Field trip!

Last Friday marked Henry's second field trip.  It would have been his second trip to Nivens Apple Farm had they not cancelled on Henry's class last year, forcing them to relocate to Callaham's orchard.  Daddy went last year, but his schedule wouldn't permit for him to go this time.  I got to go along this year, and I had a great morning with my boy.

We arrived by bus.

And we were greeted by a ruler wielding pumpkin.

And after the hayride (the most anticipated part of the trip)...

We embarked on the corn maze.

The direction wasn't always clear, and there wasn't always a consensus:

But we made it out in time to jump on some inner tubes.

Then we took in the farm animals and picked out (but didn't pick from the vine) our pumpkin.

 Wesley and Henry played checkers like old men... so cute!

The hayride, corn maze, inner tubes, farm animals, pumpkins, and other miscellaneous attractions were pretty great, but here is what I think was the most fun part for Henry... this rail that led into the store.

I love this boy.

Fall Family Fun

As if our fall wasn't fun enough already, the yW hosted a family fun night on the 18th--potluck dinner and a cookie decorating station for the kids.

Henry, who has a propensity to eat only icing and not its carrier, ate his whole cookie.  We were so darn proud!

Driving Lessons

Hehe...

Almost one...

Ryleigh turns one on the 28th, so we celebrated a little early.  This pre-birthday party was very casual as you can tell from H's selected attire.

Happy Almost Birthday to Ryleigh!

Meanwhile, back at the pumpkin patch

Here's what was going on while Anna played soccer... related activity.

Here's what was going on while Evan played his soccer match... pumpkin patch!

The church who hosts the Upward soccer teams was also hosting a pumpkin sale to go towards their mission efforts.  We didn't purchase a pumpkin, but we did offer our examination of their offerings, and Anna let Henry know that they already got their pumpkin from this patch.  Later, they also made good use of the stickers and candy they were given which inspired creative sticker placement and lots of energy.

Take Two

The last time we were supposed to go to the Samford versus Furman game at the Bulldog's stadium, I caught an insanely rough stomach virus just in time to know not to even try to get on the road.  Last weekend, we made the trip with no mishaps, and we also got to spend some time with a family member who wasn't around two football seasons ago.  We also got to watch not one, but two soccer games since Anna joined her brother in soccer stardom.

Anna got a goal at her early AM game on Saturday!  Woo Hoo!

Evan got a save (I think it's called) at his mid-morning match!  Woo Hoo!

Ryleigh observed and offered some light hearted commentary.  (Seriously, she's the easiest going nearly one year old ever!)

And between the two soccer games, we ate the second breakfast of champions... chocolate bars, cupcakes, cakes, cinnamon buns... you get the idea.

Second breakfast (and the sugar) brought out Evan's game face.

And watching the games, the proud parents, and Henry's joy when "practicing" with Evan made us actually look forward to the same for Henry one day.  

I imagine it won't be much longer for this one, either.

Oh, and speaking of games, Samford got beat by Furman.

Basketball is in the air... or is it vice versa?

Yes, we are loving taking Henry to football games and watching them on TV with the boy, but Cory's son also has a true love and talent...

for the game of basketball.  In fact, he wants the game to go just so and the ball to be exactly right.

Basketball starts Tuesday, and two people in this family are pumped!