Apple Picking

Look what Lilou and Natalie picked this morning! We went again to Terhune Orchards for a story time and picking time.

We have been busy with new friends. We love our Friday playgroup and see kids at story time on Thursdays too. Muriel, a French woman I met at Kohl's, has had us to her place for swimming. We hope to see her this week since the pool closes September 1st. I have had Fred's colleagues over for home cooked meals. Everyone enjoys the food and the house. And, I hosted a playgroup at the house on a rainy Friday morning. We love the get togethers, meeting the dads and it is so nice to spend time with so many nice moms.

This weekend our neighbors are hosting a party for us so we can meet most families on our street. I am really looking forward to this because I know how nice everyone is. We will just open up our backyards and homes to everyone and make sure drinks and food are plentiful!

School is starting soon. Natalie's teacher comes to the house next week for a home visit. And, Friday the 5th is open house. Natalie will start preschool on Monday the 8th and go 3 afternoons a week.

In the meantime, I am pushing the girls onto a new schedule before school starts. Chloe is dropping her morning nap and Natalie is trying to not nap at all! I think earlier bedtimes will be in order, especially as Fall gets busy!

Finally, I am going to start some gardening soon. I have ideas for what will work well here and I have a compost to start. The big challenge is finding the time to really "dig in!"

Picking Peaches

Yesterday we went to Terhune orchards for a "read and pick." There were so many little kids and babies to hear the story of peaches. After hearing the story we all went to the orchards and picked peaches! I held Natalie and Chloe up high in the trees so that they could pull the peaches of the branches. Of course, the fresh peaches were delicious. We also got cookies and cider slushies before we fed goats, sheep and geese. In two weeks it will be apple picking!

Howell Living History Farm

Howell Living History Farm is only a ten minute drive from our house. They recently hosted a 4-H fair at the farm. It was great to see all sorts of farm animals and let the kids listen to them and pet them. Sometimes the sheep were so loud and Natalie would say, "be quiet sheep!"

This farm has hay rides and crafts for kids. We look forward to cider making and other fun events in the near future.

We even saw a pot bellied pig there. I asked for a "piggy packet" today from the local pig adoption farm.

We also learned about our local equestrian center and lessons for riding. Sign up is Saturday and I am still debating whether I should try that yet!