Orchard Traditions and School is Back!

So long summer, and helllllllo Fall.

Just like that, Summer is officially over. The days of laying on the boat in the sunshine and watching the kiddos run through the sprinkler are just memories now, not an option for our weekend plans. I suppose it's time to say "Adios" to my sandals and tank tops and spend some time digging out my Frye boots and scarves that are tucked away. Sigh. 

By the way, Target already has Christmas decorations out. If it bugs you that a small Christmas light display is already available at Target, I would certainly advise you NOT to step foot into Hobby Lobby. A month ago Harper and I looked at trees and ornaments - in AUGUST! (Secretly I sort of loved it.)

How does time go so gosh darn fast? 

Although the days seems to grow shorter and shorter we are enjoying our adventures. It's always a little sad to hang up the beach bag for the season, but then I'm reminded how much I actually love Fall. 

Family trips to the apple orchard, picking out pumpkins, remembering how much I love to wrap up in a cozy sweater accessorized with a giant scarf and lets not forget the complete obsession with boots. About this time every year I say to myself, "Wait, is Fall my favorite season? I think it might be!" 

Our annual traditions continued last weekend at Apple Jack Orchards in Delano. We've taken the kiddos there the last few years for pony rides, rides on the cow train, "snow angels" in the corn pit and of course some apple donuts. This year, Jennie and Mike and sweet baby Emma joined us! (Oh yeah, remember when I mentioned a few bigs things had happened that I didn't post about this summer? That's one of them! I'm an Auntie again and Harper and E have another cousin! Mike and Jennie welcomed Emma May into their family August 4 and she couldn't be more perfect!)

It was a cloudy, misty Saturday - not your ideal orchard day but that actually worked out in our favor. The orchard grounds were busy, but not overly chaotic how it can be on sunnier days. Harper and Emmett fed the goats, enjoyed their pony rides, played in the corn, sand and dirt and made themselves comfortable in the pumpkin patch. We even took an adorable cousin photo, although we missed Flin. 

It was our official kick off to the Fall season, and it truly was perfection. 

 

 

Another issue I'm having is wrapping my head around the fact that Harper will be 5 in three short months. Umm, excuse me - what?? I can't discuss it too much or my eyes start to cloud over with tears. (I know, I sound crazy - but whatever.)

A few weeks ago our girlie started Pre-K. She threw on her shiny new Secret Life of Pets Gidget backpack and made sure she had all 5 little trinkets hanging from the zippers - she was ready to take on this whole Pre-K thing.

Nothing fills my heart more than seeing my kiddos excited about something. It's so fulfilling to see the pure joy and excitement in their eyes. The thrill and the rush of the first day of school was happening to Harper and she could hardly contain herself. She was bouncing around and I had to remind her a couple times that we shouldn't do cartwheels while wearing a dress. :) She grabbed her name tag and quickly lined up at the door. She waved goodbye and yelled, "See you later, Mom!" and never looked back.

I know she's only 4, but she really is turning into quite a wonderful young little lady. Keep being awesome lil' girl!

 

Until next time…

The Helleen's