Pumpkinland at Thies Farm

The last several weeks we have seen rain, rain, and more rain, so outdoor activities have been somewhat limited. This past Sunday, however, it wasn't raining and the sun was shining so we decided to head out to Thies Farm so Kyle could experience some fall and Halloween fun! Thies Farm has an area called Pumpkinland for the children to run, play, and explore. The area has many activities including tractors to ride, mazes made with hay bales, pumpkins, a hay ride, and a pirate ship. There is also pony rides and farm animals to keep the little ones entertained. We all enjoyed our time enjoying the pretty weather and having a little fall fun at the same time! Of course, we took pictures so I am sharing several for your viewing pleasure!

Kyle loved riding in the tractor tire swing!

Kyle also enjoyed playing in the large area of hay. Kyle making his way through one of the hay bale mazes.

The Spence Family at Thies Farm It's a must for Kyle to pose with the pumpkins although at the time he was more interested in watching the tractor being used for the hay ride.

Hello Fall

Goodbye Summer...Hello Fall! Fall is such a pretty season with the leaves changing. In the STL area the leaves are much more vibrant and beautiful than in years past...maybe because we have had more rain than usual. On this Sunday morning, we decided to take a colorful and scenic drive. We headed out to the wine country area to a little park John spotted in the past. Klondike Park was the perfect destination to enjoy the fall leaves. With several different walking trails and an overlook to the Missouri River there was plenty for Kyle to explore.

During our site seeing of the area, we made a very special, small world meeting. At one point, John was calling Kyle Robert and a mother and son approached us to say that the son's name was Kyle Robert. It was such a coincidence, especially since we very rarely say Kyle Robert in public. We continued talking and soon realized that the lady works in the NICU at the very same hospital where Kyle spent the first 86 days of his life. She has worked in the unit for 25 years so she was there when we were, but we didn't have the opportunity to meet her during Kyle's stay. She was so happy to meet Kyle and was amazed at how well he is doing for a former 25 weeker. I think it makes her remember why she does her job each and every day. She was such a sweet lady and it was such a special treat to meet her....we were meant to each be in Klondike Park on this day, at this time! Next time we make a visit to the NICU, we will certainly check to make sure she is working! It just goes to show that it really is a very small world!

Below are several pictures from our fall family outing! Enjoy!

Fall Comes To Our Neck of the Woods

Fall is such a beautiful time of year. I love the weather, temperatures, and the pretty colors provided by the trees. These photos were captured this past weekend as we were enjoying the weather. Unfortunately, the weather is turning in the opposite direction, as it is rather chilly in STL. I'm so glad I have these pictures to look back on and wish for those beautiful days to return...one can only hope!

Our neighborhood has a large lake with a walking trail where these photos were taken. I have included one picture of the two trees in front of our house at their peak with the leaves changing.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. We are taking Kyle to the circus tomorrow so I will be back to share all the excitement from our family outing.

Front of our house during the fall season

View of the lake in our neighborhood

Walking trail by the lake

A Boy and His Dog

Kyle loves his dog, Chloe, very much! It has taken a long time for Chloe to warm up to Kyle, but within the past several months they have become "friends". Kyle has learned how to pet "gentle", but still thinks it's hilarious to pull her ears, tail, and legs. Chloe isn't a huge fan of this type of torture, so she has to voice her displeasure. Their favorite game to play together is chase. Chloe especially enjoys the chase game if Kyle has food in his hand... it is quite comical to witness.

As we were heading out on a family walk a few days ago, Kyle was so proud to have the honor of walking Chloe and holding her leash. Granted, it was for a brief period of time, but Kyle didn't know the difference. Below are a few pictures to capture the special bond between Kyle and Chloe! Enjoy the pictures!

Is It Really Fall?

Sunday morning we headed out to enjoy the beautiful fall day. It certainly looked like fall as you can see from our pictures below, however, it didn't feel like a typical fall day in STL. The past few days have been unseasonably warm so we are enjoying these days while we can. In a couple of months we will be wishing for them again when the snow and freezing temperatures are upon us.

