We have enjoyed a fabulous fall. Both Mike and I are acutely aware that our time as a family of three is going to come to a close quickly. So we were determined to do as many fun things with Caroline as possible. We have had beautiful weather for the most part, and (fairly) free weekends since we aren’t traveling. We’ve had home visitors and weekends of just the three of us. I know we will always look back on this fall–the calm before the storm of two under two–as delightful!

In September, Caroline started ballet (“Creative Movers”), which ran each Saturday through November 17th. She loved it. One day as we tried to head to class, we got locked out of my car. But thanks to a handy quick locksmith who understood that we had PLACES TO BE, we managed to make it to class only a tiny bit late.

See my little ballerina abandoned by the side of the road??

We kicked off Columbus Day Weekend with a visit to Cox Farms. We tried to feel the fall in the air despite it being 95 degrees outside. Caroline loved going down the giant slides on potato sacks, playing on the pirate ship playground, petting the goats, riding a wooden horsey, and getting to select a pumpkin.

Mike and I found this hilarious:

You know it was a good time when Caroline passes out cold on the ride home. Success!

We also went to National Harbor where Caroline got to run around with Luke and Toby, climb around on Adirondack chairs, and later we all enjoyed a picnic lunch with all the kiddos, plus Joy and Mrs. Krueger (who was in town).

Caroline met a furry friend at the Peeps store that she became obsessed with.

The weekend of October 13, we went to the farmers market, Falls Church playground, and fire station! It was actually starting to feel like fall, which called for me squeezing Caroline into this penguin sweater one last time 😉

On October 23, the Red Sox started their quest for the World Series Championship, so Caroline dressed appropriately in her pink “dress” that is more of a tunic 😉

On October 26, we get to visit with my sweet cousin Jenny, who was in town from Florida for a few days. Caroline and Roman enjoyed hanging out together–can you tell??

On October 27, we went to Luke’s FIFTH birthday party, which featured Batman!

On October 29th, we learned the Red Sox won the World Series so Caroline sported her “dress” one more time…i think it had a good run.

We welcomed November and the changing leaves with lots of playground time. This great park near our house has two different sized playgrounds, giant fields, and tennis courts. Most of all, it features something for each member of my family–basketball courts, for Mike, squirrels to obsess over for Caroline, and BATHROOMS for me.

Here is Mike showing Caroline some moves. She was a natural…until a squirrel caught her eye.

She also enjoyed playing on the slide (but not as much as chasing the squirrels).

We also early voted on November 3rd! Even Little Peanut got a Future Voter sticker. This is Caroline’s second time voting…not bad for someone who isn’t two yet!

On November 4, we went to Leesburg Animal Park. This is where Caroline ALMOST rode Lady the pony. She pointed at Lady. She got jealous of the other kids who were riding Lady. She gave a clear-as-day “YES!” when asked if she wanted to ride Lady. Mike went inside to buy tickets and the whole time we waited for his return, she motioned that she wanted to ride. I got excited, thinking, THIS IS IT. We are moments away from our first pony ride! Mike returned with the tickets and prepped to hoist her onto Lady. I waited poised with the camera.

But…she got nervous at the last minute and chickened out 🙂

All was not lost though, because she got to feed goats, a camel, llamas, and piglets. She also got to bounce in a moon bounce, play in a corn crib, and explore tiny playhouses. She loved walking around petting all of the “boppies” (pumpkins). We had a blast!

This camel had nothing but love for us (and our cup of food)…but Caroline didn’t reciprocate feelings for the camel…go figure.

The chickens though…now THEY were a hit!

As was the wooden train.

And the tiny playhouses…some even had little windows and Dutch doors! Perfect for playing peek-a-boo.

And our favorite spot of all–the corn crib! You always leave the corn crib dusty. 🙂 That’s how you know you had a good time (or at least that is what I tell Mike).

Later in November, both Laura Red AND Nicole came to visit! So great seeing friends right before Baby #2 comes although I think they thought I would have the baby during their stay.

We also colored a lot, I tried to play on the floor with Caroline (fail!) and i went to a whole slew of doctor’s appointments as we monitored the growth of Little Peanut…estimated size at 37 weeks was 7 lbs, 12 oz!

Here is Caroline riding on my bump–no hands needed!

Little Peanut, we’re ready for you…we think 😉 Cheers to a wonderful fall!