Apple Picking Fun!

Today the girls and I met up with friends from our longstanding neighborhood playgroup. We always look forward to doing things with the West Albany gang and today was no different.

We started the experience with some pictures in the Lynd's 'Cool' Bus.

Then we headed to the classroom where Ms. Michelle taught us about different kinds of apples and how they are grown and she even let us sample some delicious sparkling cider. After that we followed her outside to the orchard to harvest our Golden Delicious apples.

After working hard to fill their bags, the girls took a much needed rest!

Eating a crisp, delicious apple straight from the tree was the perfect treat to end our field trip.

Apples this week, pumpkins next week. We have a fun and busy fall ahead of us and I can't wait!!!

Gym Rats

Okay, I've finally accepted that if I want to work out then I need to make it happen! I've been doing the "fit it in if I can" approach, but with our hectic schedules it doesn't EVER seem to fit in. After debating the pros and cons of a treadmill for the house or a gym membership, I finally decided to go with the gym.

I have to admit that I really dislike the idea of putting the kids in the gym childcare. I don't know if it's my fear of the germs (I know I can't protect them from everything, but I HATE when they're sick), my worries that they won't have fun, or just feeling guilty that I'm giving up yet more precious time with them.

It's something I have to get over though. After my surgery this year I really need to take care of my body and that means gaining back the strength I lost in my leg and really strengthening my core to protect the surgeon's handiwork and prevent a return trip to the OR.

I'm happy to report that the girls loved their first visit. They said it was wwwaaaaaayyyyy better than the old gym, which had a super pathetic playroom with hardly any toys. I hope the fun they had will continue--they actually asked to go today, so I'm feeling optimistic!! Being healthy is as much for my family as it is for me. Here's hoping I can find a workout schedule that we can all be happy with.

Cops and Kids Day: Burns Family Style

Today was Westerville's annual cops and kids day. We decided to take the kids as a way to pass some time. It didn't go as picture perfect as I planned, but it was an adventure nonetheless...

Mistake #1: We drove Rob's car and failed to move a stroller-an obvious problem as soon as the cop directing traffic indicated we'd need to park unbelievably far away from the park!

Lauryl took advantage of the situation and hitched a ride on daddy's shoulders

Mistake #2: Assuming that the kids would be in the frame of mind to battle the crowds after spending a busy night playing with grandma and grandpa.

Thank goodness the bouncy attractions were crowd pleasers!

Mistake #3: Getting the kids balloons on a crazy windy day, which they subsequently lost and then broke into complete hysterics.

Mistake #4: Daddy spying balloons on a real estate sign and pulling to the side of the road and stealing them less than 5 minutes after leaving a festival celebrating cops and civic responsibility!

These stolen balloons are so much better than the free ones we lost! In Rob's defense, he did tell the girls that stealing the balloons was bad!

Back to School!

It's hard to believe that Kendyl's second year of preschool has already arrived. This school year has been highly anticipated and she was excited beyond belief to know the big first day was finally here. To add to the excitement today was also Daddy's birthday (the BIG 34!) so Kendyl knows that cake and ice cream is also on the menu for tonight.

So, we started the day off with the appropriate breakfast and getting ready rituals and then picture crazy mommy began to snap away.

Getting ready to load up and head to OCP

A quick pic with Lauryl who has no idea we'll be leaving sissy at school

Mommy and her little twin

Dropoff went great- no tears as she sprinted into the room. I think this year is going to be a good one. Mrs. Lueckel and Mrs. Moore were fast friends to Kendyl and the silly songs and art projects will have her feeling right at home in no time. I am a little worried that her favorite part of her first day was their 'science experiment'--I need to impress upon her that unless she wants to be a doctor that science might not be the best way to go:-)

Daddy was at work when we left this morning, so here's his post-school hello and happy birthday hug from his big girl:



Here's looking forward to an amazing year of education, fun and new friendships!

Goodbye Lazy Summer Days

I cannot believe that our summer is over! How is this possible? I guess that losing 8 weeks due to back surgery didn't help, but geez, this is my favorite season and I'm just not ready to say goodbye yet.

We decided to send out the summer with a bang and spend the last official day of the pool season swimming...so did the rest of New Albany, I guess! I've never seen the pool so busy. As is par for the course, both girls were incredibly brave today after an entire summer of being tentative. I can't say for sure if this newfound braveness was a result of knowing it was the last day or more an artifact of showing off for daddy because he came with us!

My littlest water baby

Her role model

What's a day at the pool without a frozen treat???

Here's looking forward to fall and all the fun it brings. I can't wait to go apple picking, visit the pumpkin patch, cheer on the Buckeyes, and enjoy the perfect fall weather! In only 9 short months we can revisit my favorite season and go back to spending lazy days hanging out together at the pool.