October...

 warning: long post with lots of pictures...


We have had a packed month with lots of fun family stuff and enjoying the fall weather which is why I've been MIA lately. Turns out free time is sleep time when dealing with a baby :) So here's our recapped month...

1. Oct 5-6: James and I cashed in on our anniversary gift from my parents and spent the night at a Bed and Breakfast downtown Indy. We left the kids and were able to enjoy a nice meal out and we walked around the mall before crashing in our old Hollywood themed room with a movie. It was a wonderful little get-away and the B&B experience was perfect.

2. Oct 12-14: Our annual Hess family Reunion in Illinois. It, like always, was a wonderful weekend despite the rain, hanging out telling stories and corralling the multitudes of children. There were four new babies since last year: Andrew-11 months, Will-9 months, Jemma-6 months and Our Jack - 2 months. We had to get a picture with all four and their moms. Then we tried to get all the kids... it was shear chaos as you can imagine.

 Jack and Papa by the fire.

3. Oct 20th: Pumpkin Patch! We took our trip to the pumpkin patch with two kids in tow. It was a little chilly and extremely muddy but it was worth the mud up to our knees. Amelia again loved the hayride and selection process and Jack loved being outside and around all sorts of new things to look at. Many commented on how calm he was just taking it all in.

Hayride

After mom almost fell twice wadding through the mud, Jack and I stayed back while Dad and Amelia found our pumpkins.

 Later that night we then carved away. This year Dad helped Amelia bring her vision to life while Mom took care of a pumpkin for Jack.

I wonder if pictures will get easier when Jack can support his own head a little better?

4. Oct 25th: Jumping in the leaves! This Thursday was especially warm for late Oct. so at the request of Amelia we found some leaves and a rake and went crazy.

Again, Jack relaxing outside

 Jack also enjoying his first swing ride. 

5. Oct. 27th: Applebutter day! For many years, every fall, we would get together with some close friends and make applebutter. It has been almost 10 years since the last time because of special circumstances... I cannot tell you how excited I was to do it again! We get to be outside in gorgeous fall weather, eat chili and stand by a fire stirring some delicious spread. The day didn't disappoint ...

Amelia helped add apples for the cider press... there is not many things better than fresh made cider.

the Press in action.

 There is it... 

 Best friend since birth... basically

 Taking a turn stirring

 And the best part- after the canning process, rolls are made and everyone gets to scrap out the applebutter.

On top of all these activities, there has also been trunk or treating at Amelia's school, a trip to the Zoo, Uncle Michael visits, and James getting used to a new role at work... It has been a wonderful but quick month and it's not over! We have a halloween party and trick or treating to do as well!

Bring on November!