October 9th saw our family up in Ashburn again to spend time with family and visit our favorite pumpkin patch!
That night while George was working, we painted Halloween rocks with Aunt Amy. The kids thought this was fantastic.
That night while George was working, we painted Halloween rocks with Aunt Amy. The kids thought this was fantastic.
Jude was rather meticulous this go around.
Cole painted all his rocks blue. No surprise there.
Lily had fun painting, then painting over that paint, then painting over that paint again.
Lance did a great job! By the end he had a black cat and some neat-looking pumpkins.
It's a miracle we didn't get the paint all over Grandma's house.
The true artist:
After the kids went to bed, Amy and I worked on these little ghosts we made from ping pong balls and cheese cloth. The idea was to put them on a string of lights so they glowed. (While we finished the ghosts, I don't think either of us actually got around to putting them on the lights... a project for next year!)
The next morning we loaded up the kids and Allen and met Laura and her kiddos at the pumpkin patch we've been going to for years. It's definitely expanded in the 15+ years we've gone and gets more and more fun each time. The kids have a blast.
While we were waiting in line to be admitted, Jude showed us a new trick he learned:
George and I both thought it was hysterical!
Hooray for Aunt Amy! She's the best!
Jude was so happy to have Mason there.
There were animals all over that you could pet and feed. I liked the goats, although George isn't a fan. Something about a goat purposely knocking him over when he was Cole's age. Apparently he's still butt-hurt about it.
Ride 'em cowboy!
The cow ride! These cute cows are pulled by a tractor around the farm.
I *think* he's trying to say "cheese".
One of the highlights of the farm is this enormous inflatable pumpkin the kids can bounce on. Getting up to the top is a feat, but once you're up, it's like a trampoline.
Lance tried to help Lily jump, but she wasn't too sure of it, and ended up playing happily in the sand with Grant.
Watching
Baby Austin!
Lance thought tackling the younger kids was a lot of fun. They didn't seem to mind, either. :)
He's getting so big. Handsome boy.
Chickens!
They also have these amazing, long slides the adults kids loved going down.
Lily was fearless and would throw herself down each time.
Close to the slides is an area with several different activities for the kids to do. Jude and Mason really wanted a turn on these huge pedal tractors and waited a good 10 minutes before someone got off to let them have a go.
Lance jumped on to try it out.
Lance gave Jude a boost...
...right into my shin. I didn't even realize I was bleeding until I saw the horrified look on Lance's face.
I got the tiniest pressure cut right on my shin, but it was at just the right place to hit a vein. When I pulled up my pant leg, the blood gushed about 4 inches out. It was crazy! I finally got the bleeding to stop, but had to walk around the farm with a nasty, bloody leg the rest of the time.
Grandmom and Pop Pop were doing double-duty this day and drove all the way out to meet us for the last half of the day after spending the morning cheering for Bryce at his flag football game.
Father and son
Brothers! Mason is a great big brother, although I'm not sure Austin always appreciates the attention.
Hay ride to the pumpkin field!
They had the coolest gourds out there. I almost got one, then realized I wouldn't know what to do with it.
Argh! I'm a pirate!
Family picture attempts:
We had a wonderful time! I'm so grateful we live close to family and get to spend this time with them. Mom and Glenn couldn't make it since they were spending a fabulous month in Florida. We missed you guys!
