October 2011: This month was filled with many of our "usual" fall activities: apple picking, fall harvest
festival, and Halloween. Aurora went trick-or-treating again this year. The biggest difference is this time
she knew she was getting candy at everyone's houses (last year she wasn't sure what she was taking from each
basket/bowl). She still thinks that the candy she got is for successfully going potty though.
October 2, 2011: Although the day was overcast, the rain held off and we managed to go apple picking
at Honeypot Hill Orchard with Greer's family and Andy & Rebecca. Aurora specifically
requested to go here for the hayride.
Using the conveyer belt method to feed the goats.
Warm apple cider donuts - yummy!
They had a pumpkin patch and lots of animals. Here Aurora is counting the bunnies.
A wild tractor ride! Then it's back on the wagon to head to the orchards.
There were Bosc pears this year. Not quite ripe yet, but still good to eat.
...and Aurora in a pear tree...
Eventually, we find the apple trees (Macouns, MacIntosh, red delicious, Empires, etc.)
Aurora is the Pied Piper of the apple orchard...and Greer happily follows.
Aurora loves to climb the ladder to get apples from the top of the trees.
Walking back to meet the hayride.
Our bags are filled to the brim...time to go get lunch!
Here we are at the pizza place:
October 6, 2011: Aurora joins Mama for the Walnut Hill Class Night dinner.
October 9, 2011: We are in NY for the weekend. Aurora enjoys her first Pop Tart at Wai Po's house.
Video: Is it good?
While Kathy stays home to clean out her bedroom, Wai Po and Baba take Aurora to the
French Hill School playground.
While in search of coffee for Baba, they discover a street fair in the center of Yorktown. Of course,
we had to go check it out after Aurora's afternoon nap. She was thrilled to find bouncy houses and kiddie rides!
Video: Exiting the princess castle
This ride looked like an antique! Aurora takes driving very seriously.
Video: Going around
A gorilla course was fun.
Wai Po took Aurora on a crazy train ride.
Video: The train is off the tracks!
Video: Looping around
There was a car themed obstacle course, which was no sweat for Aurora. She liked it so
much, she did it twice in a row.
October 10, 2011: Aurora and Baba use sidewalk chalk to decorate Wai Po's blacktop.
Aurora took the last photo here.
Aurora is faster than Wai Po at the town track.
Video: Senior races
October 11, 2011: Aurora shows off her princess style.
October 13, 2011: It's Baba's birthday!
Video: Happy birthday to you!
Aurora helps Jon with the candles, the ice cream cupcakes, and the presents.
October 15, 2001: What a nice surprise! Uncle Owen is in town and we get to see him for brunch.
Aurora'a view of us:
After brunch, it's time for the Newton Fall Harvest Fair!
Video: Spinning the dragon!
Aurora waits patiently so she can ride in the first car of the train. For a while, it looks like she
will get it all to herself, until three boys crowd in with her. Everyone is so eager to ring the bell,
sometimes Aurora gets crushed.
On to the alligator coaster. It is funny how Aurora loves these rides, but some older kids get scared and
refuse to stay on the ride.
The giant slide with Baba (twice!).
Video: Slide 1
Video: Slide 2
One last ride...the taxi cars.
October 16, 2011: Jon tries out his birthday present from Aurora - stomp rockets!
Video: Stomp Aurora!
The neighbor's cat, Skitty, comes over to check what's going on.
Then it is back to the Harvest Festival. The first thing Aurora does is try out the fun house, since
she did not get to it the day before.
Then it's the slide, but with Mama this time.
The cars.
The alligator.
The bouncy house.
Video: Jump Aurora!
Another spin on the dragons.
Away from the rides, there were many booths and vendors. Here Aurora is
decorating a pumpkin at the Trader Joe's booth.
Frozen chocolate covered strawberries on a stick. Mmmmm!
That evening, Aurora helps Jon fix one of the chairs.
October 23, 2011: A sad morning. We take Baba to the airport for a week-long trip to Taiwan.
October 28, 2011: My Gym has a Halloween party that afternoon. A big poofy dress will not keep
Aurora from doing all the things she likes to do in gymnastics class.
Video: Upside down
Video: Ring toss
Video: Walk in the rings
Video: Rocking train
October 29, 2011: Baba's home! It's the perfect afternoon to make jack-o-lanterns and s'mores. Aurora is
quick to turn her pumpkin into both a cat and a dog. Then she helps Jon get his pumpkin ready.
Can we make this one, Baba? The final results.
When there's a fire, there's s'mores to be made!
Video: Toasting marshmallows
October 30, 2011: A local bakery and toy store sponsor some pre-Halloween fun for little ones. We start
out at the bakery for cupcake decorating. Aurora is very intent on getting as much stuff on her
cupcake as possible before she eats it.
After eating cupcakes, the kids parade down the block to the toy store for a music class.
