Playgroup at the Pumpkin Patch

Today's playgroup was at Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch in Hampshire. Although we didn't actually pick out any pumpkins, we had a very fun time taking advantage of some of the other fun things they had to offer!

The Crew...
Matt, Coralyn, Caleb, Ella, Jack, Lydia
...we missed you, Maddie and Aubrey!


Caleb was a bit whiny at times (a combination of being over-tired, and on the tail end of a minor cold, I would imagine), but he seemed to have a good time. Caleb's favorite "attractions" were the wooden trains/cars/trucks that he could climb on and "drive". Oh, and he also loved all the open space so he could run....fast....and sometimes away from me. He is getting faster by the day. And more independent by the day. Interesting combination. =)

In the hay maze...


Petting a bunny that had escaped from his confines...he was trying to get into the chicken coop. Natalie saved the day and brought him back to the other bunnies. Although, the lady who worked there told us that this particular bunny always escapes, and always tries to get in with the chickens....so funny!


Caleb and Ella checking out the chicks...

Chillin' on the train...

Goats...the poor things kept thinking that Caleb was going to feed them. But, he just wanted to use their "spoon" to dig in the dirt.

Cutie...


And of course, Meredith was there....this is what she enjoyed most about the day.

Our Refrigerator

I love that the outside of our refrigerator has become "home" to special creations by Caleb!

He really enjoys doing "projects" and I have to admit, I love doing them too! We color, paint, and have recently tested out a cut/paste activity. Well, I did the cutting, but Caleb did a great job sticking the letters (cut out of a magazine) onto the paper! I need to get some kid-friendly scissors so that he can start doing that part as well. That will be fun...=)

Most of the things on the fridge are projects he has brought home from church. This is his first year being in a class at church where they have structured activities for the kids to do...so every Sunday, while we are in the worship service and every Wednesday, while I am in Entrusted, Caleb gets to do a craft. It is so exciting to pick him up, check out what craft he did, and have him tell me what they learned about that day.

Here is a picture of our fridge. The teacher in me really wants to put up a bulletin board in our kitchen to display his work, but for now we'll just settle for the front of the refrigerator. =)


And here is a picture from some weeks ago, with Caleb wearing the craft he brought home that day...a "safe" that says "God's Word keeps me safe".


It is so great to see Caleb learning so much....I absolutely love being home with him, seeing him learn and helping him learn (I definitely have plenty of opportunities to get my teaching fix!).

From letters to lyrics, from Bible stories to Thomas stories, from puzzles to how to hit a baseball, and all sorts of other things....each day with our little boy is a new adventure!

Pumpkin Farm

The original plan for the weekend was to go pick apples, but the cold and wet conditions, not to mention the minor sniffles that both the kids have had, led to a change of plans. Instead, we decided to take a quick trip to the pumpkin patch.

************Fun Fact************
It was exactly 1 year ago that we took our last trip to the pumpkin farm. Click here to see photos from that day! Notice the difference in attire....it was quite a bit warmer last year!
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Enjoy a quick glimpse into our latest excursion...

He sure does love tractors...


Sizing them all up...


Taking a closer look...


The girls are "falling" for him already...=)


A new friend...


Not sure about this guy...


Sleeping Beauty...




Staying warm and cozy...


Apple Cider Donut...


He picked out the 2 little ones....1 for him, 1 for Meredith...


Pumpkin Head...

2 Months!

Yesterday, October 10th, Meredith turned 2 months old! I can hardly believe how quickly these past two months have passed. I know everyone says that, and I personally say it all the time...but it is so true!

Our little girl is such a joyous part of our family. Her little personality has started coming through, and it appears that she might take after her mommy in a few ways. =)

She has settled in to a great little routine, and has been very kind to sleep for long stretches at night (last night, she had her longest stretch yet - 11 hours - yahoo!). She loves to be swaddled and loves her pacifier. She loves her play mat and her bouncy seat, and sometimes tolerates the swing. She loves bath time and loves to cuddle. She loves toys that rattle, and anything that makes music.

She loves Big Brother, and he loves her, too. The other day, I watched Caleb lying next to her on the floor, talking to her in a high-pitched voice, saying "you're so cute, you're just so cute" over and over again. I wish I had caught it on video, but I will just have to hope that I never forget the precious moment.

Here are some photos we took on Meredith's 2 month birthday....

Nana's Visit

Nana Johnson came to visit us this past week...all the way from Florida! We had a wonderful time with her, and are thankful she was able to come. Both Meredith and Caleb got some special "Nana time" over the last week!

She taught Caleb the song "Jesus Loves Me"...here's his most recent rendition. (Please excuse the part where I am singing....he is still working on mastering all of the words!)

"Jesus Loves Me"


Here are a few more photos I took.....

Apple time...


Cuddle time...


Play time...


Art time...


Reading time...


Love you, Nana!

The Art of Eating an Apple

I learned many months ago that Caleb, being the big boy that he apparently is, strongly prefers to eat an apple whole, as opposed to eating it cut-up in any way I might deem appropriate at the time (slices, cubes, quarters, etc...).

Oh yes, big boy Caleb is truly an independent apple-eater.

That is, until he gets to the seeds. When he gets to those "yuckies", he very nicely asks for assistance and can not continue on with his big-boy-apple-eating without the seeds being removed.

The Art of Eating an Apple
By: Caleb

1. Pick out apple. (Photos below show an apple from the Long Grove Apple Fest.)

2. Make sure to pay for chosen apple, should payment be necessary.

3. Have your Mommy help break the skin a bit with a first bite...but, don't let her eat too much. That is not good. The smaller the bite she takes, the more there is for you. This step is very very very important.

4. Eat. Enjoy.

5. Repeat step #4 until apple is gone.

6. Feel free to dance along to the live music while eating (sorry there is no video footage of this). This step is not necessary, but surely adds to your apple-eating experience.

Happy apple eating!
XOXO - Caleb