Halloween Activities

We had loads of fun preparing for Halloween this year. Late last week, Caleb made cookies with me. It was just the slice and bake kind, but he had fun putting them on the pan and watching them bake. On Saturday morning, I attempted ghost pancakes. Some of them looked more like blobs, but they were yummy. Then Seth and Caleb got all the seeds out of our pumpkin and I made toasted pumpkin seeds. Seth carved a nervous pumpkin and then attached spiders all over it. (I had seen the idea in a magazine - no we aren't that creative.) The pumpkin was super cute, but it looked like a sad pumpkin all lit up in the dark. Our neighbors probably all think we are depressed now...

Pumpkin Patch

Here's my last "fall" post - until Halloween anyway. On Monday it was actually sunny and nice again so we went to the Pumpkin Patch at our church. Caleb loved running around and trying to pick out a "big one." Clara was tired and wasn't much into taking pictures, but hey, it's a tradition.

Caleb riding the pumpkin train - his invention.

As I said, not interested in taking pictures....

Caleb loved picking out pumpkins. He picked out this one especially for Clara.

Bonfire

After Honeysuckle Farm, we went to a bonfire at a friend's house. We had chili, followed by yummy smores. It was a fantastic fall day!

By the time nighttime came around it was quite cold. I love seeing Caleb in his hat and mittens.

We wrapped Clara up real tight when she was outside with us.

Caleb loved the smores treat. He ended up taking out the chocolate so he had a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow sandwich. Of course he ate both. Somehow he looks like a marshmallow vampire in this picture.

At the end of the night, Caleb watched a little Elmo with his friends Allie and Aubrey. It's amazing how that little red monster can capture their attention.

Honeysuckle Farm

Last Sunday we took a day trip over to Honeysuckle Farm - a "pumpkin farm" with all kinds of activities for kids. It was a lovely fall day, which we were very thankful for after days and days of rain.

Caleb attempting to hold Clara and kiss her at the same time.

Caleb was very concerned about this pumpkin. He said, "You okay?" and then put it upright again.

Caleb loves to go down slides. He went down this one with his daddy.

Clara spent most of the time in the stroller. This picture shows her playing with her latest obsession - her feet.

Weekend in Gatlinburg

We spent the weekend in Gatlinburg with two other couples and their kids. Even though it was rainy, it was fun to get away and relax a bit with good friends.

We took a group picture with all the kids, and Caleb loved the opportunity to get to "hold" Clara. I love how he tries to protect her.

The whole group -the Birchs, the McGradys and the Goods

Our little family

Clara in the Excersaucer

Clara has enjoyed hanging out in the excersaucer lately. It's hard to believe she is old enough to sit in it. She's growing up too fast!

I love this silly big smile.

Some Recent Caleb Photos

Having some fun in the rain

Watching some TV with Daddy after his bath

The result of a morning of potty training ... yes, he really is sleeping.