Apple Picking

Today, we went apple picking at Carlson Orchards in Harvard, MA. Apple picking is big business here...some orchards having hay rides, train rides, bouncy houses, etc. We, however, purposely chose a very low key wonderful orchard that was literally all about the apples!

All ready to go apple picking, but first we need a picture, of course.

Sampling the apples (there was a lot of that) and being silly! The apples were delicious!

Emme's turn to sample the goods...

Joe trying to help Emme pick an apple.

Hannah really wanted an apple that was super high up so Daddy was there to give her some help.

Got it! Just the one she wanted.

Peek a boo!

And then there's Emme...still sampling the apples.

She was content to walk around the orchards while Hannah picked a peck of apples all the while eating her apple.

Such a happy girl!

Apple picking was a lot of fun! And now onto what to do with that many apples...apple crisp, apple sauce, apple ???

Last few days with Gramma and Gramps

Lots of fun was had with Gramma and Gramps!!

Lunch at the Rainforest Cafe! always fun! Hannah has always loved the waterfall so I asked to be seated next to it. Turns out it is not the best seat as the waterfall gives a fine mist all over those tables. Lesson learned.

And then onto Build a Bear where Hannah and Emme both got to pick out a new stuffed animal.

Hannah chose Hello Kitty and named her such.

Emme chose (and she literally chose this one) a stuffed bunny, named Honey Bunny (after a nickname Gramps uses for the girls). She was so excited to get it after it was stuffed.

Here's Hannah stuffing Hello Kitty.

And then onto bathtime for our new friends. Hannah was very serious about her job while Emme was just fascinated with the air coming out of the top.

Gramma and Gramps with the girls and their new friends (tucked nicely into their houses).

Another day we ventured out to the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides". Gramma wanted a picture with Hannah because she just loves her unique sense of style!

Old Ironsides, the oldest commisioned warship still afloat.

The guns and Hannah.

Tight quarters...watch your head. (unfortunately something Gramps kept forgetting while there)

The sleeping quarters...so cozy.

Our tour guide, an enlisted man in the Navy.

Out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. The children's pasta?? And you wonder why Americans are obese?

Saying goodbye to Gramma and Gramps. Gramma just wanted a picture of all of them and Hannah was just so upset they were leaving.

More last minute pictures!

Hannah gained her composure long enough to get out and give Gramma and Gramps proper hugs and kisses goodbye. And was willing to take a picture.

We were very sad to see them go. It was such a fun visit. Hannah was particularly upset going home...as she put it..."Gramma and Gramps are so good to me!"

Hannah's 1st day of Pre-K

Last Wednesday was Hannah's first day of Pre-K. It was actually her orientation for Miss Nancy's class and she was very excited (and only just a little nervous). She will start her normal 5 day a week (3 hrs a day) schedule this week.

Here is Hannah with her new haircut (I took her to a salon and asked the lady to make her bangs look as meant to be as possible and this is what she came up with). This one is with all of the things she thinks she is taking to school with her.

Such a big girl!

Cheese!

She had a great first day. It was nice to see some of her same friends from last year and to meet some new ones too! And she just loves Miss Nancy!

Labor Day Lobsters

On Labor Day, we had a lobster cook out at our house with Gramma and Gramps and our neighbors. It was Gramma and Gramps first time having whole lobsters (they had only had the tails before).

The lobster pot.

Getting everything ready...

All done and time to cool...

Yummy

Gramma, Gramps, and Hannah are ready with their bibs. (I should mention we don't usually have the bibs, but I found them at Kittery Trading Post and thought it was kind of funny)

Hannah wanted a picture of her holding the lobster she claimed!

Ready to eat!

Gramps and Emme. While Emme loved hanging out with Gramma too, she just loves her Gramps!

And on a side note, if anyone was paying attention...Labor Day morning Hannah decided she wanted some bangs so she took matters into her own hands! What the?? here's a close up of her handiwork. She's lucky she's cute and that hair grows back...

Hannah's 5th Birthday

A week ago today, our little girl turned 5 years old! It is hard to believe she is already 5. To celebrate, we had an ice cream themed party at camp.
Uncle Frank took Hannah and Owen for a boat ride so we surprised Hannah with all of the decorations when she came back.

I think all of the attention was a bit much.

Emme playing with the balloons.

Goofballs 1 and 2.

For lunch, we had steak tips and italian sausages. Joe was very proud of his grill.

Lunchtime!

Hannah was very excited to get hula hoops for her birthday! The kids had a lot of fun playing with them.

I made both of the girls ice cream shirts for the party and even Angel had an ice cream outfit. Thanks Gramma!

Opening presents! Her first barbie doll.

Blowing out her candle. For dessert, we had build your own sundaes and cupcakes. The sundaes were a big hit and most of us had the cupcakes for dessert after dinner.

Addie eating her sundae. Addie was a huge help and helped me with most everything for the party...even cleaning up!

Owen eating his sundae outside. The ice cream cone bowls and spoons were part of their ice cream themed goodie bags which also included ice cream shaped crayons and coloring book.

As seems to be the tradition, we had fireworks the night of Hannah's birthday. This year we did it as a special treat because Gramma and Gramps were with us. It was again a spectacular show put on by Joe and everyone loved it!

A fireworks show is never complete without sparklers!

Hannah did not want to turn 5, but by the end of the day, I think she was happy to be 5!