Apple Picking!

So, we got around to apple picking kind of late. Between the trip to South Carolina and then the rain over Columbus Day weekend we're just glad we got some. Before we left for SC, Alan and Caroline had picked up a bag of apples with some donuts which was a good thing. When we arrived to our usual orchard, Giles, they were already closed. Luckily, we saw a sign just down the road and discovered Lakeview orchards. It was great and quiet and they had plenty of apples and a lot of different varieties. We even found one that was softer, Paula Red, that even Caroline could eat while missing 5 teeth :) Now, for pumpkins, I think we'll be hitting up a farm stand since we wont be picking our own this year.

Kennebunk Fire Station Open House

Thursday night was the annual fire station open house and something we'd never miss if we could help it. So as soon as Alan got home we loaded up the kids and headed out.

 Full house in the smoke house

Caroline met up with her friend Cam from school and his younger brother. 

(up top)

 The fire extinguisher simulator was new

and pretty cool.

 This was George at the library story hour the 

following day, but I figured I'd add it with these pictures. 

How cute?!?!?!

Week of 10/9 in Pictures

So, I'm just about caught up with all of the pictures! Just a couple of posts about specific things we did last week and I'm good. Phew!

Last week was busy, but fun. The usual things like riding lessons, doctor appointments, library story time, and we signed Caroline up for Girl Scouts! Here are a few cute and fun pictures from the week and then since they include a lot of pictures, I'll post about the Fire Station Open House and Apple Picking separately!

 George making his

"I had absolutely no accidents for 5 days in a row"

brownies :)

 School morning antics

 George riding with Daddy to 

meet me in Portsmouth :)

We went to a housewarming party at Brandye and Josh's house

so the kids got to play with Owen and Jacksen (pictured)

and watch a huge bonfire

Week of 10/2 in Pictures

This week was all about catching up from our trip and getting back into routine. For the most part, even though it was busy, it was kind. Caroline went back to school on Monday, while Alan took the day off to get things around here back to normal and to do a little relaxing from the long drive. Caroline had early release on Wednesday and then had Friday and the following Monday off for Columbus Day weekend so we just had to push through this week and then had a long weekend to relax.

 George came back and checked on the 

status of Grampy's new garage.

 She's a goofball :)

 Woke up to this guy greeting me Friday morning. 

Caroline checked in on him and let him out. 

Thankfully, he stays in his bed every other morning!

 Friday morning snuggles

 Caroline was home on Friday so she got to 

attend story time at the library too

 Bear & George out for a walk

We went to LL Bean on Columbus Day weekend and survived!

The Trip Back Home

We woke up bright and early to finish packing up, check out, and hit the road for home. It was a bittersweet morning. No more swimming nightly, eating out, visiting family, or enjoying the nice weather. The trip back up was pretty uneventful. So much, that Alan decided that we would drive through after we had dinner in NJ and he felt he could do it. The kids were a bit bummed to be missing out on another hotel stay mid-way but they were excited about sleeping in their own beds. They finally went to sleep the lat bit of the drive, although George woke up every 30 minutes or so and we had to play "Rainbow Connection" to soothe him back to sleep. We got back in at 1am and we all slept in. Relaxed around the house and geared up for a normal school/work week.

It was a great family trip with lots of fun and relaxation. Next time we have to plan for another day or two. We said that last time as well, and it just really needs to be done. Now, to start thinking about next time... :) The kids were so good and we can't wait for more adventures with them!

 Good bye ducks!

(One thing I noticed this early morning

was all the birds chirping as the sun came up. 

Haven't heard those calls in a long time and hadn't

really realized it until this quiet morning)

 About 45 minutes into the trip George finally decided 

he needed to use the potty. Thankfully, there was a construction

site at a hospital and we took advantage of it. Haha!

 Waffles in NJ for George. 

He wouldn't eat at all that day and

finally requested waffles around dinner time so 

we found the nearest Denny's and got him a 

waffle Stat! 

 Enjoying some chocolate chip pancakes. 

Oooh purple lights on the bridge :)

Almost there! 

Our Last Day in SC :(

Our last day in South Carolina was on Friday and we wanted to make the most of it, but also really go on slow mode to enjoy it. We decided to lounge around a little bit in the morning and hang out. Then we headed out to a few stores to do some fun souvenir shopping. We hit the Garden City pier to play some games and take a look in the ocean and back at the shore. (Thankfully, this pier wasn't destroyed a week later from Hurricane Matthew, but the others in the area were.) We headed to lunch at Bubba's Shack, our usual stop when down here. Enjoyed some amazing food and then headed back to the hotel for some pool time. Then we had a small bite to eat and headed down to Pawleys Island for some more shopping and to visit a family friend, Diane, at her Audobon Shop. Another trip tradition. The kids love picking out their gifts from there! On the way back to the condo we stopped by Painter's Ice Cream one last time and picked up some of their delicious cakes we always see. We brought them to the pool and enjoyed cake poolside and then finished up with our last swimming of the trip.

Look at the center of the picture close to the

pier and you'll see a sandshark. 

They moved so fast, but there were a few about 3-4 Ft big

George wasn't having family photos

Dance Dance Revolution :)

Mommy trying to help out without Caroline knowing ;)

Caroline's name has been on Bubba's twice already, 

but sadly we couldn't find it since I believe they painted over 

it with a sealant :/ So we added hers and George's for this year. 

Alan then decided to add his name 

and only added my name as

an afterthought :) 

Her first glass of sweet tea that is all her own :)

Heaven

Fried Oysters, Fried Pickles, Hush Puppies

and Sweet Tea!

(Fried Green Tomatoes & Osyters on the Half were left out

since no one would share those with me and way too much food!)

Caroline realizing the lazy river is, well, lazy :P

This kid will find a truck anywhere!

Cake for all! 

We had Italian Creme, Lemon and Chocolate Fudge, Yum!

Gorgeous sunset and swimming

Can't ask for more :)