Goodbye Goats!: October

October 1

State Fair

My favorite annual birthday activity! This year was even better because I got to "work" at the quilting table for the shop for the day, which meant sit there and sew, and then go play with my family!

October 2

Actual birthday celebrating. Andy and I dropped the kids off at school then had a boozy breakfast and ran some errands before it was time to pick them up again. This is 36.

October 3

Henrico County

Doing what they do. (Andy kept his helmet on so he looks a little taller standing next to Sarah.)

October 4

Cyborg Room

I remember this day clearly. I was sitting on the floor folding laundry while Leena was having quiet time and Edwin was supposed to be napping. He didn't nap so I let them play. The not napping when you expect them to nap is probably one of parenting's greatest disappointments. I am very, very slowly learning that it's only disappointing because of the expectation I set and to reframe my mindset.

October 5

Kilmarnock, VA

Andy and the kids visiting with his grandparents, their last-remaining greats. This was a while ago, but I'm glad they had this visit. A reminder to enjoy every moment.

October 6

Otter Cove

Still summer in their book! I miss that floppy hair.

October 7

Chiles Peach Orchard

Fall tradition with the Bott's! Though it's always so hot it never feels like fall, even in the mountains. So glad we have our yearly apple picking.

Lloyd Family Farms

Because we did all the fall things in one day. Here's the pumpkin patch portion of it.

October 8

YMCA

Showing off "Mr. Push Buttons" and ready for lessons.

October 9

Sunroom

Well great. He learned to cross his eyes like Leena.

October 10

Front Yard

Cats like to draw with chalk too.

October 11

Cyborg Room

Wedding quilt complete! Love how it turned out! You can't see all the details of the fabrics, but they are there and chosen specially for the recipients.

October 12

Onancock, VA

Long boarding behind Gramps's house. I keep thinking Leena has two broken arms, but those are just her arm warmers.

October 13

Onancock, VA

Sarah and Levi's wedding day. We never take pictures when we look halfway decent so Leena took this one for us.

October 14

Onancock, VA

We stayed in a friend's old house/mansion and it was full of all kinds of crazy stuff. This one man band instrument, a phone booth, and a jukebox, to name a few.

October 15

Baltimore Aquarium

We extended our weekend by heading north and hitting up Baltimore for a night/day. Surprisingly I think the highlight of the aquarium was the sloth we saw walking (do you call it that when they are hanging upside down moving?) in the tropical forest room.

October 16

Belmont Rec Center

Leena's last night of this ballet session. She's in the back row in the purple leotard. She's got her arms up so that's a good sign because usually she gets pretty shy on parent's night.

October 17

Leena's Room

My favorite thing to discover after Leena has quiet time are dressed up animals!

October 18

Back Yard

Edwin just woke up from nap and I sent him outside to play with Andy at the woodpile. Something about that orange vest always makes me want to take his picture and he's never happy about it.

October 19

LGBG

You can't see Mr. Crane very well, but he is perched at the top of the tree. The one in the middle.

October 20

Sunroom

Sometimes it is hard to figure out what to do when parents come to town. Something extra exciting for the kids, something you haven't done a million times with the parent already. Pumpkin carving was a semi-chaotic, pretty fun option.

October 21

National Harbor Ferris Wheel

Drove up to see Bud and pals for the day. Took a ride on the ferris wheel with Randy, ate some food, and went into DC for the Natural History Museum because it was too cold to be outside and we were underdressed.

October 22

Attic

All the laundry. I have an obvious cycle of waiting until all three baskets are overflowing with folded laundry before I put it away. Then I feel like it's an absurd amount and I take a picture.

October 23

Attic

The best of the Halloween prep. My wonky spiky dragon hat. I don't look ridiculous at all.

October 24

Henrico County

Training day on a ladder truck for Andy. Those ladders look a lot taller when you're looking down from the top. Now imagine being on that in front of a flaming building. No thanks.