Apple Orchard 2015

I will be the first to admit, there are far too many pictures in this post. I'm breaking all the laws of blogging I'm sure but here's the deal, this orchard is in my top 5 family traditions every year and I just can't help myself. Both in the taking of a million pics and in the posting. There is no rational thought involved, I just see everything through a camera lens when we get there and all I can think about is how they've each grown and changed year to year. Travis is a saint, he fully embraces my desire to keep going back, to take a million pics and yes, to wear whatever I choose for our family look...I'm always thinking "Christmas card material" while we are there! So scroll through or don't, I won't bore you with a million lines of text, I think they are pretty self-explanatory, except that every now and then I can't help but add some detail I feel compelled to share  :)  You're welcome, words are my love language. 

ENJOY!!  

Seriously, they were just in the double jogger stroller!?!?!  Now they are practically giants with long legs and grown up faces. I can't take it. 

Man, I love him. 

Them. 

I love both.

But especially him. He still makes my heart race. 

Every kid should feed a kid. 

Top pic of the day in my opinion. 

I love this so much! 

Hipster pose and he doesn't even know it. 

Taken by Carter! 

It's too bad they have no fun with their Dad.

I wish he'd lighten up.

Sweet little apple, sweeter little boy. 

Thanks for enduring the Apple Orchard tour of 2015!

Donuts and Hikes

Over Labor Day we found ourselves with a little break. Those days are so rare in the midst of Fall activities and especially while Trav is coaching soccer, but thankfully we ended up with a day of no plans and we were glad for it. The difference between us however can be adequately summed up by our responses to that news. In the spirit of enjoying a day with no plans or no agenda, I suggested we go get donuts to kick our relaxing day off.  

Travis suggested we have an adventure and go on a family hike. 

Is it a wonder opposites attract??  

He won out and drug us all to Red Wing, MN where we discovered the joys of Barn Bluff for the first time. I was thinking my plan for donuts was far better the whole drive down there but once we got there I conceded, this might be fun too. 

This backpack we've had for three kids finally came in handy with Walker! For years I've thought the sun shade was missing but turns out, it was there the whole time.  

That discovery alone redeemed my day! 

It was a gorgeous day, sunny and not too hot. It was declared quickly that we were not as fast as Carter who literally ran the entire hike! I did not need that pointed out to me, I could have predicted that from him. Ava started out with a bang and then probably out of pity, she kept me company in the rear. 

I loved watching Walker's head peak out from his fortress the whole way. Trav was my hero for climbing with him on his back, he was not a lightweight in September! 

The beautiful view of Red Wing!

Proof that every now and then the energizer bunny needs a break too!

Our teenager. 

Good grief, when did she turn 13??

I was a hot and sweaty mess but I was also the carrier of the water in my backpack, so that turned out in my favor!  Ava and I stuck together, she's no dummy either. I sure loved her in that hat! 

So beautiful! 

I sort of felt like we should break out in our best "The hills are alive, with the sound of music..." 

If for nothing but this picture, that family hike was totally worth it! Turns out a little adventure is good for the soul and the bonding, and for sure with each step logged, I was earning those celebratory donuts!

So thirsty from his ride!

Smile, Mom wants a picture! 

*naturally this is their cue to not smile OR look at the camera*

Kind how I felt when I learned donuts were not the primary activity of the day. 

Seriously. 

I do love him and I do love the adventures he makes me take. I like to think I'm also a good counterpart for when those adventures go sideways and involve way too much effort, ha!  

And PS, also pictured is the cutest photobomber I've ever seen. 

Because Carter is cut from the same rock as his Daddy, this one was in his element the whole time. Running, exploring, climbing, jumping, and doing what boys do best, adventuring! 

I'd go again just for this smile! 

For the record, we never did get donuts. 

I settled for a latte on the way home.

And takeout for dinner. 

It wasn't all bad  :)