parents Morning Out Program at a church right down the street from our house.  I have several friends who have kiddos in this program and they have nothing but great things to say, so we figured we'd give it a shot.  Charlie will go just on Fridays from 9-11:30.  He is the baby in the class, but had no trouble what-so-ever on Friday.  He comes to the gym with me every morning, so he is very used to being w/o me, and that was evident on Friday.  He ran in and never looked back.  He was excited to see me when I picked him up, but the teachers said he loved it and never fussed or caused any trouble.  That's our independent little beefcake for you.  Here's my somewhat failed attempt at getting a pick of both boys before we left.

Serious Catch Up - the Lake

I'm long overdue and behind on the blog, hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come when baby # 3 arrives in just 2 weeks and 2 days!  So, here are several posts from the last 2 weeks.  Grammy is here visiting for Alec's bday and they are busy in the kitchen making carrot cake cupcakes, so hopefully I can get all caught up.  We headed to Michigan for Labor Day weekend and enjoyed a long overdue vacay with our BFF's the Wolfes.  As always, the weekend was filled with lots of laughter, fun, food and family.  One definite bonus of living in IL is being within 5 hours of the lake house.  Thanks guys for another awesome weekend. 

The jet skis were a highlight of the weekend for Alec

 Alec and Logan played together non-stop.  We woke up every morning and looked out the window to the two of them happily stomping all around the beach. 

 You better believe these 3 flipped this jet ski, and both boys thought it was the coolest thing ever.    You should have heard the banter when they got back to the beach.

 Even Charlie got to take a ride

 Charlie checking out Pearl, the wild peacock who lives in the neighborhood, and was up on Julie's brother's front porch.

 Headed to Clam Diggers for some mashed potatoe pizza

 The whole gang.  It's always fun to have so many kids around, this pic includes all 4 of Julie's nieces and nephews.

 Big Alec (who is actually our Alec's namesake) and Charlie.  I have NEVER met a sweeter teenage boy.  He was completely enamored with Charlie and played with him all weekend.