A Christmas Tree

It's that time of year again when we head out to Handley's Holiday Hillside and walk through the rows to find our tree. This is the third year we have gone to cut our own tree and I think I can safely say it's a Dieter Family tradition now.

This year there was a light covering of snow but it was quite comfortable in the sun. There were so many beautiful trees to pick from this year since we had lots of wonderful rain this year. The boys mostly liked playing in the snow instead of picking trees.

We decided on our Canadian Fir tree again this year, though I was almost swayed by a gorgeous blue spruce for a hot second. The Fir just has the best shape and branches for ornaments. And the smell of pine is amazing.

The boys let me take their picture with the tree before helping with the falling. Jered carried the tree back to the shake and bag area all by himself. It made me realize won't be long before the boys will be carrying the tree for us.

I remembered to pack the tripod for the camera this year and got a pretty good family portrait . I think this one will be going in the Christmas cards this year. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to a long winter break.

Trip to the Apple Orchard

Wilson's Apple Orchard is close to Iowa City so on a beautiful fall day like today, you just have to pick up the kids from school and head out there. It doesn't hurt that it was doughnut day! They had delicious fresh pumpkin and apple cider doughnuts, hot coffee, and frozen apple cider slushies. After our snack we had the energy to walk out to the rows to pick some apples.

It was a wonderful year for apples in Iowa. We had lots of rain to start the spring and then it has been pretty dry which has made the trees just full of apples. The boys picked two baskets full, so it was a good thing Dad was there to carry them back to the car. They also had pumpkins and all sorts of fall squash. Fall is my favorite season and I love all the harvest veggies and fruits. I think an Apple Crisp is in our future. 

Artfest in Iowa City

This weekend was the Iowa City Artfest and so the boys and I headed down to check it out. There was lots of things to look at and do. Riley and Max love to play on the structure and we stopped by the library to trade in some books. Unfortunately they did not have the fountain on to play in, but it was nice and cool outside so it was not so bad. Happily, Jered was able to come down and join us for lunch at the Java House. For dessert we went to Molly's Cupcakes. They were amazingly good. Max had boston cream pie and Riley picked blackberry. All the photos were taken with my iPhone and I'm pretty surprised at how well they turned out.

Our Christmas Tree

This year we went to Handley's Holiday Hillside in Solon for our Christmas Tree. We went there years ago to buy a tree when Jered and I were first married and really liked it. Today was cold but not snowy so it was a nice walk through the rows. The boys enjoyed picking out the tree and we all carried it back to tie it on the Jeep. We bought a Canadian Fir tree, it has nice small needles and strong branches for ornaments and lights. There is really nothing like the smell of a fresh cut pine tree. We have it all set up and tomorrow we will decorate it once it "relaxes". The house is really starting to feel festive now that the tree is up.

The Guineas

 Yes, we now have two guinea pigs. The boys are in love with them, the Guineas (as the boys refer to them) aren't so sure yet. The story on these guys is Jered's friend at work needed to find homes for them and  so hey free pets! Guinea pigs are large, a little smaller than a rabbit and make funny sounds like grunting. Max named his Teddy or Ted for short, he is 5 monthes old and bigger so far. Riley named his Hooper after the PBS charater and he is 3 monthes old. So far they have been super easy to care for. They basically eat and sleep and oh man do they like carrots. They each need their own or there is a fight!

Color of Leaves

The weather has been beautiful lately and all the trees are turning wonderful, gorgeous, though brief, colors. We took advantage of this and took a walk to the park. The boys got exercise and I got to shoot some pictures.

Hickory Hill Hike

Riley

Max

The heat wave in the Midwest has broken! Today it was 85 but after more than 7 days of above 100 degree temperatures it felt amazing. The boys and I went for a hike and a picnic lunch in Hickory Hill Park.

#50things Hiking

Hickory Hill is the largest park in Iowa City and one of our favorites. The hike from the parking area to the picnic shelter is a little under a mile so it's a great hike for small legs.

The trees make a great tunnel to walk through and the shade kept us cool.

We had lunch and relaxed a bit before our walk back. It was great to finally be able to go outside and do something. The heat has been horrible this year, but I shouldn't complain because it will being snowing before you know it. It is Iowa after all....

Lunchtime

Photo Bomb