It's Fall

This weekend we headed out to the local apple orchard. We jumped in a giant, inflatable apple, saw pigs and sheep, picked our apples, and ran through a hay bale maze. We brought home yummy apples, caramel, flowers and great memories! Lovin' fall!

A Big Boy Bike

Doesn't this smile say it all?! Zach is thrilled with his new bike and lately it's ALL he wants to do! He spends time everyday "checking it out" He looks at all the gears and wires like he is trying to grasp how it all works! (mini dave!)
I actually thought we could wait a few days on a helmet...you know, at least until the weekend so I could shop for one...I guess not!!! Seriously...he's 2 1/2...where does he GET THIS!? (on second thought...maybe its his crazy cliff jumping father!) I love my boys!
ps...dave brought this bike home as a surprise for zach (surprise mom too!) I actually wish I had photos of his face when he saw it! It is made for children age 4-8 but dave assured me that "zach can handle it". An afternoon of fabrication later (making seat lower than it is made to go)... zach can reach the pedals! Goodbye red trike...hello training wheels!

Recipe for a Magical Afternoon

Picnic at local duck pond +

Run through kids favorite tunnel +

Pick new books at library

Then take them home (exhausted) put them down for naps and VIOLA...

DADS HOME!

Sunny San Diego

What a weekend! A much needed break filled with lots o' laughs!! Just a peek at some of the fun things we did!We saw Rascal Flatts from the 10th row! Being from Missouri I was skeptical that there could really be rednecks in California...but alas there are beer drinking, tight jean wearin, ready for a fight people EVERYWHERE!

(amy should know...one spilled his beer on her!)

We saw the San Diego temple (my first time...BEAUTIFUL)

La Jolla

...we asked this lady to take our pic and she said, "Oh, I can't but let me get my son, he's from Hollywood...he can do it!" (WHAT?) umm thanks dude!

We visited the Hotel Del CoronadoWe had a great dinner (mom, it was mahi mahi) on the ocean YUM!

then we took a CRAZY bike taxi ride back courtesy of Dexter our new friend

I almost felt like I was in college again! :) I loved the weather, the beach and the funny/serious talks...the time away was wonderful but coming home to the 3 sweetest faces in the WORLD... divine!

Split Personality

Today I woke up and... I miss Missouri - my family, my old house, my friends, heck, I even miss my old church calling (never thought I would say that)! and I miss teaching my piano girls...I miss going to my bros and sis bball games and sunday dinners at my parents house. I really miss the tornados (if you know me you know I am serious!).

...the funny thing is with all this sad emotion...the other half of me is SO HAPPY! Why?

Well, in a few short hours I am boarding a plane with my dear friend (AMY!!) I will have NO DIAPERS in my purse (which is a first in 2 1/2 years) and I think I will even bring a magazine with me to read! hahah! (can't do that when flying with two children)

you see, amy won a radio contest (it helps when you know the dj) we are flying to san diego to see rascal flatts tonight...then we are going to sleep in our lovely hotel and play ALL DAY tomorrow, returning after much shopping and sun on Sunday (did I mention this was free!) SWEET!

a big thanks to my sweet, sweet husband who is making all this possible with excellent childcare! hehe! (good luck honey!) I love you!

The Polka Dot Party

First Bite
Finger lickin' good!Lily actually preferred her M&Ms to mom's homemade cake!
Grandpa Jimmy sent Zach a reminder of his ring bearer days! The shopping cart was a hit!All the kiddos

What a great day! We missed having all our family but hope you enjoy the pictures! Thanks for the cards and calls that made it special! Lily is officially 1...and also officially walking! :)

Happy 1st Birthday Lily Anne Painter!!

My dollbaby is 1! 365 magnificent days! Her little party is on Saturday...cake and prezzies hurray!

Beach Babes

What a great weekend...thanks to amy for documenting it! :) For a little family from Missouri...the view was breathtaking!

Camping with the Hansens

We went camping for the first time this weekend with the Hansen Family! Beautiful weather and a beautiful drive to the coast (you could hear the waves from our tent!) Zach loved getting his own sleeping bag and even ASKED if he could go to bed! He also loved the camp food..eating 2 hotdogs himself! Although when it came time for smores (the main event) he informed us that, "I don't need any, my tummy is too full!" Apparently he hasn't learned that you NEVER say NO to chocolate!