Fall Colors

Peak fall colors occurred about a week and a half ago.

Although we're past the peak now, many trees are still quite pretty.

We managed to make it the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for a few pictures the weekend the leaf colors were at their best.

It kept threatening to rain (rain ice), and as we arrived, the cloud cover thickened, leaving a less-than-desired, mostly gray sky in the background, but we came away with some nice photos.

Minnetonka Orchards

Evie attended a birthday party at Minnetonka Orchards last weekend.

As soon as we arrived, she was immediately attracted to a mountain of hay located near the party tent. She spent a lot of energy climbing, jumping, climbing, sliding down, climbing, jumping... and getting her pants stained with dirt (I didn't mind). 

After a few minutes of play, it was time to board a wagon for a hay ride around the orchard.

After the hay ride, there was more time to play while food was prepared. At the orchard, there is a fun little area with a wooden train to climb on and through, as well as a small swing set and a very fast slide. 

After eating and opening presents, it was time for a couple more fun activities, then the party ended. The orchard is located near to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where we headed for the early afternoon to see the peak fall colors and take a few more photos (which will be in the next post.)

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Pretty much any excuse to go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a good excuse.

Having family in town and wanting to see the new sculpture garden definitely count as good reasons to go.

And it certainly doesn't hurt to go on a sunny day with temperatures in the upper 70s.

Evie spent her time collecting leaves, acorns, grasses, and whatever other interesting objects she could find.

There were even still some monarch butterflies hanging around.

We spent most of our time walking through the gardens behind the visitor center, where many plants were still filled with blooms.

We caught a glimpse of a hummingbird moth, a little green frog, and one more butterfly.

 Then we moved on to the sculpture garden area.

We couldn't leave without seeing the dahlia trial garden...

...or without seeing the ornamental grasses.