We had our first fire of the season last Monday.  The kids have been waiting for this, as we had the chimney sweep out a couple of weeks ago, but had not ordered the wood.   They love to help wad up the paper and watch the fire catch.  And now that it has been cool outside, sitting by a toasty fire is such a treat.  

Fall leaves

A continuation of the raking that was done last weekend.  Sadly, looking at the backyard now, it looks like we never touched one single leaf!!

Backyard fall fun!

Last weekend was gorgeous and we spent a great deal of time outside in the backyard playing, raking and goofing off.  The dog just liked being around us and the kids loved jumping in huge piles of leaves.  They did some raking as well, but mostly were just running around like crazy.  Even Dave managed to mess up my pile of leaves!!

Making applesauce

After picking apples when Grandpa and Grandma came to visit, Dave and Potter decided to make a huge batch of applesauce.  It is so delicious!!

Family portrait

Right before my parents left, we got everyone (well, almost everyone) in a group shot.  What a great visit we had with them!

Another playground

Enjoy my 'slide show'.  Ha - clever me!!!

Waiting for and feeding the geese

When we got to Grippen, the geese were way, way, way down the river.  Once they saw the group of us hanging around on the riverbank, they figured out we had the goods they wanted and they headed down to us.  Caleb got very excited when he saw the 50+ geese coming towards us.  They had all been throwing rocks in the river, but I helped them realize that geese don't like being pelted while they are eating, it is bad for their digestion.   All of the kids had a good time socializing with the geese.  Grandpa even got a couple of the geese to eat the bread out of his hand, as did I.  This is such a nice outing.  And I don't think the geese had been fed for a while, as they scarfed down everything that we brought in record time.

Apple Hills

We took the kids, with Grandma and Grandpa, and met Dave at Apple Hills yesterday afternoon, despite the fact that the sky was getting blacker and blacker on our way there.  It didn't end up raining and we were able to pick a bunch of Ida Reds, which were quickly turned into a pie once we got home.  It is quicker to get the amount of apples that you needs instead of say, blueberries, but the kids thought it was fun anyway.  We have consumed all but one slice of the pie in less than 24 hours, so I may be making another one tonight. 

Playground time

Quick trip to African Road playground, a favorite.  

Backyard fun

Everyone found something to do in the backyard.  Grandpa showed off his soccer skills with the Spongebob ball.  

Bike ridin'

Caleb was not initially wanting to ride his big wheel bike.  Things turned around quickly though and then he was off down the sidewalk with a little backwards glance.  Luckily, Grandpa had a portable tire inflater in his car, so he was able to pump up Molly and Potter's tires, which made them have a much smoother ride.  Molly is really getting the hang of riding with her training wheels, although she really needs a helmet.  Potter of course, can ride all over, and they were all happy that Grandpa was around to watch, supervise and help out.

Last of Jackson's, for now

There is a huge covered hay climb that the kids have been doing, well Potter has been doing, since he was a wee boy.  It is a relatively safe soft environment (except when Caleb scratched the side of his face on a rough spot) for them to run around, slide down and jump from huge hay bale piles.  There is also a hay tunnel that is good for hiding.  This isn't the place for kids who have allergies.  It is so dusty and grimy, but what a fun time!!  And we could hear that crazy rooster crowing in the background, his pen was right outside one of the windows!

More Jackson's

There are many giant inflatables that the kids can climb all over, jump inside of, slide down, and generally get rid of all their energy!  Molly and Potter had both done this in previous years, but this was Caleb's first time.  As you can see, he was all about hanging out at the doorway, but very reluctant to get in.  After I had given up on the pictures and it was near time to go, he of course went in and started bouncing around with Potter and by himself.  Potter was the only one tall enough to go through the inflatable obstacle course.  He pronounced it quite fun!!