Apples, Sheep and Bunnies

On Saturday morning we decided to take a trip to an apple orchard in Flat Rock, NC. It was in the mountains and was quite lovely since the leaves have started changing colors there. It was also quite a bit cooler there than in Charlotte, which was nice. We didn't pick any apples, but Ben had a great time checking out some farm animals. He was really excited to see two bunnies whom he named Max and Ruby. There was a little bit of a controversy surrounding these names as another little boy wanted to name the brown bunny Scooby instead of Ruby. Perhaps he just misunderstood what Ben was saying??

We couldn't convince Ben to eat any apples, but he did find a discarded apple on the ground and carried it around with him all day. Maybe more apple exposure will make him more interested in eating them.

Ben was quite fond of this sheep - he tried feeding it his apple. The sheep was quite entertaining and even peed for its spectators, which was a huge hit with our 2 1/2 year old. As he explained to other kids around, "hey you, that sheep went pee pee."

Sheep and goats are so awesome!

Growing weary of apples and pumpkins.

Ben and Kate snoozing together after Daddy read them some stories.

Kate's first trip to Ft. Thomas

Jeff and I had our 10-year reunion at Hanover on October 3rd so we decided to combine it with a long trip to Ft. Thomas. Kate and Ben were both great in the car. She slept most of the way and he slept, listened to music, talked, and covered the back window with Thomas stickers. It was definitely autumn there and it took me a day or two to adjust to the cool temps, but I loved the beautiful fall days.

While we were there we went to Springfield to visit Jeff's grandparents and aunts, went to the zoo and grilled out with some friends and their kiddos. It was great to be back in the Fort and to get back to Hanover. Here are some pics from our trip:

I was worried about our summer baby adjusting to the cooler weather!

Babbie and Ben fed lots of carrots to Bambi and his friends who frequently visit Babbie's back yard. Don't tell the Ft. Thomas police department or they might get arrested! :)

Baby Kate with Great Aunt Joani

Two peas in a pod

Kate and Ben with their great-grandparents George & Carol

Daddy, Kate and Ben at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Our attempt at a family photo.

Jeff's 33rd birthday cake.

Lincoln, Griffin & Ben playing with Lincoln's awesome trains.

Annie and Noah doing some cleaning.

Daddy & Ben at Hanover's homecoming - standing near where the old Beta house used to be. Not only were the Betas kicked off campus but they tore down their old house. Not that we would have gone inside - there's no way I would have let Ben in there to touch anything or even breathe the dusty air.

Daddy's old halloween costume - maybe it'll fit next year!

Babbie & Ben at the playground.

3 Months!!

It's hard to believe our Baby Kate is 3 months old. She is forming a cute little personality and is such a happy baby. Along with eating and sleeping she enjoys playing with her Flora the Flutterbug toy and she loves when Daddy does his Georgie Porgie rhyme with her, complete with choreographed hand and leg movements.

The Barlow clan came to visit last weekend and Ben had a great time playing with Griffin (or "Riffin" as Ben calls him). They had a lot in common, including their love of trains and goldfish crackers. They (along with Elise) also enjoyed running laps around the house and chasing each other (or thinking they were being chased).

Sporting her curly do.

Relaxing with Daddy before bedtime.

Cheering on those Bengals.

With Lady Ashley of Fort Thomas

Two Men and a Little Lady

Jeff stealing a smooch from Elise. Ben and Griffin were not amused!

Fall is here!

The biggest development here is that school has started again and Ben is going three mornings a week. I was really worried about him being in a new classroom from last year with new friends and teachers, but so far he has really enjoyed it. Each time I've picked him up he hasn't wanted to leave. I don't know what that says about Kate and me, but I'm happy he enjoys school so much. Yesterday was red finger paint day and the month's activities will also include measuring and weighing, playing with playdough, making applesauce and more finger painting (next time with blue paint!).

Oh yeah, the Bengals season also started and Kate wore her first piece of Bengals attire and we taught Ben how to say "Who Dey." Unfortunately their spirit didn't help them win - neither did Daddy's "spirit", which mostly included lots of pacing and yelling at the television. At this point we can only hope that the Bengals go to the playoffs sometime before Ben leaves the house for college. Next week I hope to get a picture of the two of them in their Bengals gear, so stay tuned...

We've had many visitors lately, which has been great. First, Amy and Jackson came for a quick visit from Atlanta. Then Chris, Julie and Annie visited us over Labor Day weekend. Babbie came for a long visit and now we're excited to have the Barlow family coming this weekend.

Looking rather nonplussed about wearing his new backpack.

Babbie and Kate watching the Bengals game

Kate enjoying some time in her crib. Here are a few more pictures of her room:

Ben & Jackson


Annie

Ben teaching Annie all about Thomas

New haircut

Still trying to get a really great photo of the two of them.

10 Weeks

Here are some pictures of Miss Peanut at 10 weeks of age.

Miss Peanut & the Dudey Man

The nicknames have begun for Kate. She's usually referred to as "Baby Kate," "Baby Tate," "Peanut," or my personal favorite "Miss Peanut." Nothing too unusual or crazy, but she is rarely called Kate, except by Ben. Ben's main nickname is "Dudey Man," or "Dudey" or sometimes "Benner." I always use a stern "Ben Fritsche!" when he's in trouble. That serves two purposes - 1) he knows he's in trouble and 2) if we're in public or around other people, it allows them to figure out how to pronounce our last name.

Miss Peanut had her 2-month appointment yesterday and she's doing great. She weighed in at 10 pounds 14 1/2 ounces (50%) and is 23 1/4" long (80%). Here are some pics of our growing girl and our little man.

This would be a great pic if Kate's right eye were open!

Elise visits pretty frequently and Ben always looks forward to seeing her and causing mischief with her.