Year Four at the Pumpkin Patch

Yep, we have been to Walter's pumpkin patch every fall since London was two years old.

And I look forward to it every year.











This year, they had a face painting station-and none of that 'flower on you cheek' business-oh no-there was some serious face art goin' on; and since Nana was with us, both children were indulged.
London was in heaven. The girl could not stop looking at herself in any reflective surface we passed by. I wish we had a picture of the moment she saw her completed face for the first time.

Sheer. Delight.
Since this was the final stop on our pumpkin patch outing Noble was beat. He nearly fell asleep while his face was being painted.

I mean he was completely relaxed. He didn't want to get off the chair when his bat was completed. That boy loves to be fiddled with in any way. This is why he also gets excited to go to: the doctor, the barber and the dentist (in the near future).
I'm already looking forward to our trip out here next fall.

Family

I regret telling Taylor to move his hand because it looked 'awkward'.

This is what I got in response.

A new nomination for awkward family photos-so sorry Elizabeth, my sincerest apologies.
Sisters

Off to the Pumpkin Patch-CCA style

One of the many reasons I love preschool; it encourages us (me) to go experience fun, new places that left up to my own devices (and energy level (or sometimes lack thereof)) we probably would never discover.

Apple Jack Pumpkin patch doesn't look like much from the view from K-54, but it had a lot to offer, and the rug rats (or rat babies as London says it) LOVED it.

I love the discussion going on here about which pumpkin London and Noble can agree on as the 'perfect' one.
"This one looks just about my size."
"Stop everything! I've found it!"
I also love how Noble is completely oblivious to the fact that he chose the one neon pink tricycle. If it has big wheels and he can pedal it color is of no concern.

Falling behind

Now that fall is officially over, I thought I would share what we've been up to the last three months.

Painting pumpkins with a friend,

building forts outside,

Celebrating Nana's birthday at the zoo
with Honey,
Bubba (aka Caleb),
Aunt Stephanie,
and these two, who couldn't get enough of the children's zoo creek,

afternoon reading on the front porch (about monarch migration of course),

panting fall pictures,

and preparing for the onset of a cold, blustery winter.

Next up, pumpkin patch visits, family pics, and other fall happenings. :)

Butterflies, fairy hideouts, and high flyin'

We had ourselves a wonderful time at the new children's botanical garden. There was so much to explore, and it didn't hurt that it was absolutely gorgeous outside.

Some of the highlights: Friendly butterflies,

Creeks to conquer,
treasure to discover,
fairy fun,
and catching some serious air.

Apparently my grandchildren are going to be named after body parts, and they're not the socially acceptable ones

I did it. I summoned the courage to finally tell my children the actual scientific names of the body parts that distinguish them from one another. See, I can't even type it.

Anyway, after some quiet reflection London replied, "That's pretty.........I think I'll name my daughter that."

I knew I would regret that decision.

Introducing: Luke Skywalker

Aka Walker. He's the newest furry member of the family, and we are already smitten. He runs with the kids in the backyard for as long as they can keep up, and cuddles with me anytime I sit down. Who could ask for more?