Apple Picking

believe it or not this was Isla's first apple that wasn't peeled and cut up. She was a BIG fan

She pretty much had an apple in her face for the rest of the time we were at the farm

M had some apple too, and did enjoy it

the warm temps in March and April and the drought limited their apple crop this year. You could tree pick some but they had crates of apples to pick from also

the long walk back from the orchard with apples in hand

M enjoys standing in the jogging stroller while Isles sits in the jump seat. It's a good stroller for getting around a farm once they're warn out

with nothing to hold onto M was done with this in about 10 seconds

More Arboretum Shots Once Big Sister Arrived

This little (baby?) bird was hopping along next to a seated Isla before she and I noticed it. I think the little guy just wanted more sun

this one warms my heart!

One-on-One at the Children's Garden

After dropping Mae off at preschool I decided to take Isles to the Children's Garden. Our alone time during the week will be coming to a close so soon. The new baby will likely be here in 10 weeks!  I think this will be our regular hang out the two days I'm home when M is in school. She loves to explore and there are so few people around which means she's more intune with the natural surroundings. And bonus, I hadn't realized how beautiful the Fairy Garden is this time of year. It's all overgrown with flowers and on an overcast morning the bees are away. We'll definitely have to take advantage of this setting with both girls in the next few weeks. There are also some hidden gems like kid size tunnels hidden from view by climbing vines and ground cover. And Isla loved to open and close the little gates scattered all over. She spent some time playing with water and running through the toddler maze while giggling wildly! What a perfect morning!

Bye Bye Mama

A Favorite Author

It sounds strange but the girls already have a favorite author, Mo Willems. They've enjoyed his series of pigeon books, as have Mike and I, but the one we picked up at the library several weeks ago is a HUGE favorite. The book is Knuffle Bunny Too; A Case of Mistaken Identity. This one happens to feature a preschool aged girl but the protagonist in the original (same title except no "too") is a little boy. Both girls recite a lot of the book and say the author's name once I've read the title aloud. I particularly enjoy the look of the book. The illustrations are drawn over actual photographs. I love that!

Birthday Party Fun

It's Party Time!

Birthday Boy & his Dad

Birthday Girl & her Grandpa

O & her Dad

Heartbreaker

Sweet Angel

A moment when Isla was actually sharing

A Foot in the Birthday Cake!

O and her Mama

O and her Grandma

Present Time

Some Minor Assembly Required

Looking a bit tired after a fun party

Mae & Isles were so excited to get party favor bags

headed home