happy halloween?

not the photo op I had imagined

It came as a surprise to me when I found myself sitting outside this afternoon carefully and methodically carving a pumpkin.  It was calming, satisfying work and I was actually excited to put my pumpkin outside next to Allen's and Kaellyn's. Those who know me know I am not a fan of certain holidays, Halloween being second only to New Year's Eve as the most annoying. But, as I've mentioned before, Halloween is a Big Deal to Allen.

If I had a dime for each time I've heard someone (myself included) talk about how becoming a parent really changes you,  I'd be rich (and I most certainly wouldn't live in The Shack or wear hooded mom sweatshirts from Old Navy). I suppose it is true that when you have a baby you lose a little bit of cynicism and begin to see the world through the baby's innocent eyes and truly are able to experience the world in a calmer, slower way. Well, maybe.

Cue Pregnant Fantasy #347 - Taking The Baby to the Pumpkin Patch! I couldn't wait! Allen mentioned a pumpkin sale in the parking lot just down the street, but that was hardly acceptable! I wanted to go to a REAL pumpkin patch. I wanted to sip apple cider and chew on hay, while frolicking with the weens through row after row of pumpkin. My mom reminded me of Evergreen Acres, a Patch owned and operated by their neighbor 1/2 mile down the street, out in the country. Perfect, I thought! We loaded the baby, dogs and associated gear into the truck, ready to make a day of it.

winding road AFTER the 1/2 mile walk

I had the grand idea to walk to the Patch from my parents' house - it's right around the bend, after all! Baby secure in the Ergo, I failed to remember that "around the bend" is a much farther distance in the country than in the city, and that there was also a long winding road leading to the farm once we arrived. Upon arrival, we were informed by the owner of the patch that we could not take the dogs to the patch and by Kaellyn that she was ready to take a nap. There was hay, and rows of pumpkins, but it was hot, and there were, ewe, bugs. Did I mention that Kaellyn wanted to take a nap? Oh, and we (read: Allen) had to carry 40 pounds of pumpkin back "around the bend". Needless to say, our day at the pumpkin patch was not picture perfect but it certainly was a learning experience.

Below are some photos of Kaellyn in her bumble bee costume. She didn't like it very much. In fact, I'm beginning to think that maybe, like me, Kaellyn just isn't a fan of Halloween in general. That's ok. I just hope she doesn't inherit Allen's disdain for the Christmas season, or we're in trouble.

the one semi-peaceful moment

at least one of us is happy!

note Flash was spared this year