Vertuccio Farms 2015 style

Lil Sis came down for a visit so Penny could make her debut so we visited the pumpkin patch with all the Maidename ladies and progeny.

Grammy is always up for adventure and jumped right along with.

If there is water, there will be M trying to soak himself in it.

The first time I went here with a groupon, I didn't think we'd come often enough to use this sign. I was wrong. Hooray for yearly traditions!

"No M, stand here"

The animals were a major highlight this time.

You ever feel like your kids are just climbing all over you? This goat feels your pain.

This glorious beast was willing to pose for us.

"Oink"

M is fearless and loved this 2 story slide over and over.

I was trying to convince M to stand in the sunflowers so I could take a magical picture that doesn't truly represent our lives. M thought this was a dumb idea because there was a playground right next to it.  I told him to try and reach a flower.

No magic, just evidence I need to buy him bigger shirts. 3T already dude?

But ducks are magical, right?

Did I mention that October is still miserably hot here? It is. So is trying to slather your albino toddler in sunscreen.

He knew the drill this time.

Cousin had to have a turn too.

Near the exit was the pumpkin patch so I figured I'd take my facebook worthy "Happy Fall" pictures there.

But then I got the magic! Not that I took it off the camera in time to be seasonally appropriate. The photo calendars for next year won't betray my secrets.

Seriously, this kid is awesome!

I'm rather fond of this one too.

And this picture is awesome in so many ways.

I'm so lucky to have so much family I adore being around!

That time I chopped my hair off

In other notable October events, I decided to finally cut 12in off my thrashed hair. Pursuing that gray color had a cost. And since sister demand several photos, the internet deserves the copies.

Round one

Round 2

And the finish!

The stylist complimented me on what a nice neck hairline I had. I laughed because no one had ever told me that before :)

J's Craft Night

I was in charge of the church craft night and spent quite a bit of time on pinterest coming up with ideas to steal. J loved looking with me and setting up the sample table at church She was disappointed she never had a chance to make the crafts. To console her, I said she could have her own craft night with her friends. It sort of took off and she ended up making invitations and inviting 14 friends. We went as all out as $20 of supplies could go.

J really wanted to make some masks after being inspired by a catalogue with victorian masks in it. Hobby Lobby for the win!

And this fabulous 7 year old had just come back from hiking Havasupi the day before. She is my idol because she conquered the Grand Canyon rim to rim the year before. (Also her mother Leah is an inspiration).

And thank you pinterest for the candy corn garland idea. Simply color orange and yellow circles, then cut it like a pie. Boom! Preschool ability crafting at it's finest.

Balloon Fiesta

Considering my kid has an obsession with "Bawoons!" I was pretty sure he'd freak out experiencing Balloon Fiesta. After the epic road trip to Seattle, 6 hrs to New Mexico didn't even sound like a road trip. Thankfully Brian and Dantzel were willing to accommodate us.

My kids always like to do a 180 with my expectations so I was almost surprised when M really did freak out with happiness with all the hot air balloons.

We went early to see the dawn patrol take off. The balloons have a really pretty glow in the early light.

So many balloons!

I always like the Star Wars ones, but the bee family is my favorite.

They are my fav because they launch holding hands.

And here's a 6 person selfie after I retrieved M from running away. #longarms



Dantzel was my college roommate and Brian was Husband's so it is awesome to hang out again like in the good old days.

There is really nothing else like Balloon Fiesta and if you ever get a chance to go, take it. The traffi is ridiculous, but the adventure is worth it!