Pumpkin Patch 2020

Paige and I met Alison and Easton at the pumpkin patch. We went together last fall so we decided to go together again this year. Only difference this year was the fact we went during a pandemic. We wore our masks (most of the time) and hoped for the best. It's still crazy to think that masks are part of our daily lives now. 

We have gone to Mayse Farm Market almost every year since Ella was two years old. I can't imagine the day when both my kids are too old for the pumpkin patch, but I know that day will come all too soon. 

Paige loves getting together with Easton. They always have so much fun together. 

This jumping pad is always popular. I think Paige could have stayed here all day. 

We took the wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin and had to find the biggest one they had. 

Paige acting like her silly self. This kid is FULL of personality. 

The pumpkin patch had quite a few pictures spots set up. We took a few pictures, and then drenched ourselves in sanitizer. 

Alison and I have been friends for 20 years. How is that even possible!? I'm glad we are still close after all of these years. 

Although it was great getting out of the house and doing something normal, I'm not sure it was worth it. Alison ended up testing positive for COVID a week later. She's not sure where she got it, but she quite possibly could have picked it up at the pumpkin patch. That's life these days unfortunately. 

Not too long after we went, Penny took the Autumn and Ella. I'm glad these two don't think they are too old for the pumpkin patch. From the looks of the pictures, they had a great time. Ella came home with fudge and ate the entire container. She loves her sweets! 

Hopefully next fall, COVID will be a thing of the past, and we will be able to go to the pumpkin patch without masks. Fingers crossed! 

Paige's first leader day

Paige was SO excited for her first leader day this year. It's a big deal to be the leader. You get to bring your mom or dad/both, bring snack, lead the lines, and use the pointer. Paige wanted to bring Adam and I both. It is such a fun day for these little preschoolers. 

 First up, the big room! Paige loves "the big room" since she's right at home at the craft table. Paige has loved the craft table since the very beginning of preschool last year. She crafts the entire time her class is in the big room and comes home with stacks of papers. 

Leader gets to be the line leader on the way to the playground, big room, and bathroom. 

Paige loves to help me out laying out snack. She looks forward to this every leader day.

She was so happy to have daddy out on the playground playing and chasing the kids around. 

Since I am so behind I can go ahead and post about her second leader day as well...

At it again at the craft table!

They were learning about the letter H that week. 

I'm glad we still get the opportunity to join in on leader day. It's so fun to see Paige at school and get to know her sweet classmates! 

First days of school

 After five long months, summer was over. Going through those five months seemed like eternity but looking back, they flied right on by. 

Sending Ella and Paige off to school this year looked a lot different than past years due to COVID. Ella has to wear a mask all day. They were given plexiglass shields to carry. They have assigned seats at lunch and smaller groups at recess. 

Paige does not have to wear a mask, but her teachers do. Parents are not allowed in the building and everyone has to use the drop off line. We are still allowed at leader days but not at parties. 

School looks a lot different, and I was definitely had some anxiety sending them off to school. There is so much uncertainty (still is), and all we can do is hope for the best. 

Ella started middle school this year. I can't even believe it.

There were a lot of nerves over this school year for so many reasons. As I'm typing this, we are now deep into the second quarter. This school year (so far) has been challenging. The trasition to middle school proved to be very difficult. It took Ella a couple of months to feel comfortable so my biggest concern was and always is her happiness.  I am so proud of Ella though. She has worked through her anxieties and is thriving now.  She has been working hard and pushing herself, and it shows. Transitions are never easy with her, although they have gotten easier. It's hard going through it, but I am so proud of how well she is doing in middle school. 

Paige started her second year of Pre-K. She was more than ready to go back to school this year. 

Paige almost didn't make it to her orientation. She was stuffy and not feeling the best the day before, but she made a quick turn around except for a runny nose. 

This girl was READY to go on her first day. New teachers and new kids didn't kill her spirit. She was so excited to head back. She loves the school routine, the activities, and friends. 

She was not bothered at all by the drop off line (last year we were able to go in). She hopped right out of the car and was on her way. 

Here's to hoping we actually make it through this entire school year without going virtual!! 

Colorado- Part 3- Rocky Mountain National Park

 Once the time came to leave Vail we decided to drive the two hours to Rocky Mountain National Park. It didn't come without a little excitement though. Adam got pulled over on the way there for speeding in small town USA.  I was beginning to think it was a bad idea until we got there and found out what a beautiful place it truly is. 

We followed Trail Ridge Road from the entrance at Grand Lake all the way to Estes Park, Colorado. There were many pull offs and trails and beautiful views. 

We stopped at the first trail we saw so we could dip our feet in the water. 

We were lucky enough to spot a group of elk way off in the distance. I love seeing wildlife. That was one of my favorite parts of the day. 

Trail Ridge Road heads up into the mountains and as you go the views keep getting prettier and prettier. I was "oohing" and "ahhing" all day long to the point Adam and Ella were making fun of me. You have to see it for yourself to truly appreciate it, but it is truly breathtaking. 

I knew once we got into the park there wouldn't be anywhere to eat lunch so we stopped at a picnic table (they are along the road) and had lunch. It was a lot of fun to sit and eat and enjoy the views. 

Our next stop was the visitors center. I had to get an ornament and a stamp in our national park passport book. We were almost at 12,000 ft. elevation. It was COLD, and there was snow behind the visitors center. 

Look at that snow in July! 

Right next time to the visitors center is another store that has snacks and drinks. Adam and Ella came out with coffee, hot chocolate, and cinnamon rolls. That just topped off my day! :) 

Our last stop before heading out was Rock Cut Trail. I had heard we needed to stop here, because there were marmots and pikas running around. We especially enjoy seeing wildlife. It was raining a little bit when we got there so there were not many animals out, but on our way back down the sun came out as well as the marmots. 

Try being up at around 12,000 feet elevation and run up a hill. Paige took off running and was out of breath in no time. I had to end up carrying her up hill for awhile while she recovered. 

Marmot spotting!

Cute, little pika. They have the sweetest faces. 

Once the sun came out we could truly enjoy the view from the trail. I could go on and on about how beautiful it was. It's something to see at least once. 

We spotted what I think were elk way off in the distance. 

Once the sun came out the marmots came out in full force. I am so glad they did, because Ella was here for the marmots!

This little guy was right at the entrance of the trail. Ella and I stopped to watch it. 

This marmot was not bothered at all by people and came walking right out infront of Ella. 

One last pika spotting before we headed out!

The views did not disappoint on our way back down toward Estes Park. 

Since we didn't leave the park until 2:00pm we didn't get to a hotel in Kansas until 11pm. I was lucky to even find a hotel, because I think everyone who leaves Colorado stops somewhere in Kansas to spend the night. It an exhausting drive home but completely worth it. 

I am so thankful we took this trip and didn't let COVID stand in our way. This was truly a great trip, one that I won't forget for a long, long time.