"The Maze" at "The Pumpkin Patch"

We spent today at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island with the Fryes.  What a fun, sunny, beautiful fall day!!!


Before the maze...

 Simon says...

 Cornballs...

 Right after she LOST HER TOOTH!

 Her new smile...

 Climbing the hay tower...

 The cow train...

 Trying to find our way out of the corn maze (and running from the parents)...

Soccer: Day #2

Aubrey's opinion of soccer is still a fluctuating event.  Saturday, she spent the first half of the game like this:

And the second half (with her good buddy, Ryan) like this:

Oaks Park Oktoberfest

This weekend, we visited the "tame" version of the Oktoberfest...at Oaks Park!  We met up with the whole Borts side of the family for bratwurst, chicken dancing, beer, and rides.  Thanks, Grandpa, for sponsoring the event!

 Grandma and the girls welcome everyone

Uncle B is soooo funny!  :)

 How come my giraffe doesn't go up and down???

 Train ride with Grandma

 The one and ONLY time the girls will be allowed to to with Auntie Beth to "get a tattoo."  ;)

 Arts and Crafts

 Wheeeee!

Super cute!

Indoor Soccer: Day 1

Today was Aubrey's first official day of the indoor soccer season!  She missed last Saturday due to an icky virus,  and she was PUMPED to jump in with her team this week!

Unfortunately, her enthusiasm waxed and waned throughout the morning.  When we arrived, there were four teams practicing, and preparing to play, which translated into masses of parents and siblings as well, all crammed into one gym, and causing overwhelming crowds and noise.  Aubrey was overcome by it all, and by the time the game officially started, she stood in the center of the "field" (court) with her lip quivering, trying her hardest not to cry.  She made it about 45 seconds, before covering her face, and sobbing into her hands, all while the game continued on all around her.

We pulled her to the side, for a pep talk and hugs, before convincing her to give it another go.  Feeling a little safer playing goalie, she was willing to make her way out, though the goalie jersey was just a hair too big.  ;)

 With lots of encouragement from us (but especially Camryn and Emma), she eventually ran a few lengths of the field and even took a few swipes at the ball too.  By the end of the game, she was all smiles again, was feeling better about her role on the team, and was bear-hugging her buddy, Ryan.

We are looking forward to next week, and hoping that she'll feel a bit better about "gettin' out there." 

Mommy/Daughter Date

Aubs and I had a date tonight.  A mommy/daughter date.  The kind where you don't really have a plan, but instead you just head out and see what strikes your fancy.  We ended up heading to a park first.  It was a new one she'd never been to, so definitely a "win" there.  When her tummy started growling, I let her choose whatever type of food she wanted, and she immediately insisted on Thai.  (That's my girl!)

As we headed toward our favorite local Thai joint, we spotted a huge field of sunflowers on the side of the road, and on a whim, decided to stop.  With my handy iPhone camera, we captured a few pics, which in turn captured Aubrey perfectly:  sweet one minute, and totally goofy the next!

As we chatted over our chicken pad thai (or "thai noodles" as she refers to them), I asked her some questions.  I remember doing this with Camryn several years ago...  Kind of an interview snapshot of life from a 4-year old's perspective.  The results?  Too good not to share!  Enjoy...

What is your favorite color?

A:  Rainbow

What's your favorite kind of cereal?

A:  The kind you only let me get on my birthday! (sugar-puffed anything)

What is your favorite thing to do with your sister?

A:  Eat candy when you're not looking!

How do you know when you are in trouble?

A:  Cuz of your face!

How do you know Mommy loves you?

A:  Cuz you say I'm your bug!

What's your favorite animal?

A:  Well, not an elephant!  Because I had a dream once that an elephant was eating my back, and pooping in the water!  (*Perhaps we need to chat a little more often about her dreams!??)

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy?

A: Snuggle with you!

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?

A:  Eat cake!

God, I love that crazy girl!!!

Labor Day at Cannon Beach