Randomness over the last few weeks

We've managed to stay busy during the last few weeks. The beautiful weekends between the rain have allowed us a lot of outdoor fun. We went to the Botanical Gardens and have spent a lot of time at the park. Although she loves the park, my little girl is now asking to go shopping when I pick her up from daycare. I can't believe her daddy has brainwashed her like that :)

It's also been nice to have some time at home to relax. We don't have another free weekend until January but that is because our holidays are filled with family and friends. Can't wait!

Apple Picking

We spent Sunday afternoon at a local apple farm with Emerson's cousins. She had a great time at the play area with Ellie, Katie and Mackenzie before taking the wagon ride out to the orchard. Emmy helped us pick the sweetest apples, sampling them first to make sure they were good!

Helping Grandpa

Emerson discovered a tricycle at her grandparents' house that she had to try. However, she and her grandpa decided a few bolts needed to be tightened first. She was a great little helper and kept flipping it back over to fix it. Eventually she got everything in working order and was able to ride!

Pumpkin Picking

Emerson had a great time picking pumpkins and her grandma's cousin's farm. It was a beautiful day and she had plenty of perfect ones to choose from. Ending the day with her own ice cream made it a perfect afternoon!

A New Cousin!

Emerson couldn't have been more excited about the arrival of her newest cousin, Jack! She loved "holding" him and got mad if he was moved away from her, exclaiming, "My baby!". She even prepared the swing for him and offered to put him in it for his mommy. We all can't wait to see Baby Jack again soon!

Homestead Harvester Days

We spent Sunday afternoon out in Illinois at Homestead Harvester Days. Em was able to climb on tractors, watch wheat being thrashed, play in a sandbox of corn and explore what life was like before electricity and modern conveniences. But, her favorite part was definitely the wagon ride from the parking lot!

Sunday at the Winery

We had Sunday brunch at a winery near where Emerson's grandpa grew up. It was fun to see where my grandparents first farmed and how my dad was allowed to drive the farm truck to the elevator when he was just a little kid. The food was delicious, and it was nice to relax by the lake with a bottle of wine (and a loiipop!).

Go Illini!

So, maybe the Illini didn't do so well on Saturday. But, we had a good time at the game, and Emerson enjoyed dressing in her cheerleading outfit and spending the day with her grandparents and Ben.

Same little girl?

Emerson was my sweet little cutie for church last Sunday.
Then, in the afternoon, we went for a walk and Emerson dressed in a shirt that one of Daddy's friends gave her after seeing the picture of Emmy and her daddy with DMC.

Day at the Zoo

I took a day off of work last week to spend with Emerson before Jeff and I went out of town for the weekend. We spent our morning at the zoo and rode the train multiple times. Em also enjoyed looking at the tigers but it made me kind of nervous when the one she was watching got out of the water and roared at her. Emerson, of course, thought it was funny.