perfect fall weather

We went to the apple orchard with my friends from Saint Louis that also came to Mayo in previous years. It sure is nice to already know some people. 

 Those apples were so delicious! We will have to go again.

 You can't beat that cute smile. She was so happy to be sitting right next to that flower plant... just right for easy flower picking. When I was picking out which plant to buy I said to Dennis, "Wow! aren't those mums just beautiful!" .. and he said, "yeah, and those daddies are pretty too!"

 She loves her baby and brings her everywhere! One day she had to bring 2 babies to pick up Dennis from school.

 

 We seriously have had the most amazing fall weather this year.

 We also got to go to our little Minnesota animal zoo in Southern Minnesota. It was the perfect size for little legs.

 Zola loves animals and calls them all doggy.

 She seriously had a blast feeding leaves to the goats.

 Our unplanned day trip to Minneapolis. We went to Minneapolis to buy a new refrigerator and spent the entire day. We took a hike down by the Mississippi River. The sand was so nice. It was like walking in flour- even kind of sticky like flour.

 My mom made a bunch of sand balls. That's how nice it was.

 I love that this nature hike is just across the street from my parents' house in the middle of the city.

 Zola loves to be like her brother.

 Last night was the fire awareness night at the fire station in Pine Island. We got to eat a great free dinner and got fire hats and stickers and tattoos and we got to play in a fire truck and watch some firemen cut open an old car. Dennis got to use the hose. It was fun had by all!

 Chrissy, James and Owen came down for the day.

 Cheese!

the monster bash

Who do you think had more fun? the kids at the party or me preparing for it.... I think its obvious. 

preschool and potty

Dennis decided the day after his birthday that he wanted his petals back on and I had no idea how to do it. He went and got dad's tools and did it himself! 

 Dennis and his best friend Braden. They are only 9 months apart in age but Braden is big for his age and Dennis is small. It's funny. I can wear Braden's shoes!

 Zola wants to be like her brother so much. I sometimes find her practicing going potty like a boy. She even wipes off the seat afterwards.

 First day of preschool! Dennis was so excited and loves his new teacher.

video proof

Here is some proof that it has been a summer of learning for Dennis: swimming, biking and pumping on the swing.

And here is a video of Dennis doing all of his tricks. He is so funny. You can see him pop a wheelie in the beginning, then he rides side saddle.