so far, a busy september!

Wow, we have been busy! The end of summer came quickly and we are trying to pack in a lot of fun. Tomorrow we start our new "fall schedule" and we are anxious to get in to our new routine. I think back to the beginning of summer when I was so anxious to get outside. I was slightly disappointed because it seemed like it was a HUGE challenge to be outside by myself with both girls. It was a new freedom that they just needed to get used to; and now that it's the end of summer I can't believe the difference! They aren't afraid of grass or sand or dirt or water (they, in fact, love to be in it). They constantly BEG to go outside (I guess the new challenge is going to be distracting them with indoor activities on cold and rainy days). While Little Pie still likes to test me by running towards the street, it's not as hard to keep them entertained in just our yard. They like to walk to the park now instead of ride in the wagon or their cars. I can't believe there was ever a challenge with playing outside! Well, it's still not super easy, but it's A LOT better than it used to be.

Here's a recap of the first couple September weeks:

The girls had their first Girls Night Out with BFF and her mama. Both daddies were busy, so the mamas thought it would be fun to take the girls out to eat. I was hesitant at first since it's ALWAYS a challenge to take the girls out to eat, but I thought we should just try it anyway. What's the worst that could happen? Well, all the girls (mamas included) had a blast!! Just look at these little dolls...

We went to visit Grams and Grandpa over Labor Day weekend. The girls sure love to go to their grandparents' house! They are so comfortable at Grams and Grandpa's; they know where their toys are, they know where their room is, they know where to find all the good stuff. We had a great weekend!

The girls had to visit Grandpa on the golf course and test out their skills too!

We also visited GG (great grandma). Little Pie looks sad here because we made her stop running around and take a picture with us. 

We visited the Red River Zoo.

Getting ready to run. She loves to be free from mommy's grasp.

Wow Little Bird, you're getting heavy!

Little Bird looking at some ducks(?) with Grandpa.

Mommy not getting any lovin'.

Always trying to figure out how to get in with the animals.

Getting ready to run again.

Is your mama a llama?

Looking at llamas with Grams and Grandpa.

Little Bird absolutely LOVED the carousel. As we were going around she made all sorts of adorable excited sounds. She was quite upset when it was finished and shouted "more!". After we left she kept talking about the horsey ride.

Having the time of her life!

Little Pie did not enjoy the carousel at all. Grams had to sit with her on the horse but the whole time she was yelling for bunny. Of course there is nothing we could do until it was over. After it was over, she also couldn't stop talking about the horsey ride...but I think she was just grateful it was over!

This past weekend, we took Uncle Rye to the Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield. He loves history so he wanted to see the reenactment of the attempted bank robbery. We also took him through St. Olaf so he could see where I went to school. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we were able to take full advantage. We also got to see mommy's BFF (Auntie B) and Mr. S., and Joel. It was fun be outside and do something different and even though we skipped the girls' nap (oh boy), it was well worth it! I'm glad that it is easier (still not easy) to do things with the girls and not have to always be home for meals and naps. I think the girls enjoyed themselves too (they were really ready for bed!).

Mommy and Little Bird waiting for the reenactment to start. It ended up being a long wait and the girls didn't make it through the whole thing.

Daddy and Little Pie.

The Teddy Bear Band performed (next to the Beer Garden, ha!). The girls LOVED it. Look at Little Pie getting jiggy with it.

Even Uncle Rye got into it!

Mr. S. wasn't as into it...it was a little too loud for his taste.

Little Pie was obsessed with the Teddy Bear. She followed him around everywhere and kept trying to grab his hand. She either wanted to give him a high five or hold his hand. We had to chase her around and keep her out his way.

A bear hug from Teddy Bear. She loved it!

The girls danced and danced and danced and danced. They could have stayed there all day. Check them out as they do the hokey pokey...