Sunday, September 28, 2014

Apple Picking

On Friday morning (probably the last day of really lovely weather) we drove an hour to a u-pick apple orchard with Genevieve and the kids. Totally worth the drive. Everyone had such a great time! And I found out that apparently Daryn can eat apples whole. Fun!
 Everyone got to do lots of picking and lots of eating.

 And some even got rides!

Angel.

There were also a bunch of roosters running around. Reagan was cautiously curious. 

A perfect day in Paradise. 

16 months

And we officially have a walker. This girl toddles everywhere. We're so proud of her! Her steps were very awkward and halting at first, but she's got a pretty smooth (if wide) gait down now. There is seriously nothing cuter. Not too many other new developments. She loves to "sing" at the top of her voice- mostly "Let It Go" and the ABC's, and dance to any music. She has really started loving on and getting attached to specific toys:
 She has a big appetite and eats 6+ containers of baby food plus lots of regular food every day. I think we spend half our grocery budget just on her! That's ok. She's worth it.
She such a climber and loves her big sister tons.
She's really gotten into the trampoline lately and loves to bounce around and throw herself all over. Cracks me up. She's learning her body parts (kind of- she always thinks everything is her nose first). She's starting to warm up to other people and really loves (not just tolerates) her Aunt Meagan and cousin Grace. We're hoping that affection spreads.
This girl is SUCH a joy. I can't even describe the light she brings into our lives. We are so blessed.

We went to the zoo the other day to celebrate Capri's first birthday (yay!) and both girls had a blast. I love that Daryn is getting old enough to really enjoy things. She was happiest our of the stroller, walking or crawling around, seeing things on her own terms.
And totally off topic, but this little pirate stole some hearts and earned us some free Krispy Kremes the other day :)

Mountain Sliding

Last week we finally made it to the much-anticipated Alpine Slide and Coaster! We started off on the coaster and Lance was with Reagan. 

Buckle up for safety!
 Beautiful views on the way up!
And selfie on the way down.
 On to the slide! The ride up on the lift took a while.

 My turn with Reagan!
 We ZOOMED down. I honestly did not know it would go so fast. We were racing Lance (of course) and he actually flipped out the side and wiped out from the momentum (while we were right next to him). That encouraged us to slow down a touch. Then near the bottom we had to slow down a lot because the couple "racing" in front of us were clearly not as competitive. So I was able to get this shot of Lance coming in.
 Reagan and I escaped unscathed, but Lance (who was in his work clothes) was not so lucky. Between this grease stain and the tear in the shoulder, his favorite work shirt was ruined, and the pants didn't make it either. RIP, shirt and pants. Literally.
Worth it? You'll have to ask Lance.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Fairies, Fairs, Fishing

What a fun week we've had! We kicked things off on Monday with the Fairy Festival. Even though it was rainy all day, it cleared up just in time!
 Sweetest fairies around.

 She loved the lollipop she picked from the tree. She chewed on it all night with the wrapper on! Much less messy :).

 Butterfly catchers.

 Friday night, we decided last minute to drop by the State Fair. Mostly for a turkey leg. Love those things. And of course a ride down the giant slide. My terrible selfie showing 1.5 of the 4 people intended.
 Reagan also did the little farm helper thing which is always fun.
 Saturday was a beautiful day outside. Meagan and Grace came down and we did a waterfall hike/picnic.
We let Daryn sit on a rock in the river for a minute and she was having fun so we left her and kind of forgot about her for a couple minutes (only about 1 inch deep) but when I looked over she was still having the time of her life! Impressive considering how cold it was.
 After we brought her out she amused herself for 10+ minutes putting dirt and rocks in this bag. Productive.
 And then to top the day off, Lance took the girls (minus me and Daryn) fishing, at Grace's request.
 It's always a good time with these ones.