October update

October was a fun filled month! We started out the month with a bang by braving the MN Renaissance Festival. It's quite a big deal up here and we had always heard things about it but had never been. Duane had the hair-brained idea that it would be fun for Olivia so we invited some neighbors to come with us. Traffic and parking was one thing and the crowd was another....all I can say is that it takes all kinds to make the world go round. The grounds on which the festival sits is enormous! We walked around for almost 2 hours and didn't even see half of it. We agreed that we saw it and don't necessarily have to see it again. (sorry, Liv!)

in the mermaid grotto....yes, those are real people

Olivia and Allison

I had a quick trip out to LA during the first week of October and then a break from trips until the first week in November. The weather this month has been beautiful so we spent lots of time outside.

We rounded out the week with Olivia's last soccer game and then our annual hike with the Bowe family at Taylor's Falls. By the end of the "soccer season," Annie was a pro! She loved being in the baby Bjorn and running around with Coach Duane. I think Duane is hoping that exposing Annie now will peak her interest....we missed the boat with Liv!

and they're off!

Annie peaking around the corner to watch the action. Next year she'll be doing her best to keep up with Evelyn, Vivian and Olivia.

look at that tooth!

Evelyn, Annie, Olivia and Vivian

the Three Musketeers

Halfway through the month, Annie turned 10 months. Here are the pictures we captured.

To top off the month, my parents came up for a long weekend! We had loads of fun and enjoyed every minute together we could. My mom and I did some shopping and we all found time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. We took Annie to Pine Tree Apple Orchard for her first visit - and my dad's, too!

watching them sort the apples

Olivia posing

Olivia and Grandma posing

searching for the perfect pumpkins

playing in the backyard with Grandma and Papa

And last but not least, it was Halloween! New Horizon always has a "parade" through the halls of BSC so that is how we started out our holiday. On Saturday, Duane stayed at the house and the girls and I, along with some neighbor friends, walked through the neighborhood. It was chilly but it was manageable. The girls did great but we didn't stay out too late - sugar crashes are hard for everyone!