Pumpkin Patch

We drove down to Gilbert this morning to Mother Nature's Farm so Brea could pick out a pumpkin. They have a pumpkin patch, a gift shop, hay maze, hayrides and an animal farm. Brea loved it and went about 100 mph the whole time we were there. Her favorite part was picking out her own little pumpkin although she enjoyed throwing them more. Mom, Dad and Grandpa had a pretty fun time too!

Pumpkin Patch

Leech Lake

We flew to Minneapolis on Saturday September 25th for our annual Diede get together at Leech Lake. In a repeat of last years flight we were delayed once on board so our 2 1/2 hour flight turned into 4 hours. Brea did well but Travis and I constantly kept her occupied with books, toys, DVD's and snacks. She slept the final hour of the flight and woke up right before we touched down. Her ears bothered her a little on takeoff and landing but not enough for her to cry which was a relief. Our doctor recommended taking benadryl just in case but thankfully we didn't need to use it.

Once we landed in Minneapolis we rented a car and drove another 2 1/2 hours north to Leech Lake. We were the last ones to arrive at the cabin and were relieved to be done traveling for the day. Grandma and Grandpa bought pizza from Village Square in Walker for dinner so we could all relax and not cook our first night!

The week went fast as usual and we had beautiful weather again. Fishing was so-so but I think everyone enjoyed just being out on the lake. Brea, who has been locked in the house all summer LOVED begin outside. Grandma took her out the most so whenever Brea saw her she always said bye bye and ran to the door. She had a blast playing in the sand, the leaves and at the playground with cousin Mason.

More Vacation Pics

Playing in the Leaves with Cousin Mason!

Itasca State Park

While on vacation we drove to Itasca State Park to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River. I think the last time I was there was when I was 14 or 15 and a lot has changed including the addition of a nice visitors center/restaurant/gift shop. We walked back to where the river begins and let the kids run around and put their hands in the water. It was too chilly for us to let them wade in the water like we used to do in the summer.

End of our Trip

On Friday Travis, Brea and I headed to Maplewood where we spent the rest of the day and part of Saturday with Travis' brother and family. We had seen Todd and Nate a couple months ago but it had been almost a year since we had seen Lisa and Tanner. Brea had lots of fun playing outside and with all of Nate and Tanner's old toys. On Saturday morning Travis attended Nate's football game. I wish Brea and I could have gone but I didn't want her to miss out on her morning nap since she wouldn't get an afternoon one due to our flight. Our flight took off on time and Brea fell asleep on me as soon as we took off. She slept for about an hour and a half which was nice because we only had to entertain her for an hour. Lucky for us our plane was 20 minutes early getting into Phoenix because we landed right ahead of a dust storm. If we were in on time I'm sure we would have been delayed flying around Phoenix until it cleared. Goodbye clean MN air - hello dirty smoggy Phoenix air.

Daddy Dressed Me This Morning!

We couldn't take Brea to daycare today since Laura's son Camden has a fever. Travis stayed home this morning with her while I worked and then we switched for the afternoon. They had a lot of fun together and Travis sent me a picture on my phone of her mid morning. Of all the clothes in her closet he decided to dress her in a 6-9 month winter outfit that she had never worn. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard!! It actually fit her pretty well except for being a little tight on her tummy. We both think she looks like a cheerleader with the pleated skirt. By the way I did get Travis' permission to post this - he was a good sport about the whole thing!

Fun at the Fountain

This morning we took advantage of the mild temps to head to the fountain. We thought it would be a good chance to use Brea's new wagon but she had other ideas. She did okay sitting for about 10 minutes but was mesmerized by the flag poles and had to get out and run around. She also had a blast feeding the ducks and playing at the playground. Unfortunately it started to get pretty warm after about an hour so we went home. All of us are counting down the days until we have cooler temps and are able to be outside more. Travis found a sandbox for Brea a couple weeks ago and is hoping to get it put together today. I think she'll have fun playing in it but mommy better get shopping for some sand toys!

Our Little Climber

This morning I turned my back on Brea for a second to fill her sippy cup with milk and when I turned around she was sitting on the kitchen chair. She has been "practicing" whenever I've had her in the kitchen with me today.

Christopher Creek

Yesterday we drove up to Christopher Creek which is just east of Payson AZ with Grandpa and our friend Josh. Travis and I have been discussing trying to rent a cabin in the area to escape the desert heat in the summers. We drove up there yesterday to look at a place and ended up deciding to rent it for a few weekends this fall. It's only about an hour and a half drive but the temperature drops about 25 degrees. The area reminds me alot of northern Minnesota and it was good to smell the clean air again. Brea had a great time running around in the cooler weather!

Cousin Nate

Travis' brother Todd and our nephew Nate came to visit last weekend. They stayed with Travis' parents but came over to our house for dinner/swimming on Friday and Sunday. Brea had a lot of fun swimming with cousin Nate! We can't wait to see them again along with Aunt Lisa and cousin Tanner when we head to MN in a month!