Happy Fall :)

This is my most favorite time of year! 

While Autumn does not officially start until later in September, I like to start in August and keep the fallness going until Rose's excitement for Christmas cannot be deterred.

We started off the month with one of our favorite activities...camping. This was the first trip out for the bus and she made it (stay tuned for when she did not make it). 

Just made some nice upgrades including a jump seat and table, both of which Rose has claimed :)

We also got another bike ride in and love logging miles while the trees are changing colors :)

We did get a little rain, but we've learned how to make it work and were able to stay dry!

We followed up a weekend of camping with another weekend of camping!

During the week we are busy with school and work. Rose also has piano and dance classes along with homework during the week, but the weekends are for family time and we try to get the most out of every moment :)

We made our annual trip to Buses by the Depot where Justin has a chance to share all things VW bus with other people who care :)

Rose also enjoys when we have 'happy food' while camping, so why not!

It was a nice weekend and the bus didn't break down...wait for it...it's coming....

So the next weekend we joined Justin's family in a trip to Knoebels. Despite that face, Rose had a great day with her cousins :)

 BUT THEN...at about 1AM and 10 minutes from home the bus stopped...Rose was a trooper and made some great videos all about what happened. We had a very nice tow truck driver who took us all home :)

Not that much can top that, but another weekend was coming and more adventures awaited :0
We made it to the Oley Fair and enjoyed rides, music, and food :)

I am so glad that this little one enjoys milkshakes and fries like  her mommy :)

And Rose ate her first Italian hoagie with all the toppings!!! Look at that hoagie love :)

On Sunday we visited with Aunt Kate, Uncle Jon, Ellie, and the twins. Rose was soooo happy to be surrounded by all the little cousins. 

 Dinner was a success with everyone in charge of a baby or kiddo :) I don't know how Kate does this every day!!

Ellie was so happy to hang out with cousin Rose :)

We started the next weekend with SCIENCE!

Friday evening we attended family science night at the nature place.

We did lots of fun experiments and Rose made a list of ingredients to get to make them at home

On Saturday we got up before the sunrise to head down to Cape Henlopen for one last beach day this year. We had a camping trip planned, but the weather was beautiful and Rose and I needed sand in our toes :)

We ended the day with dinner at Rose's favorite brewery, Crooked Hammock. They have the best outdoor area with lots of hammocks, music, and food.

On Sunday, we took it easy just hanging out around the house plus a trip to Dunkin Donuts and the dollar store to get supplies for more science experiments.

Ahh, we enjoyed September and October is looking like tons more fall fun! 

Happy August :)

Yay for enjoying all the moments left of summer break! 

Rose has progressed so much in her Lego building skills. These kits had hundreds of bricks, but were no match for Rose :) 

Sometimes she has her special helper, Pumpkin!

Lily doesn't so much help build Lego's as eat them...oh well! She's enjoys the summer mud puddles and then a nice bath :)

And in tribute to our favorite pets, we painted them :)

Another Bechtel Family Clam Bake in the books :) Still no clams for Rose :(

Rose also got back on the Rock Wall and made it to the top a bunch of times (so did mommy and daddy!)

Nothing like our favorite beverage to cool off ;)

And if a cool drink isn't enough we find some yummy ice cream!

Yup more food, we love to eat! Peach season is here and yummy peach baked goods have been devoured by this cutie :)

These two both broke body parts on a trampoline and here they are...thank goodness for health insurance.

Nothing better to end a summer day 

Rose also spent a week with her grandparents including a sleepover one night before heading off to second grade. 

We also hit the road for some camping adventures. 

We stayed at a new state park and spent the weekend in a YURT :) We were pretty close to Pittsburgh, so we headed in for a day at the Children's Museum. Rose is almost outgrown for most children's museums, but recently Pittsburgh opened a new building next door with some additional things for older kids!

And then just like that it was time for school...

Rose started 2nd Grade!!

She said she had a terrific day and loves her teacher! 

We are so excited for all she we learn and grow this year :)

We used our last weekend in August to take the bus camping for the first time this year with a new interior! Rose loves the upgrades.

We tackled the boulder field and made it all the way across! A first for our family :)

Rose also found a friend...

The lake was freezing, but luckily Rose had nice hot coffee to drink ;)

We hiked a new trail

And went for a bike ride. 

We loved our campsite...

even in the rain :)