Pumpkin Patch 2008

The kids and I traveled to Albuquerque for our annual pumpkin patch trip. We had such a great time (aside from my $160 speeding ticket - I was only driving 35 mph, and didn't see the flashing lights that told me to go 15mph - argh!!) The McCall pumpkin patch has tons of super fun attractions. Pictured is Evan jumping on the jumping pillow. Basically a trampoline for 40-50 people. My knees hurt for at least four days after jumping on this. Next year I think I will direct sycronized jumping so the jarring to the knees can be reduced.

The kids loved this corn box. We were the first to play there of the day. They would have been happy if this was all we did. Both boys were buried by their grandave. It took lots of persuading to get the kids to move on to another activity. I found several kernals of corn after doing the laundry. Maybe I should send 'em back? After this we climbed hay bails, rode go carts, slid down a mine tunnel - over and over and over. "One more time. One more time." was said over and over.

This picture is out of order. Nothing to do with the pumpkin patch, but a big part of the trip anyway. My parents couldn't pass up this airplane teeter-totter. It can hold all their grand children.

Here is the view of the pumpkin patch from the tractor ride. Each kid picked a pumpkin. Evan likes to get two. One to make a jack-o-lantern with, and one to make into a pumpkin pie. The pie was delicious thanks to Nana and the other one is a jack-o-lantern in waiting.

My silly boys. We had a great trip....even the 10 hour drive. Loved the fun bonuses of seeing special friends and family along the way. I love the fall!

Happy Birthday Andie!

My baby girl turned four at the end of September. We waited to celebrate her special day till all out of town family could make it in. We partied at May Farms. We had seen the animals at church and the kids T/Th school - but we got the full animal treatment today. We got to feed a variety of animals, most of which were decked out in bandannas - and boy were they hungry! Pictured is Andie pulling a 7 week old donkey. When it came to this "battle of the wills", my little girl came out on top. She had the donkey walking with her in no time. This was one of the cutest things I had ever seen. She would make a fine ranch hand.
Andie had just held a fluffy white bunny for a long time, when she tried holding the guinea pig. She didn't like the claws of the guinea pig, but loved it's squeaky noises.
(Aunt Joley - the kids all still know this as Oreo.) My nephew apparently tired of the traditional form of hand feeding the animals. So he decided to let the animal grab the feed from his mouth. He is the last kid I would have expected to show this kind of bravery - so even though this is pretty gross - I'm proud of him!
A huge highlight for Andie was getting to ride this horse, Cotton. She has looked forward to this for a long time. She was all giggles. Cotton gave ride after ride spreading joy to all the children.
And here is Andie's birthday cake. I grouped about 20 cupcakes together to form a horse head then slopped the icing on to make it look like a cake. Got to be the easiest one I have ever done.

We had a great weekend. I truly love house guests. Although I am grateful for the house I have, I do look forward to the day when I can have a home large enough to fit everyone. I love the old Irish saying, "May my house always be too small to fit all my friends." I am blessed by so many friends and family that celebrate my children with me.