October was a busy month. Some of our busyness was from doing fun things. My dad and his wife Nancy were here for a few days. We went up to Boone, IA (yes, the train place) and went on a scenic ride to see the fall leaves. We also took a short hike located just behind the Kate Shelley museum. (What?!! You don't know who Kate Shelley is?! You must not be an Iowan! Go look it up. It's a great story). It's a nice, easy hike and there is hardly ever anybody there. The weather was just perfect. Fall is definitely the best time to live in Iowa. I also enjoy watching the fields be harvested. What a blessed nation we are. Abundance is all around.
It seemed difficult for us to squeeze in our annual Pumpkin Carving Family Home Evening. Greg was traveling several of the Mondays so this year we didn't do it on a Monday. We did it on a Friday. The kids had school off and Greg took the day off of work. It's fun that the kids can do a lot on their own with those cool carving knives they have. Ben was particularly insistent on doing nearly all of his on his own. He even made his own Jack o' Lantern face instead of using a pattern. Our pumpkins were then the centerpiece of our decorated trunk for our ward's trunk or treat that night. They turned out pretty good if I do say so myself (and I do!). Sadly we do not have a picture of the finished product. You will just have to take my word for it.
Oh, did I mention we had pizza while we carved? Jake definitely enjoyed that.
Anna chose a very intricate design so I helped her a bit. It turned out awesome!
Ben happily carving on his own. Great job Ben!
We spent a different Saturday at a Howell's Pumpkin Patch. We went October 30th and it wasn't very crowded. Most the pumpkins were gone but we had already carved up some store bought ones so we didn't care! The corn maze was rather pathetic (translation: way too easy) for our crew, but it was so fun being together and enjoying the nice weather. The workers there were so friendly and helpful. They had a play area too. All of these "toys" have been made out of things you would find on a farm. Like the fast slide made out of a giant black pipe, a tire swing made out of a tractor tire, the hay hill made out of, well, hay. It was pretty simple stuff but enjoyable just to be together and have fun playing together instead of working together (or working apart or playing apart). It was a great family day. I think next year we will look for a bigger, more difficult corn maze since we enjoy those so much.
On the hill o' hay.
Even Adam enjoyed the slide. I think the speed and bumpiness of it made it that much funner. Notice Adam's two loves: BYU and Iowa.
They had several inner tubes from tractor tires that you could play with. We played with these for quite a while. Here the kids are squeezed into a stack of tubes. Aren't they cute? I am happy almost daily that they all get along so well. What a blessing!
The actual pumpkin patch. Not as cool as my brother's photos, but something a little different at least.
I'll take care of these critters any day!
Perhaps the crown jewel in every child's October crown is Trick or Treat night. In Des Moines it has a different name. It is called Beggar's night and is celebrated the night before Halloween. The kids are supposed to give tricks for treats. Really they are supposed to tell a joke to get their candy. Not everyone adhered to this but many did. This was EXTREMELY stressful for my introverted, please let me sink into the wall and no one notice me, Anna. It did slow things down a bit but it made it feel as if we lived in a really small town and we knew everyone and they knew us. You actually have to interact with your neighbors. I think I liked it....Greg stayed home to give out candy and listen to jokes. Jake insisted on staying home to help. I took the other kids out to tell jokes and get candy. Adam and Lizzy in their determined way ran from house to house and quickly left Ben, Anna and I in the dust. That was OK with us. We enjoyed our great neighborhood and the more leisurely pace. I was glad Adam wasn't too cool to let his kid sister tag along with him. He and Lizzy did two more full blocks by running ahead of us. They were all happy with their loot and graciously shared with Jacob who has decided that next year he will go trick or treating.
Hot Dog Adam! What a fun costume.
Pirate Ben.
BYU Cheerleader Lizzy! Go Cougars!
Anna the witch.
Jacob the Dragon.
Now Thanksgiving is upon us and the fall is giving way to winter. This too is a wonderful time of year. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are filled with gratitude for all you been given. Next up is Christmas! The fun never ends. Enjoy your week!
