Hugs, books, and apples

This day started out with lots of love for Casey. Getting Makenah up in the morning is a highlight of the day because it is filled with sweetness. Love and sweet greetings for me, rocking and kissing her puppy before putting him down, sweet chattering of her favorite words, giggles and smiles, and always checking on Casey. She'll call "Sase-ey, Sase-ey, and pat her tummy, which means "come." If he doesn't come trotting into her room, she'll go greet him wherever he is. 

Later on, it was time to read to the dolls. The new highlight is sitting in the recliner, which she can now proudly crawl into herself. 

Then, at lunch time, I had the refrigerator door open, and Makenah helped herself to an apple. Opened the drawer, pulled it out and dug in. Since I wanted to watch the cuteness and grab some pictures, I quick gave it a good wash and sat back. Apples, or "ah-ples" are a favorite right now, but they are usually cut up, so I was impressed to see her go to town on this one. She loved it. 

I love these everyday moments. 

Pumpkin patch with friends

Yesterday, Makenah and I met some friends from the residency at Walter's Pumpkin Patch. The girls said it was worth the drive (it's north of El Dorado), and that we should all meet there. We had a great time! There is so much to do there, you could spend hours! We walked around and played for a long time, and then rode the tractor ride out to the patch to pick out our own pumpkin. I would recommend Walter's to anyone! They were so nice out there!

She was really interested in the pumpkins, and wanted to always touch them. 

Such a big girl, wanting to walk around and explore herself.

You can see the cat better if you crouch down. HaHa! We watched this kitty for a long time, it made her laugh and got big smiles. 

Collecting the fruit that was falling from the trees. 

Of course, she wanted to hold as many as she could. What would we expect?

"Did I touch this one yet?"

A-mazing. She's in a swing! There were lots of swings and benches all over, and she walked over to this one all by herself, pushed it a little, and then all of a sudden wanted in it. I was shocked. When I saw it I knew there was no way I was going to try and put her in it...but she decided herself. She loved it. 

On the huge bouncer with our friends Meghan and Lily.

Riding the tractor out to the patch. 

We picked ours out, and they helped us cut it off. I love the look of wonder and excitement. I am pretty sure she was saying, "Whoa!" 

Loading up to go back. We were on the tractor with some friends and other little kids. Makenah wanted to sit on the bench beside me, like a big girl, and not on my lap. I just smiled as we rode. Big stuff. I wanted a picture, but there was no way I was letting go of that little one. 

The verdict: Worth the drive. Head out to Walter's. I think if we go to another pumpkin patch to take Bryan, we'll go to one closer to us, but if you are looking for something fun to do, head out there! 

The Zoo!!

It's been quite awhile since we have taken Makenah to the zoo. We kind of avoided it this summer because we couldn't quite seem to find a day that worked that wasn't over 100 degrees. Walking around in that intense heat just seemed like too much! 

Wouldn't you know it cooled off, and when we had a day home with Daddy, we loaded up and headed over there. It was the perfect zoo morning--65 degrees, calm, and sunny. 

Makenah had a great time. She enjoyed riding in the stroller, where she could munch on a snack and ride in the shade. Ha! It was fun getting to hear her make the animal noises (or motions) that she has learned. She seemed unphased by the tiger who was pacing back and forth right in front of us (made me nervous). :-) 

It was an awesome morning.