Halloween Puppets

Riley and I made a Halloween puppet one night Daddy was out of town last week.  The next night, when he was home, she asked if we could all make puppets again.  So we had a family craft night, which was really fun.  Here's a few pictures.

Howells Pumpkin Patch 2011

We made it out to Howells again this year.  Unlike, the past few years it was actually really warm on the day we decided to go.  Since we had already picked up our pumpkins at the Iowa Orchard we just spend our afternoon doing all of the fun activities.  We skipped the hayride (which I was secretly bummed about).  This year they added a pony ride.  The whole time Riley talked about riding the ponies.  As soon as we were within 10 feet of them she changed her mind because they were "stinky!"

 Horsey swing.

 Waiting for the ducky race.

 Ducky Race.

 The scary ride that she always looks terrified on.  I think we have an almost identical picture from last year.

 I love this picture.  Check out Harper's little tongue!

 Homemade ice cream.

 Mommy and the girls.

 More swinging.  So serious.

Until next year...

Harper's First Bite

Harper tried her first bite of rice cereal a week ago.  Here's the photo-by-photo

 Listening to Mommy's instructions and clearly very excited.

 Checking out the goods.

 First bite.

 Not so sure.

 Second bite.

 OMG.  What is that Mommy?

 Another bite?

Mmm...not so much

We decided to wait another week and try again so last night she had her second helping of rice cereal.  She actually loved the cereal this time around.  She was leaning forward, gabbing at the spoon, laughing, and actually eating it.  Success!  Yay, for baby food making time!

Iowa Orchard 2011

This year we didn't make it out to the Center Grove Orchard like the past two years.  September and October seemed to be jammed full of activities that we couldn't find the time.  We decided to hit up the Iowa Orchard since they are close to home in Urbandale.  Riley had fun picking out our pumpkins and some apples.  There was a hayride back to a few fun activities, but truly it didn't compare to the Center Grove Orchard.  Riley seemed to really have fun and Harper was perfect, like usual. Here are a few pictures.

Simpson Football!

Brett and I took the family down to Indianola for a mini reunion with the Coppola's and Donnenwerth's and their families.  It was fun to be back on the old stomping ground for a few hours.  We all met at the football game.  During halftime the kids had fun playing in the Coppola's car while the adults had a few drinks and reminisced...nothing compared to the old days, but still a lot of fun catching up.  We ended the night at Amy's parent's house for some pizza and more conversation.  It really was a fun night!  We're looking forward to November when we all get to get together again!

The kiddos - minus Harper.

Riley and Carter.  These two know each other too well.  I think they both wanted to do something their way, instead of each other's.

Grandpa Kevin's Birthday

 Minus Harper.  I love these pictures!

Harper's 4 month Stats

Harper had her 4 month check-up yesterday.  She weighed in at 12 lbs 5 oz (about 20th %) and measured 23 3/4 inches (about 20th %).  I can never remember her head and chest circumference.  Overall, Dr. Fred said that she looked great.  She was smiling and laughing it up for him.  Poor little buggie had to get 4 shots and one oral immunization.  Thankfully she was back to smiling and playing before we left.