The Beauty Around Us

I know I have touched on this before, but how can a person not enjoy Autumn?  It is so beautiful in every direction you look.  The many different shades of yellow, orange and red.  I find myself gazing out my window more often to take it all in.  Looking at all the leaves that have fallen to the ground on my walks to school to bring or get Jayden.  Gazing through the somewhat bare trees to see the prettiest blue sky.  The smell of the fresh crisp air, the crunch of the leaves with every step, oh how I love this season.

The Kraus house has been busy with a few things this October.  Mostly taking in the nice days we have been given and having a little fun.

The great Pumpkin Harvest again this year was a success.  Uncle Ronnie and Uncle Louie tended to the seeds so well that we had a huge Harvest.  Don't think we will be growing the snake gourds again...they took over the garden.

We had Chad, Stephanie and Gabbi over for a grill out and happened to enjoy a little time playing in the leaves.  The kids and I played tag and went for wheel barrow rides around the yard.  Gabbi was making it rain leaves and Jayden was trying to cover himself but there wasn't enough leaves.  We made the most of it and had a blast.

My sister Nicole (and her Husband Mike) are expecting their 1st little one December 4th.  We all are very excited to meet him or her especially Jayden.  We held a shower in honor of Nicole and our big helper had to be their for his Auntie and new cousin.  I think when he knew their was presents and cupcakes involved, he was in.  Jayden didn't care one bit that he was going to be the only boy there.  Proud cousin I have to say!!!

It was a very nice shower and here is the crew...Mom, Nicole, Wendy and I.

The weather cooperated very nicely for Jeff and Jayden on my last weekend to work.  They spent a day at the corn maze "getting lost" in the corn.  They found their way to the end and enjoyed every minute of it.

Here is the happy kid at the end, taking in all that he ventured through.

We are very fortunate to live where we do to be able to enjoy nature so close.  The guys went hiking through Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve and found a few great places to pose.

In a fireplace?

Talking about fireplaces, check out all our firewood.  We spent a day and a half splitting and stacking all the wood.  Only thing, we don't have a fireplace to burn it in.  We are working on that though, so hopefully we will be using it up soon.

Jayden has been enjoying building towers and trees out of Jenga blocks.  He makes sure I take a picture of everyone.  Hope you enjoy this creation.

So who would like to hunt from this deluxe hunting stand?  Well my Uncle Ronnie has built a few of these on his land and Jayden and Uncle Louie headed up their to see the view.  The next morning Uncle Ronnie shot a 8 point buck with his cross bow.
Guess Jayden is his Good Luck Charm.

Oh no, a Spider!!!

 

We took advantage of Jayden having a half day off and had an afternoon of fun.  We picked Gabbi up from her sitters and had a picnic lunch.  Soon we were attacked by bees so we finished it up in the car.  After we headed to Mulberry Lane Farms to see the animals and pick a pumpkin.  It was our first time their and I would go back again.

Gabbi was not a fan at first of the animals, but soon warmed up.
Feeding the cow was simple.  

 But not so simple by the huge Pig.

Jayden milked a cow.

Jayden riding a horse or is that a little pony?

Gabbi riding her pony.

We enjoyed a "fast" hay ride.  We seen horses and their colts running and playing around.  Cows were grazing in the field eating grass.

I wish I would of thought of this, instead of a sand box they had a corn crib box.  Way less mess and way more noisy fun.

Don't forget the cool Rooster that was learking around.  Thought he was pretty cool.

Then the kids got to pick a pumpkin from the patch.  They first wanted to take a break on the pumpkins since it was a little hike to the field.

Carving Pumpkins with cousins.  We had a blast and the kiddos even didn't mind cleaning out their own pumpkins (well sort of).  Can't believe we have been doing this for 6 years now and looking forward to many more.

Packer Party!!!  Go Pack Go!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!  Our Ninja Jayden.

 My dad came over to show me his Buck, nice 8 pointer.  Now lets hope that Jeff, Chad and his Dad have good luck when they get out opening weekend.

Now here is one of the beautiful trees that just glows in color.
I think most of us take for granted all the beauty around us.

So this is it for now, hope everyone has had a great October.  We look forward to more adventures in November and hope everyone does too.

Until Next time...
Jeff, Heather and Jayden