Corn Maze

It's maze time again! We thought about trying out a different location this year but when it comes right down to it, Thanksgiving Point has the most kid friendly activites. And the kids loved it last year so why not?Looks like fun huh? And that's only a small portion of all the fun stuff. I'm pretty sure we only tried out 80% of it. But we did end the morning with a trip through the corn maze.

We all took turns deciding which direction to go and surprisingly didn't take too many wrong turns (thanks to some of their handy Clue signs and texts). Grand total for the time to traverse the maze: 1 hour 37 minutes. No wonder Ty wanted me to carry him the last 20 or so minutes.

Zoo

We'd been hearing a lot about all the baby animals at the zoo. So my mom and I decided to take the kids before it got too cold. And all the reports were correct - the babies were so cute and fun to watch!

The Barn

I've been wanting to have a photo session of the kids at the barn because I think it's a great background. Not to mention it's a perfect setting for Ty and his cowboy boots and "boy hat."

These are the best of the bunch. I'll have to do another session after I've had more practice.

Riding Horses

Kaitlyn got to spend most of one Sunday with Wyatt, riding horses. She loves horses and is becoming quite the horsewoman. She can even ride by herself - when she's feeling daring, in a wide open field, and Wyatt has made sure the horse is feeling very calm.

Ty got to go for a couple short rides while they were saddling up, before they went to the neighbor's arena.

State Fair

It was a long week for us, with Sam working late every night. In fact, I don't think we saw much of him for the past 2 weeks. So we took advantage of some rare family time and went to the State Fair. It was the final day, which means we got in for less $$ and the crowds weren't as large. But most of the animals were gone, which the kids didn't seem to mind or notice. They were just so excited to be there and see everything. I'm serious - happy kids the entire time. So nice!

First thing we saw was the big loader - made Ty's day right off. Kaitlyn then spotted the jewelry booths and had a great time browsing. We let her pick out a new pair of ear rings before we left.

We saw all the animals. Kaitlyn had to have her photo taken with almost every one.

And we let them go on a pony ride. Big hit.

We detoured past the river. Kaitlyn loved the geese.

And the kids had a blast at the FFA interactive farm thing. Here is Katy milking the cow.

And Ty "driving the tractor"

and even more fun was that they got to "buy" a treat with the "money" they made working on the farm. Couldn't have come at a better time either - the kids were due for a snack. Ty had a bit of a hard time walking and chewing though.

And of course if there is a race car, Sam needs a photo with it.

All in all a great morning at the fair. They can't wait to go back next year.

What time is it Mr. Wolf?

LUNCHTIME!
This is a game that Sam and Ty learned at swimming lessons this year and the kids love playing it at home. The "wolf" stands apart from the others and they ask him "what time is it Mr Wolf?" If the wolf tells them a time (1:00, etc) then they take that many steps forward. If the wolf says "lunchtime" then they run and he tries to catch them.
It's pretty funny to watch Ty be the wolf. The only time he knows (or the only one he likes to say) is "two 'clock." And when he says lunchtime he starts running before he says it.

Xzavier

Baby Xzavier was blessed the other day (9/6). I spent part of the day playing photographer for Colette. Does this make me designated family photographer? I'm flattered, and happy to do it. But pretty critical of myself. And if so, how am I going to get better before the next big event? Better practice! I need to learn more about lighting and shadows, and lots more about editing.