"And a time for every purpose under heaven..."

As I mentioned, fall is in full swing. As only a true Minnesotan can, I have a special place in my heart for every season. Autumn is a wondrous time with its changing colors, crisp weather and fun filled events. It seems there is something fun each weekend, weather permitting, and I like to take advantage of it ALL...

Football:
Bjorn and Hector were able to take in a game at the U of M's brand new TCF stadium. They witnessed the Gopher's 1st loss and and took this super cute picture:

(sorry ladies, they're both taken)

Back stoop chillin':
Minnesota is the definition of a moody lady. One day it's 47 degrees, the next it's 75. Hot, cold, the weather changes day to day. So I wasn't surprised, after a week of cool days, to find Lily and Papa enjoying an ice cream cone.

Yum!

Fun family news:

A season can't go by without something exciting happening for someone. This fall that news was that Auntie Gia got engaged! She's thrilled, he's fabulous and we all couldn't be happier. Look for a fall 2010 nuptial and a really cute flower girl!

The happy couple!

The proud sisters!

Scarecrows:

You can't have a true fall without a few friends made with straw. We love the free scarecrow stuffing at Bachman's, and this year my mom honored the newly engaged couple with a bride and groom. She did a fabulous job, and now papa has a few friends to hang out with on the nights mom works!

Scarecrow and the Mrs. (King?)

Apple orchards & pumpkin patches:

(and usually a petting zoo or 2)

Our neck of the woods is filled with places to pick your own apples, pumpkins, gourds, etc. Many of the places have figured out that activities for the kiddies draw in the mama's and the dada's with their wallets. Petting zoos, wagon rides, mazes, forts and slides, not to mention delectable treats keep us coming and wanting more. We had a wonderful time out at Minnesota Harvest and Emma Krumbee's and hope to hit up at least one more spot before the season is over. The word is that with this crazy weather, the orchards plan to stay open a bit longer than usual.

Getting to know Mr. goat.

King & princess of the hay mountain!


Riding the wagon with auntie Beth

Riding the train by HERSELF!

Such a big girl!

Back in the saddle with dada

Hiding out in the playhouse with mama

Emma Krumbee's was really so fabulous- well worth the drive and $3 to get in and do all the "stuff". They also have a scarecrow contest each year and all of the fun entries are displayed throughout. Grandma should have entered the bride and groom!

Pennant races and post-season baseball:

The Twins made a THRILLING win in a tie-braking, winner-takes-all game at the dome. It was the most exciting, exhausting, emotionally draining game I have ever witnessed live. We were able to experience the final win at the Metrodome as the Twinkies head west to their new outdoor home next season. What a night!

Twins win the pennant!

We were feeling good!

What a night!

Leaves:

Leaves, leaves, the magical treat- the more you rake, the more at your feet! This season mother nature got duped. It got so cold, so fast, that several of the trees dropped their leaves while they were still green and many trees still stand filled and confused. The fall colors are such a pretty sight though, and even brown and crunchy leaves on the ground are fun to play in. Lily has really enjoyed raking and running around in them, so we decided to leave some around. By choice.

Throwin' em around

Mama & Lily

"I'm mowing the lawn!"

So sweet- our love!

Happy Fall to all!