Fall is Here!

That's right.... true fall is here in Minneapolis! (And I'm afraid winter is very close to follow) Temperatures have dropped and the trees and leaves are a beautiful array of oranges, reds, & yellows!  My house is decorated with pumpkins & mums, and the fall candles are burning every evening!! It's my favorite time of the year!

She's stylin in her jean skirt, tights & boots! Fall lover already :)

 My mom (Nana as she's referred to here) came into town last Tuesday and we've been having lots of fun playing, taking walks, shopping and eating great food! She just made cinnamon roll dough for us tonight! YUM! It's been really nice having her here! Nana and Ella have been bonding-- Ella smiles every time she realizes she's still here to play with her and she loves having company in the back seat! Today we went to yet another apple orchard and took some family photos! Always something fun when Nana's here!

Walking through the neighborhood! 

Driving the John Deer tractor at another apple orchard we ventured too!

They love each other! 

 Our trip to Chicago was great fun! A little crazy due to poor planning on our part, but extremely fun none the less!! We were able to expose Ella to more of the city she was born in and visit with our dear dear friends!

Corner of Michigan Ave & E Wacker Ave :) She loved it!

YUM YUM YUM! Garrett's popcorn is the best!

Friends dinner at Rock Bottom! (We miss the OP Rock Bottom)!!

Ella turned 8 months on Saturday..... where did the last month go again?! Time is flying by! I know I've said it 1000 times, but she is one HAPPY BABY (except when she's not happy...then she's NOT happy)!! She smiles, laughs, wiggles & giggles all over the place!! Her "army crawl" is getting better, and she now is trying to master pulling up on anything & anyone! This girl wants to stand and walk NOW! She'll pull your pants down, pull your hair out, pull on anything if she thinks it will get her up! She always wants to face out (thank God for the Baby Bjorn) and see the world! Such an inquisitive baby! Feeding her has become a huge mess as she insists on feeding herself! Plus she's become a carb addict.... if you don't have bread, a cracker or a tortilla... you are in TROUBLE! And after flying since she was 7 weeks old, Ella finally got her "wings" from a nice pilot on her Chicago trip!

They put me in jail @ the Westin in Chicago.... let me outta here! 

Big Girl!! 8 months old! 

Sooooo big :) 

Playing with pumpkins

Happy Halloween!!

I got my Wings..... but I'm worn out from traveling! 

Not too much to report from Jon & I:  I spend my days chasing & carrying Ella around, and Jon stands covered in lead- elbow deep in people's veins/arteries.  Our evenings are spent resting from our days- reading books/magazines, watching a Redbox, the occasional glass(s) of wine!! Pretty boring I know- but we enjoy it!  Ella is our pride & joy!! Nothing makes our hearts as happy as to see her happy! Her laughter can wash away the worst of the worst days!  She's my little buddy!  Keeping us Krazy Kirklands busy busy busy and truly happy!

This girl LOVEs her some apples

Love this girls smile! :) 

About to go explore Chicago in her favorite position: Face Forward!