The pictures tell the story :)

Apple Picking

Today the Farmer Family Ladies went Apple Picking for the first time at Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA (both David and my mom have picked before).  The apple trees were on a steep hills but Katie climbed up and down, through branches, tall grass, slips and falls . . .never complaining or asking to be picked up.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself and was munching on Fiji and Pink Lady apples the entire time (going through four of them before we got home :). 

We came home with two huge bags of apples, apple butter and a twelve pack of apple donuts.  I made homemade apple crisp to go with dinner this evening and it was delicious!

Playing in the pumpkin patch . . . .

Possibly seeing if she can eat the pumpkin!

She couldn't wait to go pick . .

While Katie's away . . .

. . . the little sister will play . . .with all of her stuff!

You've Been BOOed!!!

Last year I heard people mention that they'd been "BOOed!"  I'm not sure who explained the concept to me, but bascially you drop a bag of goodies off at a neighbors doorstep with the following directions:

1. Enjoy your treats!
2. Place the We've Been BOOed sign on your front door or in a window!
3. Within two days, make two copies of these instuctions, two copies of the We've Been BOOed Sign and two yummy treats!
4. Secretly deliver to two neighbors who haven't been BOOed yet!

So this afternoon Caroline and I went and picked up some treats, wrapped them up and (secretly) dropped them off on two neighbors doorsteps once the sun set.  I have no idea if they'll follow the instructions, but I had fun making the bags and Caroline liked when we ran away from the houses and she was bounced all around.

And a couple days later the Farmer Family was BOOed!  I opened our door this evening right before Katie went to bed to find a package - our oldest was very excited about her surprise gift.

Someone’s having fun with their grandparents!

Growing up my father was always working, never able to sit down for family dinners, participate in school trips, sporting events I participated in, etc.  Outings in general were comprised of only my mom and I.  I'm not upset about this, my father worked very hard and did what he felt was best.  Things do change however, the second time around.  Apparently he came home this evening from work and my mom was about to take Katie to their county fair, he threw back on his shoes and was ready to go because "he wouldn't miss" this opportunity to be with his grand-daughter!  Warms my heart - I love you dad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISSY

One year ago Caroline Mackenzie Farmer came into our lives quickly, quietly and without trouble.  She's carried those traits throughout her first year, being easy going and just a joy to be around.  She took her first steps at 11.5 months, no surprise as she's determined to keep up with her big sister and well, just detemined in general.  Happy Birthday Sissy, we love you to pieces!

Getting some love from Grandma and Grandpa

Let us eat (more) cake!

After cake, Grandma and Grandpa packed up the car and took Katie home with them, we were sad to see them go, but looked forward to quality time with our youngest.   We all sat on the living room rug and Sissy laughed and laughed and laughed!  She enjoyed and loved every second of the attention.

 During that time she discovered balloons!

She also realized that she likes wrapping paper :)

After nap we headed off to Monkey Joe's where she played . . .

and slid . . .

 . . . to her hearts content.

Okay, just one more time :)

It was a perfect way to spend her birthday!

1st Birthday Party

Fifty family and friends joined us to celebrate Caroline's 1st Birthday in perfect weather, 74 degrees and not a cloud in the sky (thank goodness, because I'm not sure where we all would have fit)!  

Caroline enjoyed her day, we invited some of her school friends and she was noticeably happy when she saw them - grabbing their hands and beaming.  You forget that although they're little, they still know a lot.  She was introduced to Pizza Dip via Nana and Pop Pop and had her full of cake, cookies and lord knows what else!  I climbed in the bouncer and we both went down the slide countless times, each decent was met with Caroline screaming with laughter.

Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday

The big moment!



Not quite sure . . .

The bouncer!  I can hardly watch when the kids are in there, it gets INSANE, epecially when you have so many children.

Katie and Jackson

Sissy and Emmy, eight days apart

Love these people!

Katie loved the bouncer and pretty much every other aspect of the party!  She couldn't wait for her school "friends" to arrive and screamed upon seeing Nelson, Jackson and Emerson.  She had a cookie, six juice boxes and three cupcakes!  She patiently waited and as guests left thanked them for "coming to her party" . . .she then asked in earnest if she could open her presents.  So thankful to those family members and friends that brought gifts for Katie too.  PLUS having two girls close in age helps in this department.

Number six  . . .going down!

Opening her presents