Fun Fall Weekend

After a crazy week where Nate or I were out every night and were in and out all day as well, Friday afternoon came.  A rainy afternoon.  We stayed in and had dinner as a family.  I was able to make chicken recipe that I had been wanting to make all month which came out yummy and then we just played and had baths till bedtime.  And then Nate and I got to just chill with each other till our bedtime too.  

Saturday morning we hit up our local Stop & Shop for Birthday celebrating supplies.  Then we headed over to the Amherst Apple Festival.  The last two weeks the kids and I have spent a morning at the Amherst Family Center.  I imagine it is like a preschool classroom, but I stay with the kids and its free- snack included.  I had heard about this wonderful space right before the summer started and it closed for the season.  But two weeks ago we went and loved it.  So the fair was great because it helped fund this wonderful space.  Olivia got to go on her third pony ride of the year and we fed the goats!

Our next stop was Nana and Papa's house to celebrate Nana's birthday (a little early).  When I asked Olivia what we should get Nana for her birthday she replied "A pinata that we can hang from a tree and then all the treats will fall out."  We have read about it in a Clifford book and gotten to do one at our neighbor's birthday party earlier this summer.  So we did!  Happy 59th birthday Nana!!!

Then we headed to Bertucci's to catch up with an old friend Mike Yates who was visiting from England.  The kids did remarkably great while we shared what we have been up to, reminisced about the Wilson house, persons of peace, and even blackouts.  Sadly no pics, but it was a wonderful time.  Thanks Mike!

Then we headed back to Lincoln where we were able to surprise my mom with a cake for her 58th birthday!!!  Happy Birthday Mom!  

And today Sunday, we went to church.  Nate helped lead worship again and did great!  Afterwards we got to hang out with my brother and his girlfriend.  We enjoyed butternut squash soup and went apple picking with UMass Navs friends.  

Pictures follow, but not in order described above- I am having too much trouble moving them.  This is definitely not a professional blog:)

Olivia picked this one out- over Elmo and Thomas- she is definitely on a Cinderella kick right now.

Papa's turn- I think he swung too high...

Everyone took a turn from youngest to oldest...and then we had to hit it a few more times...

Aunt Hannah having fun :)

While we waited for Grandma to get home from ME, Olivia and Isaac played really well with the train station.

This bunny was as big as Isaac- 20 pounds!

Happy Birthday to you!

Almost the whole group- I think two students joined us after we took the photo.

I think she was more excited than she looks... the pony's name is Stanley.

Happy Birthday Nana!