Pumpkin Patch 2012

As in previous years, we went to Simmons Farm for the hayride and pumpkin picking (and other fun activities for the kids).  Photos from previous years are here: 2011 and 2009. 

This year, we started out with the petting zoo that had new fluffy baby bunnies and the cutest little black pig.  No photos, I was too busy adoring the little animals and keeping the girls from chasing them too much.

Then Vivian immediately remembered the corn box from previous years (a memory like an elephant, unbelievable), so we made a stop there.  Then it was time for the hay ride (and munching on the yummy apples they handed out), a pony ride, the annual tunnel photo, sack slide (Annelee threw a fit when I wanted to slide with her ... big girls like her do the sack slide alone!), hay maze, and of course the choosing of the pumpkins and corn.  At that point, we were all dragging a bit, and took the ride back, had lunch there and then headed home.  As expected, Annelee fell asleep within 4 minutes of being put into the car seat. 

We'll definitely be back there again next year!

Eating yummy apples on the hayride down to all the fun

Vivian atop the horse

And Annelee, too

Annelee's first tunnel photo

And Vivian's 3rd or 4th

Celebrating with a hay toss after Vivian made it through the hay maze.  Annelee successfully explored both ends of it

BOO!

Ghostly!

Vivian and her chosen pumpkin

We'll practice more lady-like positions for next year!

Who allowed her to get big enough to almost reach the pedals in a fire truck?!

At least she still has a while to go!

A Visit from Aunt Susan and Grandma

Can you believe it?

Grandma came to Pittsburgh! 

The kids (and the adults) were very excited.

Thank you, Susan, for bringing her up here.  And for also coming.  The girls totally adore you (well, Vivian does, and Annelee is quickly catching up) and we enjoy your company, too.

Susan dropped Grandma off on Saturday and then almost immediately left us again to have a girls night out with her good friend Kim (who lives minutes from our house).

We all hung out and played and chatted, and Will made a delicious spaghetti-meatball dinner.

On Sunday, we went to church, and Susan came back home for a late lunch.  At naptime, we planted a white-blooming dogwood tree in memory of my Dad ... he would have loved that.  Thank you!

Then we just hung out some more, had some more delicious food (well, everyone but Annelee who chose dinnertime as the perfect time to get sick - but who luckily got better soon after) and just generally had a good time.

They left Monday morning after breakfast.

Come back soon!

Tree planting in progress ...

... and DONE!

Annelee suspiciously inspects the nail polish on her fingernails

The Aquadoodle is more her speed

Vivian, however, totally enjoys her spa treatment

Group hug with Aunt Susan

And with Grandma

The Master Chef puts the final touches on dinner:  Halibut, roasted red pepper grits, mixed vegetables. Deeeeelicious!

Soccer

This fall, Vivian and her BFF Rowan started a six week soccer class.  Between bad weather, Vivian being sick, and such, Vivian's actually not attended too many practices/games, but that hasn't stopped me from taking photos when I had the chance.

I was sort of dreading becoming a "Soccer Mom" and hanging out field side and screaming at my kid, but as it turns out, it's quite nice to be chatting with the other parents and cheering the kid on!

Meanwhile, Vivian complains she doesn't like soccer because the running makes her tired.  (She should watch a professional game some time!)  She does like practice though :)  I guess I won't be a Soccer Mom for too long, unless Annelee falls in love with the sport.

Annelee has come along quite a few times and also enjoys her "practice", so that is definitely a possibility :)

Vivian complained that she didn't score a goal, but I was able to catch her with the ball a few times!

In full action

I'm pretty sure this is some secret half-time communication

Vivian up high!

Attack!

On picture day, I asked Rowan and Vivian to pose for me.  This is what I got.

Annelee was all like "You want a nice posed shot?"

"Here are a couple for you to choose from"

Team photo with Coach Tim (L) and Coach Sean (R).  Click on the photo to see a larger version of it.

 

Warm-up at practice

Let the mayhem begin.  They were all "painting" the grass different colors with their balls.

Annelee was just lounging about

Rowan is very focused on her game

As is Vivian

That didn't last long though.  This is what they did while standing in line waiting for their turn to practice shooting goals :)