We Heart NH.

....especially in the fall. we always try to make a trip up there around this time of year, because it's just lovely-- all of it-- the leaves, the weather... i could go on and on. the girls and i arrived a few days ahead of ben, who had to stay behind to work before he could meet us. as usual, we spent a lot of time at the apple orchard- and made it just in time to pick our own. =) here are a few highlights from the trip:

• finally being able to check out gramma & poppa's new house- it's SO nice, and we're really happy for them to be able to get settled after many months of anticipation. oh- and did i mention that it's just a walk through the woods to get to ben's family? we're going to love that!
• fishing in paul's pond with elie & amanda... anna caught a 16" brookie, and jane caught a "rainbow fish". so exciting.
• meeting andi & the girls for some shopping and lunch
• a surprise visit from auntie al
• learning to whip apples off of a stick with cole at gigi's, and having a delicious dinner with family
• visiting & snuggling with great grammie & great gramp
• going to church & breakfast with the gang
• driving the mule for the first time (anna)
• celebrating ben's birthday early, thanks to gigi, who spoiled him by making an italian cream cake
• playing with ernie, audrey & cooper
• wedding dress shopping (!!!!) with amanda & the girls. YAHOO!!
• lots of smooching for poppa (jane loves to kiss his mustache (?) )
• watching the "show" that is gramma's new front-loading washer/dryer. jane was even willing to give hop-hop a bath!
• being able to sit in the cockpit of the plane when we arrived at the airport. the pilot was so nice, and the girls loved it.
• driving home with a car full of goodies--eggs, squash, beets, apples, maple syrup, & pumpkins
• playing in the SNOW on the morning we left for home!