Papa's pumpkin patch!

 autumn is here!

 Papa grew this pumpkin just for her

 love all the twisty turny vines

 Papa & Schaeffer Jo searching out the best pumpkins & gourds

 she's got another one

 curly-ques

 the pumpkin pickers

 plus two furry friends

 bumps and stripes

 we're going on a nature walk!

 oh no! not that stick, it's poision ivy!

going for a four-wheel ride

'Pumpkin Day' is one of my favorite days of the year. It makes autumn official, which also makes it officially almost my birthday. Which, obviously, is one of the best days of the year. 

It hasn't been said, but I think Doug did not in fact plant the pumpkin patch for the grandkids--as he has claimed, but instead, planted them for my sweet husband. It is not that Griffin likes pumpkins--he doesn't have a particular love for the bulbous orange vegetable. Except, of course, the seeds--which he is impartial to when roasted off with lawrys seasoning salt. 

With that said, I believe that the patch was planted for Griffin so that he could appease me. Yes, that logic does make sense when you really think about it. Inevitably, every year, 'pumpkin day' leaves me feeling pumpkin envy. 

Not this year. I had pumpkins & gourds to my fill. I've got pumpkins falling out of my window boxes. I have pumpkins lining my walk. I've given pumpkins away. I have gourds overflowing in my house. And, there are still more. I could still go pick more, anytime I want. And, I might--tomorrow. 

I couldn't be happier. And neither could Griffin--and so, I maintain, the pumpkin patch--all for Griffin.

google this!

what?! yes, I do realize that google-ing yourself is horribly vain & no one with any sense of self actually admits that they have done it. But, we're friends right? And as friends, I can tell you that it feels ahh-meh-zing to have my little pet project pop up on google just under five other totally mediocre & otherwise non-relevant hard-hitting topics of today. 

say it with me, wow. 

what's next, blogworld? 

Rockford Harvest Festival

 we're going on a hayride!

 the weather couldn't have been more beautiful for a harvest celebration

 pretty horses

 my baby--who doesn't look so much like a baby anymore

 my sweet sister, her honey & Hazel

 what are the chances of getting 3 sets of eyes?

p.s.: Happy Birthday, Aunt Gayle!

Schaeffer Jo and I ventured to Grand Rapids for the day--with the intention of walking in a fundraiser for HIS (health intervention services) in the morning, heading to Art Prize for a few hours in the afternoon, and then capping off our day by celebrating Aunt Gayle's birthday at Red Lobster. 

Well, our day pretty much imploded before it began, when we woke to 30 (ish) degree weather. We still haven't unearthed the boxes that contain winter clothing, so gathering enough layers for SJ was quite the feat. Once she was adequately layered to ward off even the abominable snowman, off we went for the 'big' city--already a few hours behind. 

We made it to the walk by noon (not 9:30 as we'd hoped), just as everything was wrapping up. We walked around town, delighted to find that Rockford was hosting a Harvest Festival. It was great fun taking the kids on a hayride, popping into shops, and enjoying the frigid crisp fall weather. 

All in all, we had a really great day, it was wonderful to celebrate Aunt Gayle's birthday (even if we arrived to her party also late). I'm so thankful that we live close enough to family that we can just hop in the car and spend the day together. 

Happy Birthday MeMa Laurie!

 Schaeffer Jo wrapped MeMa's gift with care

 the candles were lit with love

 they would not be blown out!

 look at that writing.

 the grimace on SJ's face is priceless

 that is one of my favorite color boxes!

forget the dutch oven, SJ likes the cardboard insert

A few weekends ago, we were able to be together as a family to celebrate my mom's birthday. It's always wonderful to be together, especially since my mom is quick to claim September as her birthday month.

Happy Birthday, mom--you are an irreplaceable part of our family. You bring laughter to tough circumstances, wisdom where there is none, maintain an undeniably fresh view on life, and most of all love with all of who you are. I am so blessed to have you both as a mom and as a best friend. I love you, and it's a joy to celebrate you. 

CLS Field Trip to Love Creek

 Schaeffer Jo looking at the preying mantis

a stick bug