Fall Visit to Washington

A couple of weeks ago, Matilda and I made a trip out west. We had a great time and I know the family loved having her around!

Matilda and Grandma taking a stroll through the park...

Matilda bundles up as Grandma rocks her shades!

In Leavenworth, Matilda and Grandma stopped and smelled the flowers. After a delicious Bavarian lunch, we decided to check out some of the shops. We went into one and heard 'Waltzing Matilda' playing overhead. We of course had to continue browsing in this shop until the end of the song.

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One day, we drove up to Camano Island to visit with Grandpa Raymond and MaryLou. Here is a cute picture of the three of them after lunch

Picking up leaves

Out by the woodshed

Matilda loved hanging out with her cousins Jayden, Ryan and Alexis. Here is a picture of Matilda with uncle Michael and cousin Alexis.

We had a great time and are looking forward to going back soon!

Halloween

Friday night was the neighborhood Halloween parade. When we arrived at the square, there were hundreds of kids, babies, dogs and parents dressed ready to spook. It took Matilda a little time to take it all in. And then we caught her yawning...several times. Thinking that she would not make it past the first turn in the parade route, we carried her for the first few blocks. Then she insisted on walking. Her walk turned into a steady march and we even started passing people. By the end of the parade, Matilda was totally in her element and ready to party! She enjoyed two gingerbread cookies and knocked back a cup of warm apple cider. A great time for sure!!!

A Day With Nana and Aunt Nancy

After a fabulous lunch, where we had a great time celebrating Nana's birthday, we came home and Matilda prepared a little afternoon snack for everyone.

A kiss from the birthday girl

Gorgeous Autumn Days

Park Days

We are loving the beautiful fall weather that we've been having. Knowing that it won't last forever, we're taking every opportunity to hit the parks. Here are a few pictures taken last week, plus a video of Matilda sliding!!

Matilda's Baby

they go everywhere together...and we think they're even starting to look alike.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday we met Nana, Papa and Paxton at the Goebbert's Pumpkin Festival. It was a beautiful, crisp fall day...perfect for picking pumpkins, hay rides, doughnuts and hot apple cider! The farm was quite amazing. There were pig races, pony and camel rides, corn mazes, farm animals, a pumpkin eating mechanical dinosaur, singing chickens and so much more.

Matilda on the firetruck that Pax spotted from across the field.

This fall, Matilda measures in at 2 and 1/2 feet tall!

This fall, Nate measures in at 6'2"!

Papa flying through the pumpkin patch

We were pretty surprised to see a giraffe

Nana, Nate and Matilda up close with the giraffe

Pax and Matilda checking out the bunnies. They also enjoyed seeing the sheep, goats and cow. Matilda had absolutely no fear of the animals and if we would have let her, would have hopped the fence to play.

Matilda's first hay ride out to the pumpkin patch

When we stepped into the field, Matilda's first reaction was "Wow!"

I'll take them all!

Pax and Matilda trying to find the perfect pumpkin...or at least one that they could carry.

Getting closer to her size

She found one!

Here is the truck that launches pumpkins a quarter of a mile into the field.

What a fun morning we had. Usually Matilda goes down for her nap at 10 sharp. She had so much fun, she held out for an entire 2 hours.

Strapped in and ready to go home. She was out before we even hit the concrete.

Already looking forward to going again next year!