from pumpkins to jack-o-lanterns

Our pumpkin adventure...

Carson hates sitting in grass, and the pumpkin patch wasn't any different.

This was our attempt at a family picture at the end of a long, fun day. Addie absolutely refused to take the picture, that's why she is off by herself, having a tantrum over a little sliver in her finger. Poor Addie. Isn't the farm beautiful?

Finished product! We checked out a book from the libary with face ideas, so the girls picked out their designs that way. From left to right we have Macie's pumpkin (the girl), Addie's pumpkin (the happy face), and Carson's (which I did myself).

Happy Halloween!

11, 13, 25, 31, and 0

eleven. The number of months Carson has been with us! He is 11 months old. I can't believe our boy is almost a one year old! He is so small, it's hard to believe we'll soon be celebrating his birthday.

thirteen. This is as high as Macie can count on her own. She is already a trickster and loves doing or saying anything contrary to what I do or say, enjoys helping me do my chores, and loves being the biggest sister while Addie is away at preschool.

twenty-five. This is how many days until Grandma and Grandpa Hutchinson come to see us on the train, and Addie CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM! It is also approximately how many times per day Addie talks about getting/owning/buying a pet. "When can I get a pet?" "Can we go to the pet store and see the pets?" "Can I have a turtle/kitty/elephant/dog?" "I'm a kitty, and you're my mommy." "Why can't I have a pet?" "Mom, I can work hard and take care of it!" (I'm pushing for a dog for Christmas.)

thirty-one. The amount of ghost pretzels I made for the Edgar Allan Poe book club this week! Aren't they cute?

ZERO! The amount of insurance companies Jason has left to be approved on! YAY! It sometimes felt like this day would never come. Now he can see EVERYONE and his schedule is picking up quickly. We're hoping in a month that he'll be able to finally finally finally add another day of work. Whew. It's been a long 5 months, but we know it will totally be worth it in the long run.

He visited Addie's preschool class on Wednesday (it was their medical professionals day) and spoke to the kids about their eyes, and then gave everyone a free eye screening. He and I had a good time, and Addie was proud to show him off.

It's been a good month, and we're all looking forward to Halloween!

rain, rain, stay all day, come and play any day!

I love the fall and I love rain, which means I have been LOVING the weather we've had the last few weeks. We've had plenty of overcast and rainy days, the air is getting brisk and the leaves are starting to change...and fortunately for us, we have PLENTY of gorgeous leaves!

I was fortunate to catch these sweet sister memories recently. Watching my girls play together, hearing their little secret giggles, fills me with so much joy. Addie loves showing Macie bugs, new dances, how to sing, the proper way to be a kitty, and Macie just eats it all up. For her, Addie sparkles. I hope to capture on film their reunion hug after Addie has been at preschool. The first time I nearly squealed out loud! It is adorable! (On film? Ha!)

Typical of them- Addie in front, and Macie as happy as can be to be following.

I love her smile peeking out from underneath the umbrella, she is just so happy!

I believe she was singing to herself here.

Bug inspection in the rain! And yes, I realize we reallyreallyreally need to get these girls some wellies! I'm waiting to find some on an incredibly awesome sale...