don't feed the ducks.

I made a bad parenting decision yesterday.  Not my first and most definitely not my last.  Let me explain.

Carter has been wanting to go feed some ducks for a few months.  Every time he mentions it we are at a park but have no bread.  So, we saved a few pieces for that special day when I would remember to bring it. 

Since moving to Bothell we have found several fun parks in the area.  The very first park we ever visited was Bothell Landing - a great park, playground, running trail and more, all on the river with plenty of hungry ducks. Our new babysitter said even though this sign is posted, many people still feed the ducks.

So yesterday we headed down to the water prepared to give them a snack. Carter was so excited and so was I.  Let's be honest, how many of us have a fun childhood memory of throwing tiny bits of bread to waddling ducks quacking away in delight?

Unfortunately my plan backfired.  As soon as I pulled out the first little piece and placed it in Carter's hand about 30 ducks swarmed the area all quacking away getting closer and closer.  Carter sensed my fear as I quickly began to realize these weren't friendly Donald Duck type ducks, but rather aggressive, greedy, very ready-to-steal-bread-out-of-your-hand type ducks.  I told Carter to throw his bread but instead he became so scared he just held on as tightly as he could.  Lucy just sat in the Ergo completely unfazed and I stomped by foot on the ground, thinking that would magically scare them all away.

When that didn't work I just screamed to Carter, "Run!" and threw the 1/2 loaf of bread as far away as possible.  I screamed like a little girl, Carter screamed like a little boy and we were quickly done.

 As soon as we were in a safe place Carter stopped and said in a very direct tone, "Mama, maybe we don't feed the ducks again.  Ever, ever again."  All I could do was laugh hysterically and hope no one watched what had just occurred.
So, maybe there was a reason to not feed the ducks.

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StoneyRidge Farm 2012

We took our annual trip to StoneyRidge Farm last weekend and so glad we decided to go early.  The weather has been beautiful and although we started in warm coats and hats we ended up in t-shirts by the time we left!  

It was obviously a bit longer of a drive for us this year but so nice to meet up with friends (Wagners and Adams' families!), eat some delicious apple pie and truly celebrate the fall season.  

Carter instantly started exploring when we arrived.  He did such a great job this year waiting patiently for his friends before moving on to the next activity. 

 This was the 3rd year in a row we went with the Wagners and Adams'.  Last year Leah and Carter were screaming and crying trying to take this picture.  This year they happily obliged and were full of smiles!

 Attempt #4 at a family picture...the best one we got.  Lucy can try to look at the camera next year!

 Matt pulling double duty with the kids.

 Our boy is getting so big!

 Lucy's first trip to StoneyRidge....she was such a trooper going along for the ride most of the day.

 Taking a break to eat some grapes and do some people watching.

 Happy girl.

 He was SO excited to ride the train.  Then, while waiting for the other kids to get on he suddenly got super scared and started crying.  I went to go take him out but instead the conductor said, "get inside lady!" and pretty much forced me to jump in the barrel with Carter.  I thought, "this is a horrible idea...Carter is going to scream."  But, Mr. Conductor Man knew what he was doing. Carter suddenly got happy and the enjoyed the entire ride.

 Eating some hot dogs by the fire. Love this group of people.

 Sittin' in her big girl chair.

 Next it was time for dessert.  Matt and I quickly devoured our amazing apple pie with caramel and ice cream.  Carter chose some apple cider donuts.  Yum!

 Checkin' out the honey bees.

 Finally, after 2 hours of eating and looking at animals we headed down to the pumpkin patch!

 I can't believe how big they are all getting.  2 years ago Carter had just learned how to walk and Leah was still riding in the ergo.  Now they are all grown up and just loved each other.

 Ellie took the lead and drove the tractor while Carter rode along side her.  Such good friends.

 Holding hands.  Love it!

 StoneyRidge has everything.  Rows of apple orchards outline the pumpkin patch.  We chose a row and helped ourselves to another yummy snack.  Even Lucy got her own apple!

 Finally we chose our little pumpkin and headed home.

 What a great day.

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it was a good day!

After a challenging day yesterday, today was a breath of fresh air.  Smiles, hugs, laughter, riding bikes, snacks and best of all....lots of cuddles.

 And, it ended with a new haircut!

So thankful the good days outweigh the bad.  I love my family!

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the good, bad and ugly.

Parenting is the hardest job I've ever had.  Some days are good, wonderful, fun and exciting.  Others are exhausting.  And some are just ugly.  Today was one of those days. Luckily it wasn't the entire day, but definitely a large portion of it.  As I continually learn how to talk to, discipline and live with an ever evolving toddler, I've discovered each day is different.  I'm going to blame today on fatigue.  Yesterday we had a wonderful, full and fun day the pumpkin patch (another post to come!) and Carter just didn't get enough sleep after that.  This morning started off with throwing toys, running away while getting dressed, throwing food, refusing time outs and screaming.  And that was all before 8am. 

But, we put a smile on our face, went to a new church and then headed to Costco.  I had my extra snacks in hand for that "just in case" moment while we shopped and plenty of creative ways to keep him entertained.  Instead our 20 min. trip turned into kicking his shoes off, grabbing food out of the cart, dumping an entire bag of trail mix on the ground and hitting his little sister on the head not one, but 4 times (before I realized I should save her and get her out of the cart!).  It ended with me carrying him out of the store, without shoes on, kicking and flailing all the way to the car - not an easy task when he's the size of a 5 year old. 

Whew.  

 But, then a nap happened.  A glorious, long, peaceful nap.

 And he woke up happy.  A completely different child.  A pleasant one.

Bed time turned into another battle and we quickly realized it was just a bad day.  For everyone.
But, now he's peacefully sleeping in bed.  Such a breath of fresh air to watch a still very little boy cuddle up with his Mickey Mouse doll and fall asleep.  Makes me realize he really is a little boy.  Learning, growing, testing, discovering.

And now praying for a much better day tomorrow.  Because we all deserve it.

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