October birthdays

 We have quite a few family birthdays here in town during the fall. We decided to have a October birthday celebration (Liam convinced us to include him, since we didn't have a September celebration). Zoe, and my brother Richard, actually share a birthday! And Shawna's is toward the end of the month. So I made this Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake (delicious!) and we played at the park.

Shawna and Logan

 There was some basketball, soccer, Frisbee, and lots of visiting going on. Also, I loved how Felix and cousin Gabe played together for a long time! It makes me happy to see him interacting socially.

Felix's pumpkin patch adventure

There were some really fun things for Felix to do at the pumpkin patch, as well. He really loves open spaces to run and be active, but usually ends up getting over stimulated. We did pretty well up until a certain point, then he started getting really upset. I thought I was going to have to take him home. We started walking to the car, when we passed this corn box. It is a HUGE box filled with dry corn and wheat berries. I knew he would love it! In this picture he is getting ready to throw a big handful at me. He loved the feel of the kernels on his hand, and when he got into the box, all over his body. I would rub them all over his arms. He had so much fun falling right into the corn. He was giggling like crazy!

There were also lots of hay bales, and giant pumpkins to climb on.

Also, giant tractor tires to climb through, on, and over. All things considered I think it was a successful trip.

Lydia's pumpkin patch adventure

 Lydia's very first field trip as a kindergartner. The day was beautiful. The field trip had actually been cancelled last week because it was raining. Felix and I joined Lydia at the pumpkin patch/farm/carnival (I just say carnival because they had all sorts of money-making rides, etc.).

 First the kids got to go on a hay ride on a trailer covered with hay (covered with tarps, thank you), pulled by a huge tractor. It was pretty fun (as you can tell by Lydia's face). Felix liked it about half of the time. Next they got to pick out their pumpkin. Then there was a petting zoo (complete with Zebra!). Felix and I didn't make it into the tent that held the petting zoo. I think Felix and the animals would have done a pretty good job freaking each other out.

 The little kindergartners got to go through a hay bale maze, a corn maze, and learn about how a pumpkin grows!

Lydia was so happy to have us there. Parents are still kind of like rock stars to kindergartners. It was a nice day out, and I am glad we got to come!