More Apples, Well Apple Donuts

I made it to Rockford for a weekend with the kids and had to make a stop at our favorite orchard. They have a ton of things for kids to explore, animals to see and of course apples! The weather was still warm and we even bought the kids a pony ride.

Since Kyle and I had just been to an orchard, we were all set on apples. The bags we are all holding are full of the world's best apple cider donuts! I'm serious, I have tried many and no others compare. They didn't last long at our house.

Claire is 7!🎂

We celebrated Claire's 7th birthday with a family gathering. Claire requested an ice cream cake from our favorite local shop. It did not disappoint.

I snatched this photo of my parents and sis with the birthday girl.

Also in attendance were Lucian's aunt and uncle from Kansas City. They spent the weekend with us. We had a blast playing the games they brought and catching up. But do you think I have a single photo? I do not. I even just tried to raid Lucian's catalog, but couldn't find any from the day.

For Claire's friend party, she chose to invite one friend to an overnight at a water park.

They spent a Friday evening swimming and arcading and eating treats.

Kyle got to tag along too.

And Sydney gifted her with matching pajamas. So cute!

Back to School

Claire started first grade this year! She has a teacher that is new to the school, but when she met her at back to school night Claire couldn't have been happier. She has the bus drill down now and excitedly waited for her pick-up on the first day. My parents and Lucian's mom were also able to see her off.

Kyle started K4 this year. His schedule is a little complicated. He begins his day at a private school/center, eats lunch and then takes the bus to Claire's school for his afternoon session of K4. I waited with him on the first day to watch him get on the bus and take a few pics. He was excited and so sweet. I think he is liking music class and library the best. He is always singing new songs he is learning and takes great pride in his book selection on library day. 

And the kids are in the same place now at the end of the day! Yay for me and an easier schedule:)

American Girl

For Claire's birthday gift Aunt Mimi suggested a trip to the American Girl store and café in Chicago. She has two dolls and turning 7 seemed like the perfect age to go. I, of course, invited myself. It sounded like a great trip.

We took the train to the city. Oddly, it was my first train trip. These two are are seasoned veterans.

Claire was a little overwhelmed when we first arrived. She tends to clam up in big crowds or when the attention is all on her. We shopped a little before our lunch reservation, but she wasn't feeling all the comfortable.

The lunch room was super cute and girly. Her dolls got their owns seats at the table with cups and saucers that Claire got to keep.

She ordered mac & cheese.

And warmed up quite a bit while dining. Great idea Aunt Mimi!

The shopping after lunch was much more successful. Claire got to pick a few gifts from several people, thanks to gift cards from Costco. Mimi is always a bargain hunter.

We took the train home and Lucian picked us up. Would you believe we all wore stripes without planning it? Well, we did. Great minds...

Old Time Amusement

There is an amusement park in Green Bay Wisconsin we heard about that caters to young kids. We made the trip just before school started and didn't regret it. The rides were perfect for our kids and most were only 25¢!

Little circular tracks of boats, planes and cars kept Kyle happy for most of the day.

We tried a few bigger things together like the tilt-a-whirl, swings and bumper cars.

A creeky old carousel had this pretty rainbow zebra.

And while Kyle rode a few smaller things with Dad, Claire and I went on a wooden roller coaster. Here's where being tall has its advantages. This before photo shows how brave Claire was.

About 10 seconds in she changed her tune and said "Mom I don't like this." I buried her head on me and held her the entire time. When we got off she said next time she would like to sit in the back because maybe that would be less scary. At least she was talking about a next time. Super proud of our brave girl!