Now that H is almost 2, and the Hubby is back to working days, time seems to be going faster than ever! The weekends, especially, are a blur because we try to squeeze in as much quality family time taking advantage of all that Boise has to offer, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
This past weekend was no exception! We were almost gone from our house the entire Saturday and most of Sunday, which I love. Saturday we took advantage of both Fallapalooza and Idaho Botanical Garden’s Harvest Festival, which may have been H’s favorite Fall excursion so far.
Fallapalooza was full of local vendors, and live local musicians and dance groups, and was so much fun to walk around. I’m always amazed at the talented local artisans that we have here – a few of which I was actually following on Instagram before I knew they were local to us! Have you heard of “Bubble Soccer”? Apparently its a huge new way to play soccer and it’s impossible to watch with a straight face. There were crafts and fall activities for the kiddos, but they were still a little ‘old’ for H so we skipped over them, although next year I’m sure he will partake! We spent most of our morning walking around the booths, listening to music, and snuggling in our new LÍLLÉbaby Essentials carrier.
After a quick pop back home for a long toddler (and dad) nap, we ran out to Idaho Botanical Gardens (IBG) for the Harvest Festival, a big Fall kickoff event. The Harvest Festival has definitely been our favorite happening so far! The second we walked through the gates and into the Gardens, H started going bananas. We’re members at the Garden, and have TOTALLY gotten more than our money’s worth already this year with everything they put on for families.
Right when we walked in, we pursued the local vendor booths for a little, and then grabbed some delicious local grub at the food trucks that had set up shop at the Festival. We stopped at RiceWorks for some Cha Gios and then moved over to Burgerlicious for some ‘lean local grass fed meat’ burgers and garlic fries that are crazy delicious.
I almost don’t know where to start with everything IBG and their Harvest Festival had to offer! After grabbing a bite to eat, we walked around to take a look at all the scarecrows that local families and businesses had created for the Scarecrow Stroll. There was more great local musicians playing while we walked around, so it was really nice to have a little theme music to stroll to! One of my favorite parts was walking through the pumpkin patch with H and the Hubs and having H help pick the perfect toddler-sized pumpkin to paint.
A big shoutout to IBG for how organized they were with the kids activities! The pumpkin painting was clean and there was enough room for all the toddlers, kiddos and parents to sit around and participate. After he Hulkified his pumpkin, we of course had to ride the tractor. H. Was. In. Heaven! The tractor driver was really sweet and would make noises and funny faces for H while he was driving us around. I have literally never heard some of the squeals of utter joy that came from H while we were driving around in the tractor! Because we took such a late ride, the driver actually let us go around twice with him and close up all the gates and everything, so my sweet little dude was just completely overwhelmed with happiness.
If you read my last post then you saw the release of LÍLLÉbaby’s new Essentials model carrier. I still cannot believe that they were able to create such a lightweight soft structured carrier for under $90, especially one that is so dang cute! As I mentioned in my previous post, in the twoish weeks that we’ve had it to test out, it has been the perfect secondary / ‘car carrier’ so I can make sure we always have a LÍLLÉbaby with us. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s super easy to fit into my Boken Essentials day bag when we’re not using it, and it doesn’t add a ton of bulk because of how small it rolls up. I was unsure about the Chevron at first, but the grey actually goes with everything! Exibit one – H and I are both wearing plaids, and somehow the whole thing still works!
I do miss the lumbar support and the extra padding on the shoulder straps, so I always make sure to keep an extra in the car with the Essentials, but other than that it was great! The new Personal Fit Adjusters (PFAs) are my new favorite thing – it makes it super easy to get a great fit, and actually makes breastfeeding in the carrier easier. H is about 28 pounds right now, but the LÍLLÉbaby Essentials made for super quick and easy “Ups”, and kept us way cooler in this weird cold / hot / warm / cool / freezing temperature fluctuations that happen at this time of year than my LÍLLÉbaby Original Complete did.
Does your city put on a bunch of family-friendly events at this time of year? Have you gone to any so far?
Disclaimer: I did receive this carrier complimentary as a part of the Lillebaby Ambassador Program to test out and review, and this post contains affiliate links. Regardless, all opinions are my own!
So great to be able to operate as normal, hands-free with a little one in tow.
I think carrying the little one makes things so much easier. I preferred that over a stroller actually.
I need that kind of carrier because it is a hands free and makes my life easier. Instead of pushing stroller and carry our other things.
I didn't baby wear because I found it extremely uncomfortable, but I know so many moms swear by it.
That carrier looks sturdy. It's hard to find a carrier that's comfortable both for you and the baby.
Fallapalooza sounds like a blast! I can't believe how fast your little one is growing! I bet you can't believe it either. So cool when they are old enough to sit up and paint pumpkins for the first time!
There are a ton of events happening now in the greater Phoenix area. It's as if we've been waiting all summer long, or is that all long summer, for a change to get out and enjoy some 80 degree weather!! Our choices seem endless in October and November. This coming Sunday I'm going with a group of facebook ladies to the Desert Botanical Gardens. I've never been there before!! I hope to enjoy it as much as you enjoyed your outing last weekend! Thanks.
Your Fall Festivities sound so fun and I love that the carrier kept you hands free. I love those beautiful days as a family
We have lots of fall themed events happening now. I remember using a front carrier for my kids when we'd attend events, it is so much easier then driving a stroller across uneven ground.
I bet that did come in handy for you. It sure looks like you all had a fun day as well.
He is absolutely adorable you son! Love the picture of him painting the pumpkin. That's what Fall is all about – pumpkins and colour!
These are such adorable pictures! And I'm sure that carrier made it much easier to go to all the family events 🙂
I don't have kids yet, but I totally picture myself using one of these!
You're really maximizing the use of that carrier, which proves that it's really awesome! Glad you enjoyed your weekend with your baby and hubby!
Looks like so much fun, especially that stylish carrier and your little ones totally adorable LOVE T 😀
Looks like you had a wonderful day. Cute pictures!
I love the balloon pictures! It looks like you and your son had a great day together!
This looks like it was a great time for you all indeed. I so miss when my kids were little and the time does go by so fast when you are having fun. I love how H was painting the pumpkin which is so adorable. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Lovely images! I am not yet at that stage in life but I think I'd prefer carrying my kid as well 🙂 Will definitely look out for a carrier like this.
Christina ♥ https://caliope.name