A Fall Weekend

October begins what Mark terms as "The Expensive Season".  In the space of two weeks in October we will celebrate one anniversary and three birthdays.  In November we have another birthday, followed by Christmas in December, and then a pause before launching into two birthdays in February.  We end with the last birthday in March.  To me, it's not so much "The Expensive Season" as it is "The Sugar Season" because in between all those birthdays are holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentines - that have candy and cookies and pie to add in among all the birthday cakes.  Woe to us if Easter falls early.  The children ride a six month sugar rush.

This past weekend the festivities began.  My parents drove down to celebrate Peter's birthday and to see Caleb play a double header in Orange County for Little League.  Of course, both were scheduled for the same day- Saturday.  Unfortunately, the storms that drenched Orange County rendered the fields unplayable.  Nevertheless, we had planned on celebrating Peter's birthday on Friday and so we did.  He requested twice baked potatoes for his dinner.  He originally wanted tacos to go with them, but I convinced him that that was probably not the best dinner combo.  He settled on baked ham and corn to go with his potatoes.  He also wanted a birthday cheesecake.

Turning Nine

Saturday morning we got up and headed to Snead's Farm to pick pumpkins.  We have been going there since Caleb was three.  The pumpkins are $6 now instead of $3, but the fun is still the same.  The kids ride on the swings, pet the horses, llamas and calves, pick pumpkins and have a generally great time.  And the weather was simply gorgeous.

Five Little Pumpkins

My Five Little Pumpkins



Saturday night my folks kept the kids so Mark and I could go out for our anniversary.  It's always such a gift to go out - just the two of us - and hang and chat and relax.  And the peace and quiet?  Heavenly.

My folks were here through Monday and so Sunday we spent some time just hanging with them, going out to breakfast, watching the Patriots game and crafting with my mom.  I had found these boxes on a blog and made some and Mom wanted some too.  So we picked up the supplies Saturday and crafted Sunday.

(And yes, that is I Love Lucy on the tv in the background. 

I believe in starting the children off on proper comedic footing.)

Crafting is way more fun with someone.  Especially when it's with your mom.

Peter and Nana and Grampa



All in all, an excellent weekend.  And we are gearing up for more birthday madness as The Pickle turns four this week.  Not that she is excited or anything.  :)