{Apple Orchard}

Yesterday we took a drive to a new orchard. It was a beautiful day. The car ride was a bit stressful, as Brittyn hates the car.She has hated the car since the day we brought her home it seems. Screaming fits are quite normal in the car. Anyhoo, we arrived to the orchard and the girls had a lot of fun picking apples. Most of the apples actually weren't ready to be picked, but there was one variety we were able to pick. Brittie loves being outside. Fall represents a season of change, and looking back on last year's trip it has never been so evident. Our girls are growing up, so quickly. I need to remind myself to stop, savor, and enjoy!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful fall and start to the school year.

{what a difference a year makes!}

{Labor day weekend}

Reality has set in and today school officially begins.  I have finally accepted that this time of year -- the end of summer and transition to early fall is the hardest time of the year for me. Some people dread the holidays or the darkest days of February, but for me I'd say Labor Day weekend and those first weeks of September give me a sinking feeling. Trying to greet the sinking feeling with acceptance and patience as I wait for the cool comfort of deep fall. Those words were written by a friend and school social worker {Erin Sugrue} as she stated these words much better than I could have, but truly captures my sentiments as well.

Because today is the last "official day" of summer. We are soaking up the its last bits.
The weather feels more like fall today, which seems to help put my brain into school mode.

This past week has been busy. I was back to work. Going to mulitple in-services, trying to figure out my crazy schedule, meeting kids and families at open house and trying not to stress. Outside of work we were rather productive. Darryl's parents had the girls through Thursday so this allowed Darryl and to get some things checked off our list. We cleaned out the toy room on Monday as it had been overcome with toys and lacking organization. On Tuesday, we headed out to the car dealership after work and I traded in my protege with about 150,000 miles on her in 10 years, for a new toyota prius. Let me say, it is so nice to have a new car!! I am also looking forward to great gas mileage! Friday we spent the day at the Great MN get together {aka the fair}. The girls did great and the weather was cooler than it had been since the fair started. Yesterday we explored Minnehaha park. We had a picnic and explored.
Here are some pictures from yesterday.

Hope everyone is soaking up the last bits of summer!
Yay team fall.