Apple picking in New England

Brad had work of today for Columbus Day. I didn't know you got work off for Columbus Day, but evidently, the East Coast is extremely patriotic. We decided to use the day to drive up to the north shore and go to Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA. It is an old orchard ran by the same family (who still live on the orchard) since the 20's where they let you pick your own apples after a hay ride, get fresh hot cider, pick out pumpkins, eat hot fresh cider donuts, and shop in the cute gift shop all in an old barn. We loved it. 

I LOVE FALL! And, in Massachusetts, fall is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I am so happy that this is where Kai got to spend his first fall. Apple picking and going to the pumpkin patch was so wonderful on this crisp day. The air was cool, the colors were spectacular, and we even got to see the harbor. Such a lovely day. Kai was loving all of the sites around him, and he loved his first apple. 

The perfect apple, and Kai's first taste (he loved it)

The farm

Crinkle nose just like his mommy used to

Guarding his pumpkin

Lane leading up to the orchard

Kai picking his own apple

"I'm cute and I know it"

Eating hay

The hay ride out to the apples

Michigan!

At the end of August, we started our trek across the country to relocate from Newport Beach, CA to Boston, MA. It was the longest drive of my life, and having a baby and puppy in the car did not make it any easier. We stopped in Michigan (after almost 4 days of driving) to spend a week with my family.

I hadn't realized how much I missed being in the mitten until we got there. In the past 5 years since graduation, I have only been home for a couple days here and there, maybe a week and half accumulatively. That is way too long to be away. 

We had so much fun! We went swimming at the country club, watched a lot of football, saw old friends, went to the cider mill and had a "speedy-weeny" roast, and hung out with the family. To make the trip even better, Grandma Smart was in town too! It was a blast and just nice to be home again.

 Downtown Detriot

At Buffalo Wild Wings

Brook & Bay

 Yates Cider Mill

 Samron

Family (minus Bridger who was on the field)

Mother and son

Kai and his Grandpa

 Bridger's team got to play at Ford Field downtown, and I got to wear his jersey :)

Mom and Sammy Jo

Kai and his Great-Grandma Smart

 Bandana Boy

Half A Year Old

Kai has been a part of our family for half of a year now! I can't believe it. September 20, was his half birthday. This has been a wonderful 6 months and he has grown so much! I love to watch him learn new things and see the amazement in his eyes at the simplest things in the world around him. 

Lately, he has been acquiring new skills so fast. Here is what is new in the past month of Kai's life:

• Became friends with his carseat. After a drive coast to coast, he didn't really have a choice
• Learned to be the pickiest eater. He thinks pureed food has the grossest texture and will gag with every bite. He still loves food though, and is trying new things every day.
• Travels like and champ. He loves to be out and about exploring. He can go all day long with me downtown or out shopping and not cry once. It's the best. 
• Sits up like it's his job. He is recently trying to get into the sitting position from lying down, it is pretty funny to see him struggle to get up.
• Knows how to use technology too well. He knows that you swipe your finger on the iphone to get to stuff, and tap on the keyboard of the laptop. I think it is creepy.
• Drinks out of a sippy cup. I'm not sure how much water he actually gets out of it, but he loves it regardless. 
• Grabs everything in his reach. EVERYTHING. He is obsessed with textures. He loves to feel everything and run his fingers across everything.
• Rolls everywhere, and is trying to crawl. He can't quite coordinate his arms and legs to get very far, but he is so close. 
• Loves storytime. Brad reads to him before bed each night, and I think it is Kai's favorite time.
• Thinks he can talk. Man is he vocal, and loud. 
• Smiles on que. It is adorable, and melts the hearts of everyone we run into.
• Wrinkles his nose. I used to wrinkle my nose as a kid, and now Kai does it! Like mother, like son.
• Drums on everything. I think we have a musician on our hands. He will even mimic you drumming on something. 
• Growing like a weed. He is getting so tall (9-12 month clothes) but is still a little peanut weight wise. 27% in weight, 98% in height. 
• Cries if mom is out of sight, but is getting over stranger anxiety.
• Has 2 teeth on the bottom. Longest week of my life when those puppies came in.
• Gives kisses (aka sucks on your check and goes "Ah") and is starting to wave. 

Basically, we are obsessed with this happy little boy. He is one of the most content, funny little kids I have ever seen. He is so easy going and we have so much fun playing on the ground and exploring the city together. 

 Smiley boy

 Always chewing on everything

 Keeva puts up with a lot

 Wrinkle nose face

 Best friends

 So happy!

 Silly kid

My freaky tall boy

Trip to Washington (3 months late)

I'm such a failure with blogging. I just realized that I STILL hadn't posted about our trip to Yakima three months ago! Before our trip to Kirkland, we went to Yakima for my brother, Brandon's, graduation. We had a ton of fun!
 I am so proud of him, and I can't believe how time has flown. I still remember the days when my cousins and I were having him dress up as silly characters for The Austin Family News, and now he is off at college! I am so glad we got to go and support him. Here are some pictures from the trip:

Congrats West Valley Class of 2012

Dad and Carol

My cousin, Breanna's, sweet baby Hunter who is one week older than Kai

Beautiful Mother and Daughter

5 Generations

The Grad

Proud Grandparents 

Nana and Papa with grandkids

Papa and Dad

Cousin Amanda

Baby Hunter

Gaga and Kai (my grandma)

The Family

Breanna and I with our boys

Kai and his Great-Grandpa Holden

Kai and his Great-Grandpa, Papa Sonny

Kai and Hunter - opposites. (same age)