Our Annual Trip to the Apple Orchard...

This was our 3rd annual trip to the apple orchard. We've made it a yearly outing with Dave's family - and it is really one of our favorite family traditions. Dave's mom could not be at the orchard this year due to school, but we were with his dad and little brother. The girls don't get to see Dave's dad too often, so it is really fun to watch his relationship with them. They are very physical with him - they just love to jump on him and give him huge hugs!

We had one new face this year, as we brought our little friend Kate with us. She is just a few weeks older than the girls, so we had triplets for a day! Her parents were at a wedding out of town and we hung with her - and had a sleepover!! Kate only wanted green apples, so she and Grandpa Ed had a lot of fun scouting them out.

We thought it was going to rain - the forecast did not look good. But, we had a great day! We were actually a little warm! Our jackets never made it on our shoulders. The girls wore rain boots in case it was wet and that was really pretty unnecessary.

We found a little furry caterpillar - apparently that's called a woolly bear. Of course, Ev wanted to hold it - she is always the little daredevil. Erin would not touch it - no surprise there.

We had a wonderful time on the train and carousel as well. Topped the day off with dinner at Grandma's where we got to see her Halloween decorations and chickens! The girls just loved it all! They both made sure to eat their meals so they could enjoy a huge cupcake!

Man were we tired by the end of the day. Perhaps it was because I am so darn pregnant, but I was just wiped out!

Oops...

Today was a rainy, icky morning. The girls woke a little later than usual. I thought to myself today would be a great day to play hookie and not go to preschool. But, we busted our tails to dress, have breakfast and be out the door by 8:15. Sitting in the driveway I opened their backpacks to put their snacks inside. Lo and behold, I see a reminder note that there is no school today! Yikes - how could I have forgotten! Here is the conversation that transpired...

Me: Girls - there is no school today!

Erin: Then why are we in the car?

Ev: Why are we wearing our preschool shoes?

Me: (silently) What the heck are we going to do at 8:15am!!!???

I called Dave and asked is we could visit him at work. The girls had never been to his office. Of course he said yes - and the girls loved it there! Since he works in a "fun" field - gambling or gaming - there are many fun things to see and do at his office. They loved the magnets in his cube and his little dart board. They liked seeing their art work on his walls. And, just about everything else.

We then headed to Old Orchard mall to play there. I was very surprised the stores don't open until 10:30 - I thought everything opened at 10??? Whatever. But, they had a blast running on the dragons in the play area and hiding in the tunnels.

We made a great day of what started as a bit of a disaster! Glad we can be so "go with the flow."

Preschool Update

The girls are loving preschool! My favorite part is when I pick them up. Every day Erin runs to me and SCREAMS! She is so happy to see me. She gives me the biggest hug ever. Ev just waltzes over - very much her style! I got this cute note from one of their teachers - it sums up their personality.

I was just thinking about the girls... I wanted you to know what a great job they both did and have been doing in group. Evelyn answered questions about the book on her own in a 10 person group setting which I thought was great for her. Also, they both made associations with the book. Erin asked, "is he a grown up?" and evelyn asked, "why doesn't he take a shower?" In the story Mr. Gilly, the trashman, takes a bath at the end... both girls worked together and made the association of grown ups taking showers and kids taking baths... it was really cute and thoughtful.

Weekend Get-Away!!!!!!!

This weekend we planned on going camping. But, it was chilly! At night it is getting into the 40s - and I think that's a little much for the kids (and me!). So, we had to make a plan b. We took the train downtown and had a weekend in the city!

It was the girls first train ride - and they really liked it! They liked looking out the windows and seeing all of the people. It was a fun experience for them!

We stayed downtown for just one night and made the most of our time! Our first adventure was taking a trolley ride to Navy Pier. They loved the trolley! Erin had her arm out the window waving and saying hello to everyone we passed - which was precious!

Navy Pier was pretty chaotic! But, we saw a Omnimax 3-D movie - Under the Sea. Obviously it was all about sea creatures. Erin was next to me and enjoyed much of it. However, when the sea snakes got in her face (due to the 3-D glasses) she was in my arms wigging out! Ev on the other hand, turned to Dave and said "I like those guys." My girls could not be more different!!

Next stop was the pool!! The girls have not been in the pool for a few weeks, so they were thrilled to put on their swimsuits and jump and play in the water! Their favorite is the hot tub which we held off on because I can't enjoy it - boo hoo.

Sunday we walked to Millennium Park and they had fun watching themselves in "The Bean" and playing chase in the park.

All in all, a terrific weekend away!

Daddy's on Duty...

Today was my twins club resale. This means last night I had to help get everything set-up and today I had to work the event - morning through mid-day. This leaves Dave responsible for the kids. Dave does a great job, but there are always some strange things that happen while I am gone.

Namely, on this day I found Erin's pants to be very tight - they were 2 sizes too small. And, Dave sent me this pic of Evelyn. Please keep in mind it is September and about 80 degrees outside!! She's got on a winter hat - and has completely painted her face at the Kohl's museum.

Oh boy. Good thing I am home.