Connecticut in the fall

Simply special. That's what it's like to be in Connecticut in the fall. Two weeks ago, we packed our bags and took the most turbulent flight of our lives to visit Patrick's side of the family. The occassion? A special little lady (our niece, Lydia) was turning five.

The first order of business upon our arrival, besides lots of silliness and giggles, was a trip to Lyman Orchard for some apple picking.

The ground was a little wet/muddy from the previous day's rain, but the kids didn't mind. They had a blast searching for the perfect apple and a few pears. We had a delicious lunch at their store/deli. Then later that night, we had a lovely dinner with Bammy down at the Great River golf course.

The next day was Lydia's big birthday celebration, which was held at the Beardsley Zoo in the carousel room. In the center of the room was, you guessed it, a big carousel. The kids had so much fun riding the carousel. They also got to "meet" a few critters that reside at the zoo, a Russian turtle and a rabbit. Afterwards, we strolled through the zoo. The weather was perfect. We had such a lovely time.

The kids mouths are blue from enjoying their ring pops, which you can spot in Caleb's and Madeline's hands

We spent a great deal of time in the backyard of Michele (Patrick's sister)and John's house, enjoying their new deck, while the kids played on the swingset and hit plastic balls with bats. Lydia and Madeline spent a great deal of time playing with their babies and thoroughly enjoyed each others company.

One day Michele and John prepared a fabulous bar-b-que and had lots of the extended family over: John's parents, Bammy, and a few cousins, Rick and his girlfriend Ann Marie, and Karen and Ron. John's friend, Ricky, also came over. He gave Caleb some great batting practice, which left him with a huge smile the rest of the day. Another round of Happy Birthday was sung, and a great time was had by all.

On our final day of the trip, Patrick decided that he wanted us to head in to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty. Believe it or not, this mommy and daddy had never seen it. So it was a real treat for the whole family.

Grand Central Station

Well, I still have a bunch of photos I want to share from our trip. But this was about all I could get around to editing during, yet, another busy week. I have two costumes that need to be sewn before our church's Trunk or Treat in two weeks, and I haven't even started! These kids are going to be so stinkin' cute together. I can't wait to share the finished products.

This weekend will be a busy one, no surprise. Madeline actually has her first tee ball game (since we were away for the first and the second got rained out.) I can't wait to capture some sweet shots of her on the ball field. On Sunday, Madeline and I will be walking in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event with my sister's dear friend, Gina, who has breast cancer, and the rest of "Team Gina". We're super excited to be there. Have a great weekend everyone!