Boo at the Zoo

Before baby A arrived there were a few things that we needed to do to get ready.  Scott had work and a honey do list and I wanted to take the boys to Boo at the Zoo. We didn't get to go with Gabriel's school due to weather so, Sunday before Halloween we spent the morning at the zoo with my mom.  

The weather was perfect, very fall like and the animals were out and putting on a show.  We took the time to just wander as far as I could walk.  Then it was time for the train.  We probably went around the park 3 or 4 times.  The train was by far one the the most fun things the boys have done at the zoo.  Just look how happy they are!

Bennett is very into trains right now and he was in heaven.  Gabriel was excited to get around the park quickly and see a lot of animals and tell us about them.  I had cramps in my legs from being smushed in the seats and being 9 months pregnant.  

I love going and seeing the zoo all dressed up for Halloween.  One year will will have to go at night to really experience Boo at the Zoo, maybe when their bedtime isn't 7:30. 

Pumpkin Patch Part 2

We decided that our first trip to the pumpkin patch this year just wasn't going to cut it for the boys.  I felt they didn't really get to play, mean parents didn't want to pay for every little thing at the first one.  Thankfully, we live less than 10 minutes from a great little place, Thies Farm.  There is 1 price and the kids can do pretty much everything. 

So we told the boys we had a surprise for them and took off.  Gabe took the surprise very seriously.

Waiting to see his surprise

We got there 20 minutes after it opened and we waited in a long line just to pay to get inside.  Clearly, everyone thought10am Sunday morning was the best time her to check this place out.  Once we were inside, the boys headed straight to the hay pyramids to climb and jump off. 

Waiting for the tractor

They loved this tunnel, Scott not so much

See Scott and Bennett up top?

Then it was off to check out goats and tunnels and pirate ships and more tunnels and slides and obstacle courses and more hay pyramids. 

He did not want to look

We spent a hour and half playing.  Our goal was to play till lunch time and we did just that.  They didn't even put up much of a fight when it was time to go, unlike the previous weekend.  They were exhausted.  The only thing I was a little upset over was the lack of mums to choose.  I didn't get a single plant.  Oh well, the boys got home and slept for a while - Thank you Thies Farm!

Bunked Boys

The boys are officially in the same room.  We made the decision to get bunk beds before the baby arrives and every night I'm a little nervous to put them to bed.  We had a good bedtime routine, but it's time to move Bennett out of the crib, he was bouncing out of it.  Of course he is now bouncing on the top bunk with Gabriel.

On Saturday morning Scott took the time to build the bunk beds.  The first half a building was done with "helpers" and then I took the "helpers" to swim lessons so real work could be completed. 

When we returned the beds were pretty much put together.  All that was needed was a trip to get mattresses.   

Another quick trip and Scott was home with mattresses and the bed were put together just in time for nap time. 

 

If you look closely, you can see both boys on the top bunk asleep.  B is at the bottom and G is up top

  We have found the boys a couple times sharing the top bunk.  We think Bennett is a little scared on the bottom and likes to curl up by Gabe.  So far they aren't long enough for that to matter and seem to get along.  We will see how this turns out as they get used to the beds.

Pumpkin Patch

We postponed our trip to Rombach's Pumpkin Patch with friends from the week before due to illnesses with everyone.  We still wanted to get a trip in and check out a new place.  We had heard good things about Rombach's, but never visited.  I'm glad we ventured out of our comfort zone to check this place out.  We happened to pick a day that was mid-80s, in mid-October and it didn't feel very fall like. 

These two!

There was so much to see and do.  The plus was that it was free to just go there, the negative was that we felt we needed to constantly say yes or no to anything the boys wanted to do.  The other pumpkin patch we go to has a flat rate and the boys can just run and climb on everything. 

The things we did try out were: the Haunted House, running through a fort, checking out live animals, old fire truck, horses to pet, picking pumpkins and we did pay to run through a blow up dragon.  There were bounce houses, pony rides, beer garden, concessions, hay rides - lots to do. 

Riding in the Fire Truck

The boys did have a lot of fun and even though they may have missed out on some of the big things, they walked away with a great looking pumpkin. 

That pumpkin might have wanted to stay at the patch.  Bennett has decided it is a ball and likes to roll it down the front yard and into the street, every. single. day.

Columbus Day

I love a good Columbus Day Parade.  Every year since I've moved back, I've gone to the one on the Hill.  This year, I'm blaming pregnancy brain for my lack of timing.  I thought the parade started at 11am (we eventually found out it started at 12:30).  We arrived at Berra Park to let the boys play a bit at 10:30.  They had fun, they wore themselves out by noon.  At this time, I thought the parade started at noon, per the sign in the park.  So we decided to get the chairs and get our seats. 

We got settled and said hello to cousin Debbie.  Then the boys started running around everywhere not listening.  They both were exhausted and waiting the extra 30 minutes was looking like an eternity for Scott and I. 

Look at the excitement in their faces

These are the best pics we got

After the last time we told them to stay off the lawn, we had to make do on our threats to leave and miss the parade.  And we did.  We walked back to the car and loaded it up and headed home for lunch and much needed naps. 

I am sad we didn't see the parade this year, but the boys needed to learn a lesson (I hope they did). 

Homecoming Parade

Gabriel had his first school function this past weekend.  His preschool was invited to walk in the Homecoming Parade for Parkway North High School.  As soon as the note came home, Scott jumped a the chance to walk with Gabe in the parade.  At 9 months pregnant, I did not fight this one bit.

So the morning of the big parade Gabe got dressed in his Superman shirt, this class's theme, and I dropped Scott and Gabe off at the meeting point. Then Bennett and I went to find the perfect watching spot. 

Gabe and his friend, Drake

We waited and waited for the parade to start, then the police car came through, followed by the band.  Bennett was pretty excited and figured out that he could get a lot of candy while we watched.  And he did come home with a good amount. 

Waiting for the candy

Thankfully, Gabriel's school was close to the beginning of the parade and they didn't have to walk in the rain much.  Gabriel had a lot of fun walking with his friends and his dad.