The Eplegaarden

I was poking around online last week looking for things to do Labor Day weekend (other than the Ren Faire, of course), and I noticed that the Eplegaarden (that's Norwegian for apple garden, in case you couldn't tell) had a "nickel ice cream social" going on all weekend. I mentioned this to Meghan, since we had been talking about how much we love fall and all things fall-like, so our two families decided to go together on Sunday.

It was so much fun! It was a beautiful fall day; sunny with just the slightest chill in the air (which was welcome after the 90-degree temps we had been having the week before). We got a huge bag of apples to share (I'm already thinking of what I can make--apple bread, applesauce and, of course, apple pie are at the top of my list), and Kate loved that she got her very own ice cream cone (vanilla, of course; no worries about stains!) And Kate & Adelaide had fun together like they always do; it's fun to see them play together.


Checking out her new shoes (well, they're not new; I got them for her baby shower, but they've been too big until now)


What is this blasted thing you just put on me?


Love the shoes, outfit and her expression!


Kate & Daddy before we head out! It was one of those days where layers were definitely needed; in the sun, we were too hot, but then if the wind blew, we were glad to have our sweatshirts.




Hey, can I get in the wagon?














Two good friends


Mmmm.... ice cream

The Renaissance Faire

We had so much fun at the Renaissance Faire; it's become a summer tradition, and since summer was almost over and we still hadn't gone, we went on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. It was the three of us, plus Rori, Kirsti and Colin. We had such a great time! We saw some shows (such as a sword-swallower--ouch!--and an acrobat team), the queen's processional, presentation of the nobility, and a joust (the guy that our section of the audience was cheering for was by far the best). Go figure, though; the joust was during the time that Kate had only been sleeping in her stroller for about half an hour, so all the cheering woke her up. She had the funniest look on her face, like, "What in the world is that ruckus?" All in all, it was an amazing day; always one of my favorite parts of the summer.

I think Kate's favorite part was going on a pony ride (I, of course, walked right by her). Any animal that she doesn't know the name of (or, more accurately, that she can't say the name of) she calls "doggie." So as soon as I put her on the horse (whose name was Simon), she started saying excitedly, "Hi, doggie! Hi, doggie!" and petting its mane. It was absolutely adorable. Of course, when we left, I told her to say bye to the horse, and she did the absolutely adorable wave and kept saying, "Bye, doggie, bye, doggie." I love this stage; it's so much fun!




Look how happy she is!


Sitting so nice on her horse








You can tell she's getting tired; she's had a long day!

Our Sunday Celebration

On Sunday, we went up to Green Lake with Tracy and her girls, my grandparents, and my aunt Chris & uncle Mike to celebrate my grandpa's and Chris's birthday. It's a restaurant on a beautiful lake, so when Kate got fussy, Dan just took her outside and let her run around in the gardens. She loved it!




Making amends with Maxine, who now tolerates Kate




This is a weird picture of her, but it shows her beautiful outfit so well (and it's from my mom, naturally)




Aunt Chris, Grandma, Grandpa, Tracy


The grandparents and grandchildren (and great-grandchild)

Toddler Clothing Quirks

Kate's at that age now where she likes to wear funny stuff all the time (well, when we're at home). For example, she often wears shorts on her head now (it looks like a Pope hat they way they stand straight up), or her latest thing is in the pictures below. This bunny thing was part of a decoration from a Sees candy box my mom gave us at Easter, but Kate wants to wear this thing on her head all the time. We say she looks like a little doctor (you know, how they have those headpieces with the light).




She loves this wagon from my aunt Chris

Sidewalk Chalk

Since Kate loves to color and draw, and it was a beautiful day out, I decided that this morning we'd use our new sidewalk chalk we got the other day. We had so much fun! Sometimes I really miss having a cuddly newborn baby, but then again, there is something so great about having a toddler that you can *do* things with! Everything is an adventure with Kate; when I told her we were going to go color outside, her face lit up and she ran to the door. I absolutely love staying home with my little girl; every day is something new with her!


I love this picture of her!




Gleefully admiring our creation


A close-up, although you can't really see it that well.

New Year's Resolution #5 Complete!

With Dan's paycheck today, we completed our last New Year's Resolution, which was to beef up our emergency fund to $2500.00. Yay! Although we're not done; the Dave Ramsey plan we're following says to get six months worth of expenses in savings, so that is next on our list. Hopefully we'll get that done by spring.

Madison Children's Museum

On Saturday, we went as a family to the Madison Children's Museum. It was so cool! I actually bought a membership for Kate & myself, since we'll be going a lot during the week, I'm sure, since I'm always looking for fun, educational things that we can do together.

She had a blast! She loved the blocks; we sat there and built structures, knocked them down, rinse, repeat. She also loved the water area (and, unlike at Olbrich, she was allowed to play in it this time!) There was also a mixed-media studio where they could do arts and crafts; I think we'll wait until she's at least two to do that. But when she's old enough, it will be so fun! We also went on the tour of the authentic log cabin that was common in Wisconsin throughout the 1800s. It was so interesting to see, but all I have to say is, people in the 1800s obviously had a lot less stuff than people do nowadays! I can't imagine living in an enclosure smaller than my garage!

The museum was kind of crowded, though, seeing as it was Saturday, but I'm sure that going during the week will be better.

Afterward, we went to Brickhouse BBQ; I thought it was so good when we went there with Meghan and Adelaide that I wanted to take Dan there, too.


She looks so adorable in her smock!


You mean I actually get to play with water this time?




Having so much fun building!


Putting the blocks away






Beautiful dress!


Peering down from the pirate ship's mast




Reading a book inside this cozy little "pod"