Our Autumn (So Far)

With the huge exception of the week when my parents were visiting, we have had one of the most gorgeous autumns I can remember having in a long time-- it's been warm and dry, and overall just perfect.  (While my parents were here, it rained non-stop.  Naturally.)  And we have been doing all the things one usually does in the fall...

Napping:

(In Daddy's arms, if you're lucky!)

I think Bentley actually took this shot on a Sunday afternoon...  I'm glad no one is taking pictures of me napping!

Buying, carving and decorating pumpkins:

I love the green one, especially.  But really I sort of love all of these...

Visiting Cox Farms:

I got to be a chaperone for Kendra's class field trip to Cox Farms-- here we are on the bus!  I enjoyed myself even more when I realized that the last time we'd been, I was 8 months pregnant with Ryder!

Appreciating the sheep

Learning to milk a cow

She did great!  I would have tried it, but as a nursing mother, it seemed like I already spend too much time on stuff like this...

Enjoying one of the many slides there

Heading home (and sitting with her incredibly whiny, annoying friend)

Dressing up as vigilantes:

Getting caught in the rain:

Looks closely, you can see the water droplets in my hair-- I was completely drenched.

 Trying out our Bavarian dirndl dress:

What a fun present from Grandma and Grandpa's trip to Germany!  Kendra's totally ready for Oktoberfest now!

 Loving on Daddy:

"Don't go to work!  Stay here and play with us!"

Getting haircuts (just the girls):

Isn't she sweet?

Shameless selfie.  I know.

 Enjoying the gorgeous foliage:

These little burning bushes like to hide out among the trees.  They're my favorites.

 Figuring out how to keep the baby warm on cold mornings:

Somewhere in there is my beloved Ergo carrier!

 Visiting the park:

And looking cute in our warm fall clothes:

And of course, celebrating Halloween:

For the ward party, I tried to make Colton look like a Smurf, but it didn't really work.  I used blue corn starch left over from the color run, and it really just isn't meant to be used as make-up.  But on the plus-side, it was okay when he ate it!  But we opted for a different costume for actual Halloween...

The Relief Society's hayride was a big hit

Queen Kendra is perched rather daintily on her hay bale!

And of course, trick-or-treating with our friends, the Konstantys (notice Colton's new costume)

Knocking on doors

 We enjoyed swinging:

Colton slept in a swing for the first six months of his life, but this was taking "swinging" to a whole new level for him!

I like how little his feet are in this picture

And here he just looks so pleased with himself for being a big kid!

And occasionally, we were just plain crazy:

Ryder was actually happy here-- he was excited for Bentley's missing tooth.  But it was early and he still had bed-head, so he really just looks nuts.  But in a fun way!

I have no explanation for this picture.  Ryder is just weird...

It's been a great fall so far-- now if only this splendid weather can last until-- oh, I don't know-- March?  Then I'd be set!