Autumn 2016

The Archambault Autumn activities of 2016 included a visit to the pumpkin patch where both kids enjoyed a hayride and apples from the orchard.

Sophia also got to pick out her own sugar pumpkin and a decorative gourd which she named "Gordon".

Our generous neighbors gave us a box of ten pumpkins. After adorning our front steps they became pumpkin muffins, pancakes, waffles, bread and smoothies.

We attended the neighborhood Halloween party, where Sophia participated in the sport of eating donuts off of strings.  

At the party thrown by our church youth group one of the activties was mini pumpkin tic tac toe.  

It was the first year either child got to go trick or treating, and Sophia enjoyed it so much, she wanted to continue when we got home and asked us to knock on the door so she could open it and give us some treats from her bag.

North Carolina 2016

While the people we love are spread throughout the world, a growing number are now concentrated in North Carolina.

                                          

We made a three stop tour of the State, beginning with the Larsons, who have been there the longest.

Sophia's first sleepover, and lots of quality time reading and playing.

Next we went to visit the Sentas family in their new home.



We didn't see too much of Sophia during this leg of the trip as she was fully embraced as a fifth sibling and we were grateful for more evening talks with friends.



Finally we drove west to Brevard, North Carolina to visit family.

Sophia took her first ride in a kayak...particularly significant since her parents met on a kayaking trip.

Sophia and J loved the three dogs that were part of the crew.



J enjoyed pointing at them and Sophia was motivated to hike 4 miles by walking the two smallest ones.

Cousins Marsha and Denny, Aunt Jan and Uncle Ray

In addition to being with our family, we enjoyed seeing the beautiful scenery, including multiple waterfalls.