Last Pumpkin Patch of the year...

We managed to squeeze in one more trip to the Pumpkin Patch before Halloween this week! Mallory hadn't been able ot come with us yet, so we made another trip to Dave's Pumpkin Patch with Aunt Mallory. Since it was a Monday- there were no crowds so we got to enjoy everything more than before! Connor and Maddie both loved bouncing on the giant pillow and running through the corn maze.The  mobile zipline company was setting up when we were there and I couldn't believe Connor wanted to do it! He was so courageous and adament about wanting to do it, even though Auntie Mal and I were nervous! He even did it twice! What a brave kid! I wonder what his teen years will look like if he showed no nervousness at 5 on a zipline! We had a great time! Certainly enjoying fall!

Dave's Pumpkin Patch

We had another fun evening at Dave's Pumpkin Patch with our dear friends! We're so blessed to have such great family friends who value traditions like our annual pumpkin patch trip. Even though we don't see eachother as often as we'd like, it's always wonderfully cherished time when we do get together. The kids loved the pumpkin patch. Connor's favorite things were the giant bounce pillow and getting to dress up as a kinight in shining armour for the Pumpkin Princess Castle. Maddie enjoyed the corn box, the tractor ride, and of course the animals. She is such an animal lover. We're continuing to enjoy Fall!

Fun at Fog Willow Pumpkin Patch

This past Monday, I took the kids to Fog Williow Pumpkin Patch in Elk Grove. We had a blast! There were tons of farm animals and the kids absolutley had a blast petting them and feeding them. We even got to pet brand new baby bunnies! Maddie and Connor were so brave feeding the animals, even the big horses! We went on a tractor ride, picked out pumpkins, and explored the farm. Connor enjoyed climbing on the hay stacks and jumping off and Maddie loved the playgroud. I'm really enjoying this time of year, and am so thankful for my Mondays with the kids. 

California Capital Airshow

This is our 3rd year going to the Capital Airshow. Connor loves it each year! This year, both sets of grandparents joined us and it was a great day! We really enjoyed watching all the airplanes and walking around. Since it's October, they paid tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness, which was extra special for us. The bottom photo of Michael with his parents shows part of the Patriots segment of the show where the planes let off pink and white smoke to honor Breast Cancer survivors. It was special to witness with our own Breast Cancer survivor, Jill. The kids had more fun playing with each other than anything else. In fact, when I asked Connor what his favorite part of the airshow was, he replied, "Seeing Cousin CJ!" Love that!

Fun at the Sacramento Zoo

Auntie Mal joined us on our trip to the zoo. We had a great time seeing the animals. Madeline was really into it this time and seemed to love the animals! When she saw the giant ostrich, she yelled with enthusiasm, "Duck!" Another funny part was Connor trying to explain to us that gorillas are not monkeys, but are "grapes." It took us a minute to figure out he meant apes! Such a fun day!

Annual Trip to Apple Hill

This Sunday, we took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Apple Hill. I thought it would be a lazy day of football watching, but Michael surprised us and took us all to Apple Hill. We had a blast celebrating the first day of Fall together! Maddie and Connor rode ponies, we ate lots of apple treats, browsed the craft stands, and rode a train. I just cherish these family days!

Some pictures from Tball and Soccer....

Our survivor...

I write this post with a heavy heart, but also a heart full of hope and faith. Earlier this month, Michael got a phone call from his parents and they shared the news with him that his mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. We were devastated by the news, but her strength and positivity helped to give us hope. Also, having two aunts who have recently survived breast cancer also gave me comfort, knowing that Jill could fight this! Michael got involved and wanted to be at every appointment with his mom. He is such a wonderful man and he loves his mom so much. She underwent a double mastectomy on Thursday. For such a stressful and worry-filled day- Jill exuded such calmness and strength. She was surrounded by family and friends who love her deeply and who were praying constantly for her health. There were so many of us that we had to rearrange the waiting room! We dressed in pink, wearing pins with Jill's beautiful face on them to help show her support and our love. We received our first answer to prayer when the surgeon came out and said her lymph nodes showed no sign of cancer. Thank you Lord! There is still a journey ahead for Jill and we are thankful for all those who have kept her in their prayers. She is a remarkably strong woman and I have every faith in the world that she will beat this. I don't think I could be as courageous and positive as she has been. I'm so very proud of her, and I feel so blessed to have her as my mom-in-law. As Michael wrote to his mom, "My Mom. My Survivor."