Mom and Eric visit

We were lucky enough to have Eric visit two weeks in a row this past month! He came with us to take the kids to the new playground, Taylor Farm Park. The kids enjoyed playing together, we had a picnic lunch, and took a nice walk.

We went out to eat and then played games one night after the kids went to bed.

The next weekend mom came down to help watch Katie's kids while they were out of town for a wedding. It was also her birthday! We took the ferry over to College Run Farms. The kids had fun feeding the birds on the ferry.

We did the corn maze which had a little sand pit treasure hunt at the end where you could dig for a piece of treasure - a very exciting ending for my kids.

Riser blazing his own trail.

Afterwards we got seasonal ice cream, a must at the end of each trip here.

We enjoyed the ferry ride home then I took my kids home for a rest. But mom went straight to feeding kids lunch and taking them to a volleyball game to see friends - amazing!

We came back over with the kids after their nap to make dinner for everyone - lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. Jane was also able to get Grandma on the trampoline!

Jane had decorated a very sweet cake for mom which we all enjoyed after dinner.

Then she got to open a couple gifts and cards from the kids.

The next day after church we all relaxed and watched the Commanders football game in the afternoon. The kids always play so well together - they love their time together.

It was so wonderful getting so much family time recently and spend Mom's birthday with her! 

Baptism

Last weekend Eric and I got baptized. Eric was inspired when he saw Eleanor get baptized in the Summer. I had been wanting to do it for years, but my propensity to avoid being on display had me dragging my feet. After Eric decided he was doing it, I was grateful for the opportunity to get baptized together.

It was much more emotional than I thought it would be, and it was so special Bonnie got to watch the whole thing. We also were fortunate my mom happened to be in town! Sadly we happened to sign up the weekend Katie and Chris were going to be in Boston but it was super special to have Eleanor and the rest of the kids see it. 

It was a beautiful morning and I'm so thankful Eric and I got to do it together and that we were able to share it with so much family. 

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. -Romans 6:4

Bonnie's first field trip

Bonnie had her first field trip with her preschool class at Holly Fork Farm. It was the perfect Fall weather, and Riser was happy to tag along. 

It was fun to see Bonnie with some of her new friends that I don't know - what a strange new season of life!

And Riser got to pretend like he was part of the class for the morning.

They got to pick little pumpkins.

And have a short lesson on pumpkins.

There were farm animals to see.

We also got to do a tractor ride, where we got a taste of Bonnie's newfound independence - not wanting to sit with us.

There was also a little tire play area that the kids loved and spent a lot of time at.

And finally they played in some corn until it was time to go home. A great first field trip that I'm glad we got to be a part of!