The Pumpkin Patch

Today we went to Schuett's Farm to pick out another pumpkin to carve at home. It was finally a beautiful day and the perfect setting to get some great pictures! Rachel was really excited to see all of the pumpkins they had and kept running up and down the rows and picking up the pumpkins. They had quite a few that were even bigger than her! We also did a quick walk through the hay maze - it was just so nice to get outside.

Halloween Party at the Sobczak's

Every year our friends Jenny and Eric Sobczak have a Halloween & Pumpkin Carving party at their house. We have not been able to attend the last couple of years, so I was really looking forward to it this year. I don't think I have carved a pumpkin since I was a kid. I think ours turned out awesome!

All of the pumpkins lit up sitting out on the deck -

Sleeping Beauties

There is nothing more peaceful than watching Rachel sleep. One morning she was up a little too early so we brought her in bed with us in hopes she would fall back asleep. I woke up to her and daddy sleeping nose-to-nose - I couldn't resist a picture!

Pumpkin Patch Festival - Door County

Earlier this month we went to Door County for the big Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor. It was such a fun way to celebrate fall and see the leaves starting to change colors. It was quite cold though and felt more like winter when the snow flurries started! We stayed just long enough for Rachel to have some fun in the bounce house and get a pumpkin face painting, I got to enjoy one of my favs - hot apple cider!

A trip to Door County couldn't be complete without stopping at the orchards. This time is was apple & pumpkin season, so we got to try all of the yummy things they put out on display - pumpkin fudge, apple doughnuts, apple & pumpkin butter, dips, etc.

There is a great spot just down the road from my Dad's condo to watch the sunset. Brian and I braved the cold and strong winds coming off the Bay to watch and take some great pictures. It's like the water just swallows the sun right up! So neat!

Chicago Visit

Saturday we went to Chicago to visit cousins Mike, Erin, Jack, and new baby Davis Michael. We started the trip off with Rachel's first visit to the Shedd Aquarium. First stop was the Polar Play Zone, where kids can get an underwater view of all the fish, penguins, dolphins, otters, and sea lions. There are also hands on exhibits where you get to touch a starfish, coral, and other sea life. Rachel didn't really want to try the hand on exhibits and was content with remaining in viewing distance only.

We also really enjoyed the Wild Reef exhibit, which is another underwater viewing are of the sharks, eels, sting ray, and huge gardens of coral. There is actually a glass floor area where you get to walk over the sting ray.

After the aquarium, we had a quick lunch outside and headed back to the Thorington place to visit for a while. Since Jack had fallen asleep on the way home, and Rachel and Davis were being little angels, Erin and I took a (very) quick shopping trip to Nordstroms on Michigan Ave. and left the kids home with the guys. Although we didn't have much success with purchases that day, it was still exciting to get out and enjoy the city. Rachel really liked spending some time with baby Davis too.