September Fun

We haven't been doing too much around here lately - just relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous fall weather!  We have been checking on our pumpkin vines and we have a few that will probably be ready by the end of October (hopefully).  This was our first attempt at growing our own pumpkins and I think it's gone pretty well.  At least we have a couple that may turn out ok!

This pumpkin we are calling our "great pumpkin," because it's the biggest one we have.  This will be Parker's pumpkin (at some point).  Hah! 

This little cutie is for our newest addition.  I told Brad it will probably be a pumpkin by the time she makes her debut into the world - hah!  We have 6 total, but they have just started to form their round shape.  Oh well, we are certainly having fun watching them grow!

Sunday we took Parker to Riverfest.  This is a local event held every year at the end of September and all proceeds go to help children in need.  We have never been, so we thought we would try it out.  There was a children's area with games, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides and a train ride, arts and crafts booths and food and entertainment.

This was actually our last picture we took before leaving - Parker was so worn out, he didn't even want to stand for the picture - hah!

There was a "Little Tike" area where the kids could play on the toys.

We all enjoyed the petting zoo area

Parker was really fascinated with "Kate" the sheep.  He just sat down beside her and watched her.

We liked this guy's hairdo!

This pig was my favorite

Brad took Parker on the pony ride - Parker loved it!

This was Parker's preferred mode of transportation.  It got hot quick and Parker was ready to eat!  After we ate some lunch, we walked around for just a little bit longer, then we all got hot and tired, so we headed home so Parker (and dad) could take a nap!   

Fun at the Apple Farm!

Sunday we went north to a local apple farm (it's the largest apple farm in Georgia).  This has become an annual event with our neighbors, John and Jinna.  They have a cabin in the North GA mountains, so we meet them at the farm, we ride out on the tractor and pick our own apples, buy yummy treats at the apple market store, then head over to their cabin for a cookout.  There is usually a crew of about 10 that make the trip every year, so it's been a fun trip that we always look forward to.  We are so thankful for great neighbors that invite us every year!

It was a gorgeous day - in the 70s.  It was cool in the morning, but warmed up quickly.  Here we are headed out on the tractor.  Parker was fascinated and distracted by the tractor - hah!

Mrs. Jinna with Parker - she is so sweet and loving with Parker and Parker adores her too!   

Parker loved the tractor ride and was getting excited as we made our way through the orchards.

Walking down the road to find the Beni Shogun apple trees!  They are a sweet, crispy apple.  We got 2 full bags of them!  At the market store, you could taste all the variety of apples available at this time, before you went on the tractor ride, so you knew exactly what to get.  The orchards are huge and there are only certain apple tree rows open, due to the readiness of certain apples.  It is quite the production! 

Parker and I found the Beni Shogun apple trees.  The best thing about the apple farm is their U-pick.  This means as you walk through the orchards, you can pick as many apples from the trees as you want and eat them!  At the market store, you purchase a bag, then as you walk through the orchards, you can pick and eat and then stuff your bag with as many apples as you can!  It is awesome!

Parker's 1st pick from the tree - we were both real excited to eat this one!

He was trying so hard to get a bite!

Success!

YUMMY!

Taking a break after a "hard" day of picking apples - hah!  It got warm quick, so Parker and I had to roll up our sleeves and pants and sit in the shade for a while.

One happy, tired little boy on our way back from picking apples! 

At the market store, we got apple cider, a Dutch apple pie and I got 2 caramel apples and 2 white fudge-covered apples.  I have waited a whole year to get those apples, and I'm going to do my best to make them last - hah!

Our pictures from last year's trip to the apple farm.

Parker is 3!!!

Parker turned 3 Thursday.  I can't believe 3 years has gone by - where has the time gone??  It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital getting ready to meet our little man.  It has been a wild and fun 3 years and I wouldn't trade all our experiences we've had with Parker for anything in the world.  He brings so much joy to our lives and he truly is a blessing from God!  We love you bunches Parker!  Happy 3rd birthday!

Parker's debut into the world - 9/8/08!

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old - enjoying his birthday dinner of Chick-fil-A nuggets and watermelon! 

Parker thought it would be fun to pinch the flame, instead of blow - hah!

Enjoying his cupcake - down to the very last bite!

Aunt Amber, Uncle Kevin, and Cousins Dustin and Shelby sent Parker some great gifts.  He got several outfits and an alphabet apple.  I knew my sister and her hubs Kevin would find something that made noise - hah!  Thanks to you all - everything is perfect!

Leave it to my brother to get Parker a deer hunting shirt - hah!  The shirt says, "Chicks dig me, Deer fear me!"  I think that pretty much sums it up - hah!  Thanks Uncle Ryan, Donnie and Cousin Dakota and Katey for the shirt and for Parker's college fund money! 

For birthday entertainment, we ran around in our backyard, played on the playset and Brad and I played a little baseball with Parker.  The weather has been absolutely gorgeous the past few days - in the 70s.  It's such a welcome relief from 90+ degree heat and humidity!

Parker didn't go to school on his birthday, so the next day he went, we took mini blueberry muffins to celebrate his special day.  The class sang, "Happy Birthday" to him and he loved it!  They ate their muffins for breakfast snack and the teacher told me they gave Parker another muffin, just for him at lunch.  He's definitely a ladies man - hah!  

This sign is in the hallway of the school - so cute! 

Parker had a great birthday and we enjoyed getting to celebrate his special day with our friends and family.  Thanks again to everyone who came to his birthday party to help us celebrate.  Thanks to our families who were there and helped in so many ways.  We love you all!