Concentration

Charlotte was struck be a nasty bug in the middle of the night on Tuesday, so she got to spend the day at home on Wednesday. Art took the morning shift and I took the afternoon. After sleeping in until 9:30, she was all smiles and laughs the rest of the day. While I love spending time with the girls together, sometimes it is really nice to have some one-on-one time with each of them. We went on a walk, read books and played.
She took this toy off the shelf and starting taking the pieces off and putting them back on. She was so focused. I tried to help her a few times and she wanted nothing to do with me. She wanted to do it all by herself. Little Miss Independent. I love that she is becoming her own little person and is figuring things out on her own, but it makes me realize that she is not my little baby anymore. She moves to the toddler room at school in one week and she is just that...a toddler. I'm not sure I'm ready for this just yet.

Napa Valley

Art & I headed to Napa Valley last week for vacation. While it was extremely hard to leave the girls, it was amazing to get away for a few days. The weather was beautiful...blue skies and sunshine every day. We drank plenty of wine, ate some pretty incredible food and did a lot of relaxing. I think it is our new favorite vacation spot and I am certain that we will be back some time soon. A huge thanks to my parents for taking such great care of the girls while we were gone.

Family Photos

We had our annual photo session on Friday afternoon. It was hot. Over 80 degrees hot. Expecting more mild temperatures, we were all in long sleeves, sweaters, tights. The actual session was a bit of a disaster as the girls were super crabby and uncooperative. I can't say I blame them as I'm sure they were overheating under all the layers. Our photographer posted a 'sneak peek' on her blog last night and I was pleasantly surprised. Take a peek when you get a chance.

http://katiewelshphotography.com/blog/

Apple and Leaf Picking

We have been busy this fall. The weather has been incredible, the fall colors are peaking and we have been soaking all of it in before the weather turns cold. The girls' school had a play-date at Minnetonka Orchards last weekend. The weather started out a little rainy, but cleared up by the time we arrived. We enjoyed a hayride, a trip through the corn maze, and of course apple picking. The girls had a great time and I imagine that this may become an annual excursion. We have also been enjoying all of the colorful leaves. On Friday the girls and I went on a little nature walk to collect leaves. Claire loved finding different colors of leaves and putting them in her bag. And Charlotte loved following her around, copying her every move. They really are two peas in a pod.