The Gustafsons

Wilson's Apple Orchard

Today Mommy, Hayden, and Eli ventured out to Wilson's Apple Orchard while Daddy was at work. We all went out the orchard and picked some apples with Hayden holding my hand and Eli in the carrier. Hayden's highlight was the tractor ride back to the store. Before heading home we stopped by to see Daddy at work. Once we got home we made some delicious apple crisp. Yum!
Enjoy the pictures.

Hayden checking out the pumpkins.

Hayden in the pumpkin patch.

Eli's ride for the day and Mommy's work out.

Yummy apples.

Hayden picking apples.

Eli inspecting his apple.

Here comes Bessie the tractor.

Hayden loving the tractor ride.

Mommy and Eli on the tractor ride.
Eli seeks adventure as he was actually hanging off the tractor.

It was a full ride.

APPLES

By-product: Apple Crisp

Our Daily Life

So here is a look into our daily life.

Hayden has been working a sticker chart. He is awarded a sticker in the morning for not sucking his thumb during the night and keeping his bed dry. On the 10th sticker, Hayden got to choose a prize and he chose a doughnut!

Hayden and his doughnut.

Eli got one too!

Caleb is on a flag football team this fall. We were able to watch his first game of the season and he did a great job. Way to go Caleb!

Caleb (#11) at his flag football game.

Younger boys cheering for Caleb.
Reuben, Micah, and Hayden

Caleb and his team.

The next few pictures are just some captured moments of the boys playing at home.

When did this guy get this big?

Hayden and Eli cuddling.

Eli absolutely loves to walk around with this Hawkeye helmet on.
That is until he runs into the wall.

Hayden and his Cubbie bear ears he made in Awana.

Big boy Eli making his OT mommy proud with his self care skills at 14 months!

A new schedule

Our fall schedule is coming along in the Gustafson house! Hayden is officially a Cubbie in Awana. He is excited to play with his friends, learn verses, and have fun. You will see some pictures below. Camille's work schedule is set consisting of working 3 days during the week. Ted is working the opposite days eliminating the need for childcare at this time. He is also beginning a Bible study starting this week. Days not working are spent at home with our boys. Hayden is working on his letters and numbers, coloring, painting, making crafts, playing with his cars and transformers, and playing with his brother. Hayden is also enjoying the books , Charolette's Web and Someday Heaven. Eli says "Hi", complete with a wave, loves to play with his brother and expresses his feelings when he feels left out, loves to read/play with books, he enjoys playing with his blocks, and loves to eat.

Another Birthday Boy!

While enjoying our time at Leech Lake, we had another birthday to celebrate. Hayden Marcus Gustafson turned 4 years old! Looking back, I recall a wonderful day! The night before Hayden was born Ted and I were walking around at the Steele County Free Fair while I was breathing my way through contractions. We woke up early on August 16, 2007 and drove from Faribault to Mankato, MN to have my water broken at 6:00 am. And at 4:17 pm Hayden made his debut! This year we celebrated with a Transformer cake, presents, turtle races, and a fun time at the beach.

Hayden at birth (August 2007).

Hayden's 1st Birthday (August 2008).

Hayden's 2nd Birthday (August 2009).

Hayden's 3rd Birthday (August 2010).

Hayden's 4th Birthday (August 2011).

It's a party!

Hayden with his transformer cake toppers.

Presents...

Bumblebee!

Hayden and his presents :)

Playing with his new play-doh with his cousin Reuben.

Hayden is now our big boy and he will correct you if you say otherwise. He enjoys pretend play and having books read to him. We recently started reading "Charlotte's Web," or as Hayden says, "The spider book." He listens attentively and continues to enjoy playing with his cars. Hayden is also a very social little boy talking to anyone in sight. He is always excited to play with his friends. He enjoys going to church and frequently asks during the day when we are going again. In a few weeks, Hayden will begin Awana at our church. This is something I am excited for as I completed the program as a child too. I have such fond memories and I know he will too!

Hayden goes to bed around 8 at night and wakes up around 8 in the morning. He takes a "rest" during the day where he rarely sleeps. He eats almost anything, that he wants that is. There is the occasional battle between Hayden and Mommy/Daddy when it comes to something he doesn't want to try. He has formed an opinion on clothing. Hayden's preference is anything Nike, just like Uncle Kevin! He also wants his "fast" shoes, which are his new tennis shoes.

Hayden is truly a blessing to our life. We thank God for entrusting us to raise Hayden in His truth. Even though some of the days are tiring, as parents we try to embrace the simple moments such as comforting yet another boo-boo or tucking him in at night for one day we won't need us to do these things any more. We love you more than words can express, Hayden!

Leech Lake

The annual Kyte family vacation to Leech Lake took place last week. It was a week filled with fun of swimming, fishing, games, memories, reading, and relaxation.

I have way too many pictures to share so here are a few of the highlights.