the pumpkin patch

Last weekend we took the kids to a "pumpkin patch". By pumpkin patch I mean one of those places where some pumpkins are randomly scattered in a field (or in this case organized neatly on crates). The kids didn't care that is wasn't a REAL pumpkin field or farm. They just enjoyed being in the great outdoors. We took a "train ride". Had lunch. Found some pumpkins. Posed for a picture... sort of. Played in the inflatables. Then it was time to GO. After the pumpkin patch we drove down to Tuscaloosa so the kids could see the stadium and get some frozen yogurt. We just "made up" the day as we went. What a great way to spend a Saturday...

Later Ryne and I painted the pumpkins we brought home. His is the "sprinkle cookie". :)

my favorite time of year

September is gone. The pool is packed away. Ryne is back at MDO, two days a week. I gave Emma Kate her first haircut. Our house is on the market. The crunchy leaves are already on the ground. The acorns are falling. No worries, I have a little man who loves to throw them off the deck so it stays acorn free. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is in the DVD player. The fall/Halloween decor is up. Sweaters and coats are hanging in closets anticipating the chilly weather. Starbucks is now selling their spice pumpkin latte. Yum. Pretty soon we'll be "Giving Thanks" and then roasting chestnuts on an open fire... or at least singing about it.

It's October! I LOVE it!

ryne gets creative...

Looks like he has his "Tuesday pair" on. ;)

Ryne: "Mommy, I need a bagger."

Me: "A what?"

Ryne: "A bagger, like daddy's"

Me: "We'll have to ask daddy to find you one when he gets home."(that statement usually works)

He retreats to his bedroom. I thought he had moved on to something else, but he returned with a pull-up (that he, ahem, does not have to wear at night anymore! yay!).

Ryne: "I found a bagger."

Me: "Wow, you did! Let's get some tape!"

I love that three year old imagination.

what makes our summer mornings fun

Bumble bee bows and messy hair.

(A little Jim Carrey-ish from Ace Ventura)

Learning to spit pool water...

A sweet tutu.

Messy marshmallow grahams...

and sticky fingers.

but mostly just lots of love.