Soergel Orchards

Yesterday we went to Soergel's Pumpkin Festival. It was a disappointment. They charge for absolutely everything! I don't understand the need to nickle and dime when they are making enough money off of their food. I had promised the kids caramel apples and also bought a bag of my favorite Empire Apples. Hopefully next weekend's pumpkin patch is better.

Fall Pictures

The leaves started to change early here and then stopped for a warm spell. Once the colors picked up again, the leaves were gone before I knew it. There was probably a week where I could have got the most perfect pictures, but I slacked and have to settle for these.









This was my favorite tree of the season right down the road from my house in its prime.

Pittsburgh RAD Days

RADical Days 2010 will offer the public a record-setting 41 free admission sites, plus new performances and activities as the annual celebration of the assets returns this month.

In September we went to the Carnegie Science Center with my brother's kids. I was very impressed with all the exhibits they had packed in the 4 story building. My favorite was the Miniature Railroad & Village. The Roboworld and Submarine exhibits were also a bit hit. We raced through because we had plans to watch the Steelers Game at our friend's house. I might consider getting an annual pass when my Children's Museum pass runs out.

This past Sunday we went to the Zoo, and boy was it. We got there around 11:00 and by the time we left, cars were lined up for about a mile. I was so happy that it was free because I had been planning on going in October and expected to get a family pass. I was happy to go and also happy to realize that we don't need to go again. I guess I'm not a huge fan of zoos. Oddly enough, we realized that with my last 3 pregnancies I have been to a zoo in my 8th or 9th month. The San Diego Wild Animal Park with Thaddeus, The L.A. Zoo with Violet and the Pittsburgh Zoo with Leo.

On Saturday we went to a "Hay Day" fall festival that wasn't part of RAD days, but was also free. They lines were insanely long so we just had the kids each ride a pony, a first for both of them, and jump in one jump house.







There are a lot more Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches left for the rest of the month!!!

Mini Me

Violet loves to help me fold and put away laundry. One day I had a pile of baby clothes on my bed and she said she was going to help. I just laid down and relaxed while she folded every piece of clothing. It was so sweet I didn't even want to put it away. She's constantly saying, "When the baby comes out I'm going to hold him, change his diapers, play with him..." She's so excited and I can't imagine a better big sibling for our new little guy.



She's already such a good mommy to her kitties. Here are a couple pictures from just the last couple of weeks. A good portion of her day consists of cuddling kitties on the couch and "playing Bean or Black Beard" with Thaddeus. That's their term for playing house.







She also still likes to ride her bike. We only have about another month or so before it will be retired to the garage for the winter. She's a little dare devil and surprisingly enough, she hasn't got hurt yet. Here she is riding though our obstacle course of a yard and driveway (which has since been cleaned up mom & dad).