A Fun Fall Weekend

I have a boatload of pictures to share of our action packed weekend, so I'll let them do most of the talking! Over the weekend, we went to the Virginia State Fair, hosted an impromptu neighborhood playdate at our house, and enjoyed a really fun neighborhood "potluck at the park" playdate. Caroline also attended a princess birthday party. Needless to say, we all went to bed early on Sunday night!

We love the State Fair!

Julia rode to the fair in style.

We met Caroline's buddy, Mary Michael, at the fair for a fun filled day.

Despite the look on her face, Julia LOVED riding the pony.

Caroline and MM on the carousel.

Margaret was less interested in the fair and more interested in the snacks we'd brought.

We had so much fun!

Margaret had a lot to eat and drink. :-)

Daddy double fisting a beer and some Dippin' Dots.

We found Sweet Frog at the Fair - score!

Happy girl

Julia greeting a duck.

Margaret showing off her "duck flap."

Our beautiful Caroline on her way to her princess party.

Julia on the swing at the neighborhood play date.

Caroline with her buddies, Campbell and Big C.

Sweet Margaret

You go, girl!!

We love the playground!

Fall is for Planting, Pumpkins, and Playing

 After we committed the ultimate "crepe murder" last weekend by taking down our very mature crepe myrtle trees, we decided to fill the newly bare space in front of our house with a couple flowering (and much smaller) shrubs. We went to Sneed's nursery to pick out the shrubs and were surprised to find a great pumpkin display in addition to all the great plants Sneed's stocks. The girls were in heaven and wanted to take home every pumpkin in sight!

Let the selecting begin!

Every pumpkin and gourd you can imagine is at Sneed's

Quick, NO ONE smile at the camera!!

Checking out the Koi pond.

Back at home, the girls were eager to "help" Daddy.  Caroline's buddy, Campbell, came over to assist.

Mommy put the girls to work pulling the summer flowers out of a front bed. Pansies will go in this weekend!

Not everyone was interested in helping.

Aside from planting and pumpkins, the girls have been doing a lot of playing! We are in a sweet spot of both independent and group play in our house. The girls are happy to play alone and happy to play with each other. There is a lot of imagination, cooperation, and happiness to be found when the girls are at play, and I LOVE IT!

Margaret playing doctor to Dog-Dog.

This closed door made me nervous... 

...but there were three happy girls having a dance party inside...

...and this Mommy was NOT invited! Julia promptly slammed the door in my face after I took this picture.

Julia and Margaret camped out in their cardboard house beyond their doorway toy. 

Caroline engrossed in play. Duplo play sets have been a huge hit with her lately.

A Slow Weekend

After a busy and tiring first week of school, ballet, and gymnastics, a couple playdates, and a party for Mommy and Daddy, this handful of Heppers was ready for a slow weekend. Thankfully our calendar was clear, and we took full-advantage of the free time. We played outside, went to the playground, and even did a little baking. I did make Paul cut down two trees on Saturday, so I guess the weekend wasn't completely low key for everyone. But he did a great job, and we think the end result is well worth the work!

Caroline's first day at ballet with buddies Ava and Mary Michael.

Noah's Children had a fundraiser at Sweetfrog this past week.

We were only too happy to join in.

A little Saturday morning cartoon watching.

Paul at work (and the before picture).

After - I am SO happy with the results.

Can you spot my little people?

Caroline cruisin' to the playground on her bike.

Working hard to get up a hill.

And she's off!

Margaret had a blast at the playground. 

This girl can climb!

Julia commandeered Caroline's bike for the ride home. 

Helping Mommy make muffins. Julia LOVES to be a part of the baking process...

...and gets very upset when it is no longer her turn.

Happy helper Margaret.

Julia dressed herself to take Isabel for a Sunday afternoon walk.

Margaret wasn't quite ready for the weekend to be over. She came back downstairs after bedtime for some extra snuggles with Mommy.