State Fair of Virginia

At the end of September, the State Fair of Virginia came for two weeks to the Meadow Event Park, about 20 minutes north of our house.  My friend, Merrilee told me about a Groupon that gave you a pass for the entire two weeks for the same price as a one day ticket.  It was a no brainer -I got 3 (Josie was free)!  Thanks to the passes, we went to the fair 5 different times and had a blast each trip!  We were able to pet various livestock, sat on the biggest John Deer I've ever seen, saw the racing pigs-twice!, watched the K9 flying dogs show, spent an entire evening riding rides, heard Tracy Lawrence sing, Jules rode a horse, watched a rodeo (Jules was obsessed with the cowgirls), and I enjoyed various fried foods-YUM!  We are all looking forward to the fair coming to town again next year.  Let's hope they offer another Groupon!  :)

Preschool Fall Pictures

Juliann's preschool took Fall pictures at the very end of September and they were ADORABLE!  She took her pictures on a beautiful horse named Peanut Butter and also got to ride him after pictures were completed.  How do you like my cowgirl?  :)

Tis the Season...for Yard Sales!

Oh I love the fall!  As previously mentioned, I'm a huge fan of this time of year and all the yard sales that come along with it!  Those that know David and I know that we are pretty frugal.  Already I've managed to outfit my kids for the next few months and in Juliann's case, put things away for next fall as well.  In September we hit the Mothers of Multiples Sale and walked away with 31 items, mostly clothing (their toy section was hit or miss this time around).  So far in October I've been to three neighborhood yard sales as well as the Threads Consignment Sale.

I hit the jackpot the first weekend in October.  My friend, Merrilee and I headed to the neighborhood next to mine at 8am and it was close to noon by the time we were done.  Thank goodness she had an SUV.  We were on FIRE!  We found house after house with great deals on kids clothes.  I got 29 clothing items for Josie and 23 for Jules.  Most were from Gymboree and Children's Place and a few of the pieces were never worn with the tags still on them-SCORE!  Most of Joselynn's clothes are for now but I did get a few dresses for her for next spring/summer.  Juliann's loot is a combination of now and next year.  I also got 3 practically new Eric Carle books for Josie to put away for her birthday (thinking about an Eric Carle theme).  Juliann also got a Disney Princess bike with training wheels for $2!  Yes, you read correctly-$2!  Now, it is not in new condition: the pompoms on the handle bars have all been pulled off, the chain was off the bike (took David all of 2 minutes to put it back on), and the princess stickers are coming off.  However, I can overlook all of this for $2!  I was amazed the family was selling such a decent bike for so cheap.  I was prepared to offer $5-$10 but when asked about the make offer sticker the man said, "I'm selling it for $2 because the chain has fallen off and I don't know how to fix it."  Seriously?  You just put it back on!  But I wasn't about to argue so I quickly paid him and ran out of there with a steal before he could change his mind!  Right across the street I hit yard sale gold again and got a never used Disney Princess tent and a matching sleeping bag for Juliann for $3.  Think I'm putting this away for Christmas.  :)  After all was said and done I spent about 60 cents per item.  I'd call that a good deal.  :)

Clothes for both girls

 Bike

I am heading back to the Threads Consignment sale on Sunday for their half price sale.  Hopefully for a few more good deals!  I hope the yard sale season is good to you all too!  

Carter's Mountain

A few weeks ago I took the girls apple picking at Carter's Mountain Orchard with 2 of my college roommates, Brittany and Kelly and Kel's daughter, Olivia.  The weather was cool but not cold (perfect apple picking weather) and it was absolutely beautiful on the mountain!  Jules and Josie had a great time and enjoyed eating the apples as we were picking them.  My favorite part was, without a doubt, the warm apple cider and apple donuts.  :)   We've since enjoyed both apple sauce and apple crisp with our apples. 

 With my girls

 All the girls

 YUM!

 My turn!

This is the life!

After a fun day picking apples, Jules wasn't quite ready to head home so I stopped with the girls at a little park and let them run for a few minutes.  Unfortunately, when I said it was time to go, a meltdown ensued.  I ended up putting Jules in time out and Josie decided to put herself in time out too!  I don't think she really knew why she was crying, she was just copying Jules.  So...I was THAT mom with screaming kids!  Luckily both fell asleep for a bit on the ride home.  :)  Next up...pumpkin picking!

 LOVE!

Getting their energy out

 Peek-a-boo!

This is what happens when we miss naps