The Pumpkin Patch in Arizona's version of Fall

Despite the emotional weight of yesterday, we had been planning to return to the pumpkin patch we visited last year at http://www.appleannies.com/. I had a feeling that's exactly what my Aunt Marie would have told me to do. And so, off we went. The weather forecast for the day was in the high 80s and it was a beautiful Arizona day that felt like it belonged in June more so than October. But we weren't complaining.

At first, Drew didn't seem as excited about the corn kernel tubs as he had been last year. But then Daddy helped him remember how much fun they could be and then he realized the fun that could be had.



The hay stacks weren't quite as tall this year but Drew had fun jumping from one level to the other anyway.

And then we headed out on the tractor ride to the pumpkin patch. If it isn't obvious from my blowing hair in this picture, we definitely had some wind accompanying our 85 degree weather. The breeze didn't bother us, but the blowing dust was a little much. Wait, I said I wasn't going to complain about the weather, didn't I?

My boys head out in search of our pumpkins.

We've found one! This was Drew's pumpkin. He was very excited when we told him we could get three pumpkins--a mommy pumpkin, a daddy pumpkin, and a Drew pumpkin.

Here's Drew showing off his perfect little pumpkin

Daddy & Drew amidst the pumpkins

Family shot in the pumpkins

They tell you not to let the kids carry the clippers but Drew likes to help Daddy with EVERYTHING and we like to live dangerously sometimes. (I'm kidding Mom--Bill was right next to him, just out of the camera's view).

Drew & Dad with our family of pumpkins

Drew & Mommy with our pumpkin trio--one for Drew to color/decorate, one to carve, and one to cook with! Anyone have any good fresh pumpkin recipes?

Not a cloud in the sky--I'm going to have to be dragged away from Arizona kicking and screaming when it's time for our next move.

Drew in the sunflowers

Drew in between the rows of sunflowers

Drew refused to sit on any of the pumpkins in the display at the produce section so he instead took this leaning over on his knees stance in all of these pictures--crazy kid.

Bill got some fresh peppers and tomatoes and made 1SG Ziebarth's homemade salsa last night to enjoy during football today. Yum, can't wait!

We headed over to the apple orchard for lunch but the line was far too long to wait in, so we just bought a few goodies in the country store and took one last picture. Then we had lunch at McDonald's a little way down the road!

More pumpkin pictures will come when we carve and bake the pumpkin seeds!

Remembering...

We love you and miss you Aunt Marie...always.

7/12/38--10/17/02

Even More Fall Fun!

Just a few pictures.

Drew checking out the alpacas at the Patagonia Fall Festival



Drew and his friend Sam on a couple of rides at the Festival

We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving this past Sunday because my best friend here is Canadian and let's face it, growing up 5 miles from the border, I might as well be! Kim bought mini pumpkins for the kids to decorate and Drew thought that was great. He was very focused on his work but I did manage to get him to smile for one picture while he worked and show off his finished product.

A few recent pictures

Been pretty busy here lately and Bill and Drew had a couple of sick days, which hasn't left much time for blogging. I thought I would at least post a couple of recent pictures. The first two are from sports camp the last two weekends, and the other two are from this morning at the park.











You'll notice Drew is in long sleeves and jeans in the park pictures. It's finally starting to feel a little like fall around here. Temperatures are still very nice in the 70s and even low 80s some days, but the cooler weather is on its way. This is the first year I've really decorated our house in autumn decor. I so love the smell of the pumpkin and apple candles. It's making me very anxious for Thanksgiving and Christmas!