Red Apple Farm

Today I got to go to the Red Apple Farm with Preston and Paisley. Preston is part of a wonderful program in which a home visitor comes into our home twice a week and bring him either a new toy or new book each week. I had her start coming last year when we were just determining how poor his immune system was and that we couldn't really take him out into public too much. Martha started last year and was wonderful. I am so blessed and thankful for her, and am so thrilled that she is also a believer. :-) So today we went with the agency that provides the home visitors. There were many families that took part in this trip. We went on a wagon ride (there was NO HAY!!!) and picked a bag of apples and a pumpkin. Preston only picked one apple and then he was done. He wouldn't put the apple he picked into his bag either. Right when we got there we were to go on the wagon ride. Preston was not at all interested in the ride. He was actually even crying and trying to get off. Poor guy was scared of the tractor. But once the ride started he kept saying things like "Wee! Fun!!! Wee" It was so cute. s He wandered around in the apple orchard with his empty bag. He didn't put one apple in his bag. He ended up sitting with Martha for a little while and enjoyed eating an apple with her. They also gave out apple cider. I didn't expect that Preston would enjoy the cider but he really did. He actually ended up asking for a second cup. He was so cute today. I really enjoyed this special time with him. Don't get me wrong it was really hard trying to juggle him and Paisley with no stroller (farm too bumpy), but it was a beautiful day that God blessed us with. Just prior to leaving Preston went over and sat on a big rock to watch the animals. The donkey started making lots of nose, and Preston told it "Sssshhh" and "Be quiet!" It was so funny.

Fun at the Lake

Matt's parents have been renting a cabin intermittently in the last few years. It is very close to home, and easy to get to, but is such a nice relaxing get away. They have graciously invited us to stay each time they have stayed there. Two years ago we stayed a couple of nights, but this year I just wasn't feeling up to it. But Matt, Sam and Sophia stayed for two nights and had a great time. Preston and I spent some time there in the late afternoon and evening until he was tired and then we would come home. They have some exceedingly brave ducks that eat right out of your hand at the lake... Matt and Sam went out several times in the canoe. I was very anxious to do it but he did convince me to join him once. It was nice to do something like that as a family. It is crazy to admit how chicken I am when I am pregnant. I was holding on for dear life while in the canoe, and I used to kayak ALL THE TIME, and even try to stand up and balance in a kayak. But to be on the canoe pregnant was definitely scary for me. But it was fun as well. The kids had fun, and Sam was thrilled to help with the paddling. Sophia was anxious at times, but did well. And Preston surprised me the most and seemed to enjoy the ride for the most part, except when he dropped a shovel in the water and got very upset about it. Thankfully Daddy was able to steer us in the right direction and we were able to rescue the shovel, We made some wonderful memories this past week. I am so thankful that we are able to spend lots of time with MAtt's parents as well as mine. I wish our siblings were closer and things worked out to get together more often with everyone but I am so thankful for the memories we are making.