The Pumpkin Patch

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch on the last weekend of October. Although Alex should have been studying for his test, he came along with us. I'm grateful to him for making those little sacrifices for us because to me, they're huge! It was all very fun and low key... except for when I accidentally let a HUGE goat out of the petting zoo! (like, his head came to my waist!) I'm telling you... he was waiting for his escape. I had both kids ready to exit the gate, but there were these two big goats waiting right there with there noses up to the crack of the gate. While holding Todd, I weaseled my way between them and the gate, pushing them back with my bum as best I could until I had enough room to open the gate to let Lucy out. Once she got out, I kept having to push one of the goat's noses back, but before Todd and I could get out the goat just booked it out of there! 

Pretty much everyone just stared at us as I expressed my frustration/embarrassment/it wasn't my fault and while Alex wrangled the goat to get him back in the gate. I wish I would have gotten a picture of Alex handling the goat, but I didn't think of it until afterwards. In the end, it was a success and no one was harmed in the process. :)

Anyways, I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story. 

Painting Pumpkins

Rather than carving pumpkins this year, the kids painted them! I made some stencils - a dinosaur for Todd, a butterfly for Lucy - hoping to have a cute little something on their pumpkins. But the stencils were eventually ripped off and the pumpkins were turned into a brownish-purplish mess. 

The next day, Lucy sees the pumpkins, takes them to the bathroom sink, and gives them a "bath". :) Maybe we should just stick to carving...

My Measly Attempt at Halloween Decorating

I think this is the first year of our Halloweens together that I've actually decorated for the holiday. 

Bring in the fake spiderwebs, a cheap homemade banner, and our little pumpkin family of five and I'd say that it's a good start. 

I'm actually surprised at how long the pumpkins have lasted considering Todd is constantly rolling them off of the fireplace hearth multiple times a day. And both kids use them as little seats around the coffee table. 

Mt. Lemmon

Alex took a final exam last Thursday, and to celebrate the stress-free weekend we took an hour drive up to Mt. Lemmon. I'd like you to notice the long pants and sweaters...!!! The mountain was a nice break from the heat with amazing views, the scent of pine, and the crisp air. It reminded me a little bit of Utah...oh, how I miss Utah!

We all needed this little break away from the typical routine. 

Mt. Lemmon - We will be visiting you again (especially since you're only an hour away!)