Corn Maze and Fall Festival

We took a Carlile family trip to the Corn Maze (and Corn Festival as Zeke likes to call it). The theme this year was minions -- super fun!

We decided to take everyone on the long side of the big maze. The little girls were so excited for the corn maze but it didn't take too long for them to get hot and frustrated that it was really just a long walk without changing scenery.

We started out finding our way by looking for numbered signposts. Aaron scanned a code on #1 and got our location in the map. We started following around the outside, to sign #2. Then we started looking for major 'roads' and found #3. We figured we were in the middle of the maze by then. A few more corners and we were very surprised to see sign #10 and it was a straight shot out. Somehow we found a shortcut the maze and ended up exiting in the kids maze. It was awesome. 

Very fitting that the kids put themselves in the rule breaker stocks. We were very happy to have broken the rules and skipped out early. 

We spent the most time in the Pumpkin Princess Playland. Nora was so happy to dress up like a princess and ride in the carriages. 

And meet the real Pumpkin Princess

Zeke spent his time in the Playland minding the store, and loving it. 

It was a great day full of fall fun. We had the best time! 

At The Lot

Dynna's in-laws have some property out away from it all, and we took the opportunity when Draper and Carrie were here to go out there and have a hot dog roast. The stream running through was so fun for the kids - both said their favorite part was the boats in the river.

Such beautiful autumn views! It was a very peaceful and relaxing place. A good chance to disconnect from outside life and reconnect with family. 

Zeke and Nora got to hold Lizzy for the first time. She is such a cuddly baby!

More beautiful, peaceful views. 

Carlile grandkids all together! The family is growing :)

Map & Compass Hike

One of Zeke's scout requirements is to go on a hike and use a map and compass. I thought this was a great opportunity to get out and get close to some autumn scenery, and we picked a hike close by that we had never done before. This particular location is a system of hiking and mountain biking trails, so there are a lot of trail intersections. Since the signage was minimal, we really did need that map!

Good thing I brought another copy of the map, because Nora of course wanted one too. 

We were maybe a little early for great autumn views... there were a lot of green leaves still. However, they were starting to change!

The view from the lookout point was spectacular. 

We live in such a pretty place!

We had a great time and I'm hoping we can go back and explore some of the other trails. Given that the weather seems to be changing, it may have to wait until next year!

Nora's 5th Birthday Party

We kept things simple for Nora's party, given how close it was after our trip and return to school and work. We ate hot dogs and chips outside and enjoyed a lovely late summer evening with grandmas and grandpas and Aunt Heather. 

And this adorable birthday girl couldn't have been happier. 

She picked out some balloons that were our centerpieces.

And she helped me make chocolate cupcakes with pearlescent princessy sprinkles. 

And the gifts... oh she was so happy to get her Elsa and Anna dolls. Thanks Grandma Carlile and Aunt Dynna for making that happen! 

And the doll stroller from Grandma Loertscher was a wonderful surprise. She has been driving her baby doll, Anna, and Elsa around in the stroller ever since. 

It turned out to be a very Frozen party, with the princess dolls, a Frozen coloring book, Elsa apron, Frozen pajamas, and Frozen legos. Those who didn't do Frozen did Iron Man, which she was just as excited about. 

Things I love about Nora: her need to learn new things and new skills, her willingness to be my helper around the house, her interest in both dolls and cars, her love of singing and dancing, and how she is super excited about just about everything that interests her. Specifically at her 5th birthday: she can't wait for kindergarten, she loves dolls of all kinds, she is starting to draw more on her own, she reads simple sentences on her own, and she wants to build buildings when she grows up. I'm so glad she's mine!