Our Little Fall Leaves

Last year we introducted the girls to the great fun that comes with sitting in a pile of leaves.

We have these two gorgeous maple trees in our back yard. The leaves turn fiery red, and then float to the ground, pretty much all at the same time.

This year they were excited to get back out there! The sheer delight they had playing in those leaves brings me such joy!

Thanks to Cheryl for hosting Way Back When-esday. It's so much fun to see how much fun the same experience can be so different year after year. 

Barnyard Fun

Friends of ours have an annual barbecue in late October. The timing of it is a gamble around here; it could be 30 degrees or 80 degrees. Two years in a row we've enjoyed warm temperatures, which means we've been able to bring the girls out to enjoy the festivities!

One of the activities they have for kids is to walk up the road to see some animals.

We took the girls last year, and they seemed mildly interested in the animals.

This year I was so excited to take them, because we knew how much they'd love seeing the animals!

What a joy it was to see their enthusiasm this year!

I have so enjoyed comparing pictures from last year to this year!

Mama and Hadley checkin out the buffalo

Mama and Hadley looking at the donkey

Brad and Brynne staring down Fonzie the alpaca.

Brad and Brynne crowing like roosters.

Family photo

Sadly, Fonzie the alpaca went to the great meadow in the sky, so we had to settle for a picture in front of a nameless horse.

Walking back to our car.

This year the girls could walk!

Thank you to Cheryl for hosting Way Back When-esday, which reminds me to reflect on where we've been, to take joy in where we are now, and to appreciate the journey.
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Sunflowers: Way Back When-esday

I love the sunflowers in our garden! It never ceases to amaze me at how huge they are!

Each night (as long as it's not 105 or -5 degrees outside), we take the girls for a walk through our garden. We've made that part of our bedtime routine since the girls were only a few months old.  

Last year we took this picture of Hadley in the garden: 

A few nights ago we took this picture of Hadley:



It's so fun to see how much has changed in a year!

Thank you to Cheryl for hosting Way Back When-esday, who reminds me to savor the present, look on the past with joy, and to be thankful for the journey.
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Don't forget to link up your Mama Loves this week. Share toys, books, recipes, beauty products--whatever makes your life a little easier as a mama! I can't wait to read it--and there may or may not be a prize for one lucky lady that links up!