11 Months & Winter Hat

She's looking so grown up lately.

Out of the Gate

Maryn is really moving now. If I leave the gate to the playroom open while running to the kitchen or bathroom I'm bound to turn around and see this ...

We spent the majority of last weekend in the yard. Maryn was chilling on a blanket in the front while we raked leaves and trimmed bushes. She enjoyed all the leaves - Mike and I really didn't.

The last two were taken this morning.

Atlanta Aquarium II

The wave tank was fantastic! A wave would crash against the rocks over our heads every couple of minutes or so which would send sediment swirling, eventually filtering down to the tank floor.

The last pictures are from the huge tunnel. We spent about 45 minutes making our way through this thing! Several Whale Sharks and divers swam above and around us making their way through the other marine life.

Halloween at the Children's Garden

We had been meaning to get back to the Morton arboretum before all the fall color was gone and decided October 31st would do just fine.

It's hard to believe .... last fall we were here for our baby shower with friends and family. I still have the buckeye the arboretum tour guide gave me for good luck tucked away in my winter coat pocket.

Yesterday, Mike, Maryn and I had the place to ourselves. Her Halloween costume was practically a snowsuit so she didn't seem to mind the cool air and brisk wind. The day turned into a bit of a fall themed photo shoot, which we all seemed to enjoy.

I got the feeling they usually see large crowds this time of year. There were various Halloween themed activities and treats for kids (pumpkin carving and painting, gnome scavenger hunts etc.). A kind of fall market outside the visitor center had free wine tasting, kettle corn, and a place to make your own carmel/chocolate covered apples. The visitor center itself was full of people. Some were there to grab a bite, enjoy a warm beverage, or browse the lovely gift shop while others were guests at a beautiful wedding reception.

It was a fun filled day. And while I'm sure the cool air (and later the full bodied October fest beer at the German restaurant) didn't do much to stop the progression of my cold (at least that's what I hope this is) it was well worth it. Now, I need to get rid of this sore throat by the end of the day so I'm off to have a cup of hot tea.