#56. A Fantastic Fall

We just capped off one of the most beautiful falls I can remember here in Chicago (or anywhere else for that matter).  The twins took full advantage!

Clare and Luke, Fall '15

Leaf fascination in full force

Luke enjoyed every piles of leaves he could sit in

Clare, having just launched a handful, enjoyed tossing leaves everywhere

With such beautiful weather, the twins enjoyed as many visits to the park as possible, 

Have wagon in unusually warm weather, will STILL travel

which was great given that they both started walking at the beginning of the season.

I said WALK, not RUN, Luke!!

There's a lot more to do on the playground when you are mobile

Although, you don't need to be mobile to enjoy one of the best things at the park...swinging!

This fall coincided with a big trip to Central Illinois in late September, for Dad's 20-year High School Reunion Weekend!

We didn't quite make it to Eureka on the way down before these two got hungry...so, a quick stop off I-55 on Rte 24 filled the twins up...and created quite a mess for the friendly staff at the Chenoa Family Restaurant

Luke and Clare enjoying the most comfortable spot in Grandpa and Grandma's house...so comfortable it looks like Luke is about to doze off...it won't be long before they can't both fit on the same recliner

A trip to Grandpa and Grandma Knapp's is never complete without playing Great Grandpa Snyder's organ

It's always great to see Grandpa & Grandma Knapp, and Great Grandma Knapp too

The twins were able to take part in some of the Eureka Homecoming activities.

The twins enjoyed their first parade (the EHS Homecoming parade!)...along with dad's high school friends and Helen

Yes, Clare, parades = CANDY!

The twins strolled into the EHS football game to see dad at the Class of '95 Reunion tent....Go Hornets!!

The twins were also great hosts to Norwegian friends Tonje and Una...in town for the Class of '95 Reunion

The Eureka grade school playground sure has changed a lot since Dad was younger.  

Luke has no idea how much blacktop once scraped up kids his age

Ivy and Clare enjoy a moment when Clare wasn't throwing rubber mulch everywhere

Two twins that will probably never experience a steep, metal slide

Aside from a visit to Eureka, the twins also spent a short weekend in Bloomington in early November visiting friends.

Ivy and Clare working through a masterpiece

The beautiful weather continued so these 4 took to the 'Skinner playground'

Ivy & Clare and Amelia & Luke all enjoying a beautiful November day for swinging

Ivy takes Luke down the longest slide of his life...so far!

Sister survived her turn...and celebrated with a handful of rocks (which were later tossed) 

Back in Chicago, the weather continued to be unseasonably beautiful.

These two don't look happy to be 'stuck' indoors

So, the twins spent many afternoons hanging out on the patio, 

Snack time, play time, any time is great for patio time

Hey Daddy, let's go outside!!

and walking around the courtyard showing off their new motor skills.

'Best Sister Ever' indeed

Yes, Brother is comfortably wearing shorts...in November

Despite the unusually warm fall, the twins enjoyed a wardrobe change to more fall-like clothing.

Time for overalls...which serve dual purpose with runaway toddlers

Clare looks stunning in her flannel-wear

In fact, we had a full flannel photo shoot one day

These two sure enjoyed themselves in the courtyard...in their flannel

This fall, the twins got back into the pool for swim lessons, 

Waiting for lesson time to begin

Clare really came along this set of lessons, and Luke continued to be a fish

Learning safety skills during the lesson

Who enjoyed the lesson more??

Our two little goldfish toweling off

and had a very successful 15 month checkup.

Clare broke the 20 lb barrier...20 lbs and 11 oz 

Luke continues to grow...23 lbs and 7 oz now

Dr. Newport was happy to see these two walking all over the place

This fall, indoor time was less frequent, and unpopular. 

The couch is still the place to be

Always a lot of smiles on the couch

The twins became obsessed with 'The Street'...as in Sesame Street.

Don't bother us Dad, Sesame Street's on!!

Murray's (yes, I know all their names now) giving the 'word on the Street' for the day

The twins also started grabbing books (usually the same ones) to be read over and over again.

Yes, Papa is performing an encore reading of the 'Faces' book for Luke...again

Although currently less enthused by reading, Clare is consistent in picking the same book herself most times

Meanwhile, we also took time to perfect our selfies where definite progress has been made.

Great smile Clare, just don't reach for the phone

Nice work, Luke

These aren't selfies, only Dad's attempt at using a fancy feature on his not so fancy camera

Finally, fall means the start of the holiday season.  This year, we hosted Grandpa & Grandma Knapp for the week of Thanksgiving.

Grandma Knapp got suckered into reading a book or two

Thanksgiving Dinner was quite the spread....these two approved!!

Clare enjoyed sampling a bit of everything, while Luke needed a Veggie Pack to supplement his meal (or maybe stomach the abundance of Black Friday marketing going on in the background)

Thanksgiving week also (typically) coincides with Grandma Knapp's birthday and Grandpa & Grandma Knapp's anniversary, so we had some extra celebrating to do.

Luke has a special delivery for Grandma

Grandma loved her card...oh look, there's Grandpa on his phone in the background...but her favorite gift was being with her grandchildren on her birthday

Because we will be in Florida for Christmas with Papa's family, the twins got their first presents of the year from Grandpa and Grandma Knapp.

Grandma did not disappoint these two, who absolutely loved their Sesame Street themed gifts!

After an absolutely wonderful fall, we are excited to see what the Winter season brings for the twins.  From our family to yours, have a wonderful holiday season!