Trunk or Treat

Is it trunker treat or trunk or treat?  Either way that is where we headed off to Saturday night before Halloween.  The whole family got in costume and ready to go.  I really considered having us all go in a theme, but there were two problems with that.  One, there aren't many group themes that fit our family (one girl five boys) except maybe star wars, but I really wasn't interested in being Leia and well, that about it.  And secondly, all my boys are very clear as to what they want to be, and I know I had a blast choosing my costumes each year as a kid so I didn't want to take that away from them.

Brodie didn't have a choice.... and if I really had my way, all the kids would be little stinkers... I just think it is SO CUTE!

How sweet are they hand in hand.  Bet you didn't know spider-man had a sidekick did you?  It will be reviled in the 5th movie.

Austin loved all the activities.  Huge shout out to the committee who put on the show this year.  It was one of the best I've seen at this ward.  Notice his spider on his check to match his costume?  He loved it.

Watch out for the black ninja.  Ty was very intense in his disguise.

Although Tanner is showing his true identity here, when he had on his mask, General Grievous would have you under control with his powers.... come to the dark side.  But for now, we will be nice so we can enjoy the hay ride.

And yes, Eric was a cow.  It was 10 years ago when he wore this for the first time and it was a hit back then too.

And yes, those are utters.... don't ask.  The boys got right into the trunk-or-treating and I think they did about 3 loops.  Austin was the loudest, Tanner was the fastest and Ty was the smartest grabbing the particular candies that he liked.  They made out really well and I approved of the stock.  It was a great preview to Halloween night and a blast hanging out with friends.

Knives and Flames

We take pumpkin carving very seriously around here.

Everyone gets there hands dirty (well not me, Ty, Austin or Brodie)

Lucky for Tanner who was DYING to try pumpkin seeds my mom came over to help work on that

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww..... gross. But he loves it!

Leave it to Eric to find the joy that night in lighting the candle. "It sounds like a blow torch" was exactly what he said.

Everyone gather round.

This part is very intense.

Success! Two smiling pumpkins for four excited boys.

Pumpkin carving is not my favorite thing, but I am grateful for my husband and my mom who are willing to get there hands dirty and get it done, as are my kids. 

PPPP-Pumpkins

October is FULL of family traditions and places to go. So back in the car we go to head up to Bishop's Pumpkin farm, to see the goats, I mean get a pumpkin. But also to see the goats. Did you know my kids like goats? We should just rename October the month to go see the goats.

Here we have Tanner, with the goats.

Tyler, hanging out with a baby goat. Notice the little one in the back. The human, not the goat.

Brodie, not so much into the goats yet, but I give it a year until he is converted.

Oh there he is, the child, not the goat. Check out Austin brushing the goat. At least he is making himself useful.

Thumbs up is right. Okay, we can go home now. Oh wait, we are here for the pumpkins, I forgot.

First, a ride on the train.

Again, sooo, sooo happy.

Then onto the wagon to go out to the fields. Ty had this weird thing going on with his smile... but capture who they are right and don't try to change them. That is so flipping hard for me as a photographer, but I am letting go... trying to.

The bummer was all the pumpkins were yucky. I am guessing it is because of the random weather we had this year. I heard a lot of crops didn't work out because of it. So as long as we were all the way out in the field waiting for the tractor to come back and get us I had some fun with my camera.

The sun was setting and I love love sunsets and the light then.

The boys had fun running in the fields

Brodie was a little overwhelmed at the size of some of the plants.

Austin continued to point out his favorite... over and over (always changing)

And while we didn't get a pumpkin the trip was still just as fun. The goats, the train, the hay ride, the fields, the goats, oh wait I already said that. It was just great. We topped the night off with a bite at Costa-Vita, one of Eric's new favs. So fun, love our October traditions.

Austin's Pumpkin Day

Austin has gone with his older brother's to the pumpkin farm with their preschool class for a few years now, but this year, it was his turn! He was just a little excited. I was actually afraid he was going to hurt his face he was smiling so big.

We always start out the trip with an exciting ride on the tractor around the farm. He was feeling cool.

And guess what came next.... wait for it..... goats. Big surprise that this kid loves goats too. It must be a Lawrence thing.

CORN!! I personally hate this particular corn maze. There is nothing exciting about it. It is literally straight rows one after another and it is about 8 rows to long. But he loved it.

Oh yeah, Brodie was along for the ride too. He loved the giant hay stack. I love how happy my kids are.

Just a few more years for Brodie's turn to do it with his own class. But for now, he is happy to tag along.

Such a fun morning with my two little ones.  Such fun to see their smiling faces.  Let the holiday seasons begin!

Apple Hill Baby

Apple Hill is an annual tradition that is LOVED by all in our family.  I think it is for most people here in this area, but never the less it is special for us for sure.  Each year is different yet the same but always full of amazing memories.

 

  

Feeding the goats is a must.  Each boy always seems to find a goat they like the best and they make sure that goat gets plenty to eat.

 

Even Brodie got in on the action!

 Cows?!? Sure why not. 

 Pure happiness!

 Who's kids are those?

 Oh no, there's more!! Run!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is up with the sideways photo?  Anyway, he stayed on this plane for about 20 minutes.  Couldn't get the little pilot to get off :)

 Finally the boys joined him and the whole crew was off.

 Change of pace....

 Turn your neck again.... ohhh, how cute.  We always end the day at the fish pond.  A huge highlight.

 Brodie enjoyed the pond while sharing Eric's chocolate apple.  That kid can't get enough sweets. 

 Cheese!

 All the boys feeding the fish. 

 What a good looking bunch... even from the side.

 Pose...

 Sky high.  Can you tell he is having a good time?

What a perfect day!  Until next year apple hill.... we will be thinking of you.  Thanks for another year full of fun.