Finch Arboretum

If you live in Spokane and haven't visited Finch Arboretum, turn off the computer and go right now! And if you're from out of town, go next time you visit! (we must take our families next time they're in town). The arboretum is sandwiched in an unlikely place between I-90 and the Sunset Highway, yet once you're there you completely forget about the cars zooming near by. Fall is the best time of year to visit, with the trees changing color and so much variety to look at. I've taken the kids a couple of times and this weekend we took Patrick there for his first visit. 

The kids love climbing rocks, crossing the bridges, looking at trees and running. Ronan loves to ask what each tree is, I love that curious mind (and luckily for me, there are placards at each tree!). I took just a few photos this time around, we'll have to go back soon to catch more fall colors - everything is still so green. What a unique fall we're having!

Much to the delight of our kids, there are tables and benches tucked in everywhere. Ais was so proud to have found this one

this is all I get these days

my antics got a smile, but we lost daddy's head :)

Greenbluff!

More fall fun today as we took a "field trip" up to Greenbluff! We visited Siemers farm, which I would never dare to do on a weekend. We were far from the only field trippers there - it was much busier than I expected - but by lunch time, the buses had loaded and drove away and we were left with the place (nearly) to ourselves. I'm so glad we held out for the fun rides, because my adventurous 2 year old had a hard time understanding the whole "wait in line to take your turn" concept. Luckily, there were few lines after lunch and we got to enjoy the trains and giant slides with little waiting involved. Trains, slides, corn maze, castle, tractors, dune buggies...so much fun!

 

Aislinn was very excited for her turn on the train!

maybe next year sis

i didn't pose her-she loved sitting on this pumpkin!

PS. My kids appear to be boycotting smiles for the camera lately. I promise they had a good time. Though we were all completely exhausted from having so much fun. :)

PPS. My photo taking skills taking skills take a turn for the worse when I'm packing a fussy baby around (as do my patience and stamina). However, the fact that I actually remembered the camera, and more impressively, used it, makes me proud. :)

Apple Harvest

Last weekend we got to go apple picking with some sweet friends. Ronan and Aislinn love their friend Canaan ("nice Canaan" Aislinn calls him). They spent a full afternoon running around, riding bikes and tasting every apple they could get their little hands on. It was a gorgeous fall day and time well spent for a great cause too-all of the apples we picked were donated to a local food bank!

tired eyes

also tired eyes

tired smile??? what can I say, we were all tired :)

Getting Clean

I decided I had to make this a separate post because I took way too many photos and love them all!  After we got home from the reunion and unloaded the car, Patrick and the kids gave it a good wash. After a trip down to the river and back up to the cabin, it was beyond dirty (as were the kids who got baths right after the car wash!). I love how focused they were on their task. :)

have to wash the Cougar

Ais got a little distracted and started washing herself

I can hardly keep clothes and shoes on this girl. She always wants to be "nakey," especially with a big brother who likes to go shirtless. :)