Falling Fast

We've had a beautiful fall this year. Here we are six days into November and it's supposed to be near 70 degrees. We've been busy! Indian Creek Nature Center opened up a new center near our house so we went to check it out. We hiked a little bit too but the mosquitoes nearly carried us away! 

Visiting the new butterfly enclosure. 

We've made it to a couple of football games. We've had another dismal football season...but we have improved with our new head coach Matt Campbell. But we are all anxiously awaiting basketball season. Rowan went to his first game, it was really hot in the stands so we ended up on the hillside...everyone was much more comfortable. 

Nathan and I were able to make it to a few games by ourselves. 

We've been making a lot of pancakes on Sunday mornings and Viv has taken a little interest in the kitchen. She's enjoyed helping me mix the batter...and she doesn't make too much of a mess. 

I finally figured out my Mickey Mouse pancake mold. 

Ready for school! 

He smiles so hard it sometimes makes my face hurt. 

Taking his mid morning nap. 

I think *maybe* Viv has figured out how to take pictures. I've actually gotten a few of her lately smiling and looking at the camera! 

We tried our hand at painting pumpkins this year. We are definitely not ready to carve anything yet. She had a good time! We painted at Gpa and Gma Mangold's first. 

I helped drive for Vivian's school field trip to the pumpkin patch. It was a windy, chilly day! 

They went on a hay rack ride. 

Her class. 

Having their morning snack. 

Rowan and I tagged along...I don't think he was feeling very well that day and was even running a fever later in the afternoon. The start to the pre winter crud going around....I felt bad having him outside in the wind :( poor guy. 

They all got to bring home a pumpkin. I was really proud of Viv, she did really well with her partner. She didn't run around like a crazy child and even kept her attention off her brother! 

We then went back to the pumpkin patch as a family the next weekend. It was pretty warm out and a beautiful day! The patch was also crazy busy!! 

Picking out our family pumpkins. 

We signed up for a pony ride....

She cried the whole time and wanted down...

We then painted pumpkins at home...

We celebrated Papa's 70th birthday! Can't believe it! 

We walked on the trail. Another beautiful day! 

We have introduced Viv to Chic-Fil-A...thank God they came to Cedar Rapids! They have a great play area for kids and she loves the nuggets. She had to wear her shades...on one of the most overcast days of the year. 

A boy and his dog....