Cidermill

Friday, the kids were out of school, so we joined a bunch of friends at the cidermill. They had a 10 acre corn maze, wagon ride, bails of hay to jump around on, and corn bins to play in. Of course, we had to finish things off with fresh apple cider and donuts. Fall is one of my favorite times of year, with the cool air and beautiful colors. I just want to soak it in.

A Day at the Farm

We live near a working farmstead. So, when the kids came home from school on Thursday, I told them to pile in the car, because I had a surprise for them. We cruised over to Sonic to get half priced lime slushes (which was a huge treat to them) and then spent an hour at the farm. The highlights were watching a live cow milking, going on a pony ride (Charlie and Lucy), and feeding the goats. I crouched down to take some pictures and within seconds, the goats had untied my shoes and chewed several holes in one of my favorite shirts! Darn it. But, the kids loved it and could have stayed for hours. Here are a few pics...

This was the result of getting a little too close to the goats.

Lucy's taking swimming lessons

I'll tell you what. This is a far cry from when Spencer and Sawyer first took swimming lessons. Things looked much differently then. Especially me. In those days, I held one boy by the hand (if he hadn't escaped and was running wild), had one in the stroller, and the other strapped to my back. Those were the good old stressful days back in O'Fallon Illinois when I was totally exhausted from daily life with my three amigos.

And for some reason, despite my efforts in getting everyone to the pool, Spencer decided he really didn't want to be there and refused to get in the water. So, then, of course, Sawyer didn't want to get in the water either. And then there was me, kneeling down by the side of the pool with Charlie on my back, trying to be patient and encourage my children, but also feeling frustration and anger welling up inside because they weren't cooperating. I remember being very light headed at one point and was grateful I didn't just fall into the pool myself, Charlie and all.

Yes, those were the old days of swimming lessons. I'm liking the new ones much better. I love seeing Lucy's enthusiasm for this new experience. I love that she's not afraid to leave my side, but rather, says, "bye Mom," with a smile, as she confidently walks to her class. I love her fearlessness about putting her face in the water and other things her teacher asks her to do. And everytime I go to Lucy's lesson, I feel grateful for the stage of life I'm in. I love being able to sit alone and watch her, or read a magazine, or make a to do list, or whatever else I want, for twenty five uninterrupted minutes.

The Gaucho...

is the new hit around here. I picked it up at a garage sale a few weeks ago and gave it to the kids as an early Christmas present (because it was a little hard to hide?). They love to come home and ride around our culdesac after school. I've loved it because it keeps Lucy busy during the hardest part of my day (dinner time). She and Charlie ride around in this thing like nobody's business, eating their little snacks (sometimes big snacks, one time I found most of the pantry riding around with them) and feeling all sorts of freedom.

This brings back all sorts of fun childhood memories for me. We had a little ATC we called "the seventy", which we'd ride all around our huge back yard. I remember loving the feeling of being able to drive something by myself, the wind rushing through my hair, and not having a care in the world. Those were the good ole days. Live it up with the Gaucho, kids!

Fun Run

This morning we went to the boys' school for the annual Fun Run. We arrived just as the race was starting, so the boys took off and ran the whole way, while Brad and I brought up the rear with Lucy. She was a hoot to watch as she ran full throttle to the finish line- smiling from ear to ear, with raised arms yelling "Hooray, we made it." All the volunteers were wowed by her energy and enthusiasm. Little did they know, she'd been on Brad's shoulders most of the race.

Then, we quickly replaced all the calories burned with food from donors. There were all sorts of booths set up with freebies which the kids soaked up. It was a great way to start the morning.

Charlie with his teacher Mrs. Runnels

Charlie's Night Out

Charlie and I had our night out on Wednesday. He wanted to play tennis, so we went to a nearby highschool and had a great time. This kiddo has some serious tennis potential. I loved that:

• he was playing with a racquetball racquet.


• we didn't have a tennis ball, but a rubber bouncy ball.


• we found a tennis ball on the court and ran ourselves ragged trying to keep track of it. (It reminded me of "Scrat" trying to keep track of his beloved acorn in Ice Age.)


• my six year old thinks I'm a tennis expert.


• I have a few more years to play with him and still have an edge.


• we got to enjoy a lime slush at Sonic.


• we walked up and down all the aisles of the dollar store looking for the perfect purchase.


• he is always eager to share with his siblings.


• he melted my heart at the end of the night when he said, "Mom, thanks so much for playing tennis with me and taking me to the dollar store..." Those words mean so much!

Climbing

Monday night, we headed to the climbing wall for family night. It's a fun way for the kids to burn energy. Brad and I climbed too, but after a few difficult routes, we were worn out, so just watched our little spidermen.