Fall has arrived...

Fall has arrived and while the weather has cooled off quite a bit, we have still managed to fit in some outdoor fun.

Posing for their annual picture by the scarecrow at the Fall Festival.

Riding on the train... Sam's favorite!

Joey skating at Grace's birthday party. He wouldn't let go of the railing for the first hour but then got a little more daring and actually skated around the rink a few times while showing off some of his dance moves.

Joey "racing" Sam on his bike.

Sam loves riding his bike. He's wiped out a couple of times but just dusts himself off and gets right back on. Our little tough guy. 

He's pretty proud of his new winter "mohawk" hat.

Our trip to the park to collect some leaves for Joey's Kindergarten project.

Just Dance

Joey: "Mom, if you are listening to a song and you don't know the words, just dance."

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books offer a variety of layouts and cover options to choose from.

1st Day of School

This post is slightly delayed but I am happy to report that the first day of school was a success for both boys. Joey is loving Kindergarten and Sam is transitioning very well into his Preschool routine. My babies are growing up way too fast!!

I picked Joey up after his first day of school so we could go out for some frozen yogurt at his all-time favorite place, Cherry Berry. While we were there I said "Joey, I didn't even cry today. Aren't you proud of me?" He got a little grin on his face and said "Mommy, I saw a little bit of tears." Then he pats me on the shoulder and says, "But it's okay, I'm still proud of you." My sweet boy!

INTERVIEW WITH A KINDERGARTNER

Joey

My favorite food is: Cereal

My favorite sport is: T-Ball

My favorite TV show is: Ninjago

The coolest person on Earth: Me... and Sam

One thing I am really good at: Coloring in the lines

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Minot

My favorite color is: Green

My favorite toys are: Iron Man, Mario Characters

When I grow up, I want to be: A Police Officer

My favorite movie is: Lion King

My favorite book is: The Gruffalo

When I was little I used to: Rock in the chair with Mommy

My favorite season is: Winter

My favorite snack is: Cheetos

One food I don't like: Mushrooms

My best friends: Tommy & Ryne

If I had one wish, it would be: To go to a hotel and swim

My favorite animal: Rhino

My favorite game is: Uno

All ready for their first day!

Showing off their "pack-packs".

Picture with Mommy (who was a little emotional at the moment... but NOT crying).

And with Daddy, who is calm, cool and collected.

Sitting at his desk. 

With his best buddies, Ryne & Tommy, who are both in his class!

And then there's this little guy... SO proud to be following in his big brother's footsteps.

INTERVIEW WITH A PRESCHOOLER:

Sam

My favorite food: Cereal Bars

My favorite sport is: HOCKEY!

My favorite TV show is: Backyardigans

One thing I am really good at: Gymnastics

My favorite color is: Orange

My favorite toy: Puzzles

When I grow up, I want to be: A Hockey Player

My favorite movie is: Finding Nemo

My favorite book is: Dino Hockey

My favorite snack is: Goldfish Crackers

One food I don't like: Anything that's healthy...

My best friends: Taylor, Easton, Clara and Peyton

My favorite animal: Horse

My favorite game is: Gone Fishing

#8 Take a mini road trip to a new destination

We had a hard time deciding on a location for our family vacation this summer. Initially we were going to meet some friends in Chicago but when that didn't work out, we decided to pick a place a little closer to home so we decided on Minneapolis. While we were there we visited the Build-a-Bear store, Nickelodeon Universe, Lego Land and Underwater World at the Mall of America as well as the MN Zoo and Dave & Busters. Ironically, one of the best parts of the weekend (for the boys) was the fact that they had their own room, complete with bunk beds, a television and video games (and of course, a pool to swim in at the hotel). The best part for us was seeing all the smiles and excitement on their little faces!

At Build-a-Bear, they got to each pick out a bear. Then they brought it over to get the stuffing put in and picked out a special heart for their bear. After that, they gave their bears an air bath, dressed them in their clothes and decided on a name. Joey picked a Karate Bear and named him Buddy. Sam picked a Basketball Bear and named him Basketball Bear. I was not a bit surprised with either of their choices.

Underwater World was very cool. There were sharks and other fish swimming in the tunnel all around us. 

Sam was SO excited to see Nemo. He could've cared less about the sharks,  stingrays and sea turtles. To him, it was all about Nemo.

Crocodile 

Look who we ran into on the way out!

Next we were off to Nickelodeon Land. Sam gave Dora a high-five and a big hug.

Joey loved Lego Land! 

Sam introducing Basketball Bear to his taggie.

Joey snuggled up with Buddy, ready to take a snooze on the way back to our hotel.

At Dave & Busters, Joey hit the jackpot on the first game he played.

Playing games with Daddy.

Swimming!!

Fun in the water!

Playing their race car game before bed.

Joey was SO excited about the Dinosaurs. This picture makes me laugh because the whole way there he kept stopping, looking around and saying "Did you hear that?".

Sam was a little nervous about the dinosaurs. He stayed in his stroller (holding onto his blankie tight) the whole time until the very end of the exhibit. When he was safely past the animated dinosaurs, he decided to get out so I could snap a few pictures.

Cooling off at the splash pad.

My silly boy.

Anyone who knows Joey, knows how much he loves monkeys. Well, on our way out, he spotted a baby monkey and he and I spent a good 10 minutes watching the baby monkey interacting with the other monkeys. So cute!