We went to a state park not far from home where the scenery would be very pretty. Kyle certainly had a ball running through the park and fields, playing in the leaves, and on the playground. Since he is so active he loves the freedom of having a large space to explore. I hope everyone is having a wonderful fall season. Enjoy our pictures!

Beautiful scenery on our drive through the park

The next few pictures are of Kyle exploring Kyle and Daddy taking a break I love this picture with a ray of sun shining directly on Kyle

Kyle Meets Thomas

We spent the morning and early afternoon at Day Out With Thomas. Kyle was in heaven...he enjoyed every minute! There were so many activities for Kyle to partake. Our first stop was meeting Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the railway and having our picture taken with him. Next on our tour was the gift shop, complete with anything and everything Thomas. Kyle wanted every item in the shop, but of course we didn't oblige his requests. He did leave with a special Day Out With Thomas Tanker Car for his wooden railway collection. To add to his collection we also got him Annie and Clarabel, who are Thomas's coaches.

The main attraction was a twenty five minute train ride in which we had a view of the Mississippi River, Downtown St. Louis, and The STL Arch. Kyle thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and even earned a JR. Engineer Certificate. After our ride we waited thirty minutes to have Kyle's picture taken with Thomas. John and I were pleasantly surprised how adorable the picture is...don't you think? There was a cute mini train which Kyle had fun riding...he even had a date on the ride. (Ha!Ha!)

I am so thrilled we decided to take Kyle to this event. It warms my heart to see Kyle having so much fun...smiling and laughing!

Kyle and Thomas the Tank Engine

Kyle meeting Sir Topham Hatt Kyle is overjoyed to be riding the big boy train

Kyle and Daddy on the train

Kyle and Daddy departing the train

Kyle enjoys his ride on the mini train

Kyle and his date. LOL

Family Fall Fun

Last Sunday we took Kyle to Eckert's Fun Farm in Millstadt, Illinois for his birthday. We had a blast and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Kyle went apple picking, pumpkin picking, rode carnival rides, and rode a camel. The following pictures will outline all his fun activities! If you are looking for a fun fall outing this is definitely worth checking into!

Kyle going in deep to find an apple.

Kyle has been learning many signs so I thought it would be cute to get a picture of Kyle holding an apple while signing apple.

One of the many apple trees filled with tons of apples.

Of course, Kyle headed straight to the largest pumpkin he could find.

Where's Kyle???? Look close...he is hiding in there.

Kyle loves the airplane swing ride. I used to love this ride when I was little!

Kyle's first camel ride. I didn't trust myself to ride with him so

Daddy rode with Kyle.

Oktoberfest

Fall season brings a variety of family outings...pumpkin patches, festivals, craft fairs and Oktoberfest. This morning we went to the St. Charles Oktoberfest. The festival was along the banks of the Mississippi River at Frontier Park and it was a nice morning to spend outdoors. Plenty of food and crafts to keep us entertained. Only a block away is Main Street St. Charles which is a wonderful area of town with the cutest shops and restaurants. If you live STL, have you been to this area? We made a wonderful purchase today, which I am so excited about. I will be sure to post this week with pictures. I just need to keep all my blog readers in suspense for a few days. (Ha-Ha-I'm sure it won't be as exciting to all of you though, so don't get to excited.)

There was an antique car show on Main Street today, so Kyle was absolutely in heaven. I'm not sure which car he liked the best...I'm thinking all of them! I know it's been a while since I've posted any pictures of Kyle so I am including a couple taken today!

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend!

Welcome Fall - Part Two

Fall has officially arrived at our house, since the decorations are complete...inside and out. I don't do much inside...just enough to spice things up! It is amazing that summer has come to end and we are quickly approaching my favorite season of the year...winter (insert the sarcasm here). For now, I will live in the moment and enjoy what fall has to offer...cooler temperatures and the beautiful scenery, compliments of the leaves changing.

Dining Room Table Mantle in the Family Room