Stella & Addilyn's Adventures: September 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

A day at the Apple Orchard

Today we experienced a Michigan Apple Orchard. It was the Michigan Apple Festival at the Country Mill in Charlotte, Michigan. We were in for a treat! The apples were the best I have ever eaten. Tart, sweet, crispy, and so delicious. But that was only the beginning of our fun at the Country Mill. We watched the goats climb "Old Mac," a bridge that is a small replica of Mackinaw Bridge. We poured our own apple cider, straight from the barrels. We ate fresh, hot pumpkin, apple, and buttermilk donuts with cinnamon and sugar! Heaven! And we even rode the train out to the orchard. We had so much fun. 28 pounds of apples for $12 came out to about 40 cents a pound or about 9 cents per apple. I hope we can freeze them!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Happy 1st Birthday, Stella!

One year ago, we welcomed Stella Juliet into our lives. One year ago, we grew as a family. And one year ago, our hearts grew twice as big.

Addilyn also welcomed her baby sister into her life, and her heart grew the moment she laid eyes upon her. A sister's bond formed from the moment Stella became a part of our lives.

September 16, 2010

One year later, we have learned to be a strong and patient family, with lots of love to give and share. What a blessing you are, Stella Bella! Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Addilyn's first day of Preschool and Dance!

The long awaited first day of preschool arrived today. Addilyn has been looking forward to this day all summer! Of course, Addilyn loved every minute of it. She got to paint, play with dolls, meet new friends, and so much more. No tears were involved by Addilyn or us. It was just another step toward independence for our growing girl.

Addilyn also attended her first dance class this evening. She is a natural talent! She loves to dance, and had a blast there meeting new girls her age.

Our little girl is growing up so fast!

Dance class!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

A trip to the beach!

This is where it all began. The year was 1983, and Daddy was only 2 years old. A love of Holland beach began then.

17 years later, Mommy and Daddy went to Holland beach for a vacation. Mommy fell in love with the beach just like Daddy did 17 years earlier. The water is warm and clear, the sand is warm on your toes, the seagulls are a plenty, and the lighthouse is a sight to be seen.

Who would have guessed that 11 years after Mommy and Daddy first went to the beach, they would be taking their 2 little girls there to enjoy what they already knew was one of the greatest places to visit! And now we live only 75 miles from Holland, so we can visit anytime and enjoy the beauty that is Lake Michigan!

Stella loving the beach

Addilyn "surfing"

Stella and Addilyn feeding the birds!