Halloween Costume Test Run

I finally tried Maddie's piggy Halloween costume on her yesterday and she really seemed to like it. I LOVE it. Hopefully Halloween dress-up goes just as smoothly.

Fall Picnic

Today, Maddie's preschool hosted a Fall picnic for her class. Mommies and Daddies were invited to attend and we all sat outside on a beautiful day.

We ate lunch together and watched the kids play while Moms and Dads had an opportunity to get to know each other better. It's been warm in Austin the last couple of weeks so today was a special treat with 70 degree weather and bright sunshine. The picnic was a lot of fun.

Neighborhood Pumpkin Patch

Every Fall, there's a small pumpkin patch set up near our neighborhood park that we like to take Maddie to. People bring canned food to support a local food bank and there are free activities for kids, picture opportunities and plenty of pumpkins.

It was raining a bit this morning, but we still made it out. Maddie got to decorate a pumpkin with Daddy, see some scarecrows and run around the pumpkins.

Looking Back

Maddie at 9 months old at a pumpkin patch last year.

Community Service Leaders

This week, Maddie's preschool featured several community service leaders for the kids to meet and learn about. She met a police officer and sat in a patrol car and met a firefighter and climbed through a big firetruck. The firefighters gave the kids little fire hats which Maddie has been wearing a lot these days.

Maddie in fire hat:


Maddie reminding me that she skinned her knee 2 weeks ago:

Pumpkin Patch

This morning, I took Maddie to a wonderful little pumpkin patch located at St John's United Methodist Church in Austin. We met our friends Erica, Ethan and Ava and made some new friends too.

This pumpkin patch is absolutely perfect for toddlers. It's not too big or too small, filled with hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes and located next to the church playground. And the entire area is fenced in. The kids have lots to keep them busy and parents enjoy a stress-free time.

We'll definately be visiting this pumpkin patch again.







Full set of pictures (129 shots): click here

Acorn Collecting

One of Maddie's favorite activities these days is collecting acorns. Whether we're on a walk, at the park or just about anywhere outdoors, Maddie can spot acorns like a pro.

This morning, we spent some time in the front yard putting up a few Halloween decorations. Maddie helped by collecting acorns.

Summersaults

Maddie loves doing summersaults. Everytime I pick her up at preschool, she does at least one. And she does them at home all the time too.

Maddie at 21 Months doing summersaults before bed:

Fall Weather = Return to Parks

Now that the crisp Fall weather has arrived, I try to get Maddie outside as much as possible. Maddie loves it. No more hiding inside from the 100 degree heat and humidity. Whew!

The next several months are my absolute favorite months to live in Austin.

Below are a few park pictures with Erica and one from this weekend with Daddy.

Lunch Date with Daddy

This picture is a couple of weeks old but I thought it was cute. Maddie and I always enjoy meeting Daddy for lunch during the week.