Pumpkin Patches and Halloween

I can't just ignore good old Halloween.  October went by in a flash but we had some good old fashioned autumn time fun.  

First up, a field trip with Isaac's preschool to Black Island Farms in Syracuse.  

Isaac had a grand time and I absolutely love spending time with my baby.  He's turned into a real talker and I love answering his questions and smiling to myself about all his many observations.  He has lots of friends in his preschool this year, mainly because our neighbor started this preschool this year so it's filled with a bunch of neighborhood kids, including Milan, Isaac's cousin.

How can you not enjoy, tractor rides, pumpkin patches, big slides, train rides and a corn box?

 

Of course Isaac couldn't have all the fun so we made sure to get ourselves down to J&J Nursery for their annual pumpkin patch hay rides.  This is where the good carving pumpkins are grown. Some day I hope to have enough space in my own yard to grown our own pumpkins, that was one of my favorite things growing up, but until then J&J will just have to do.

Then of course, Halloween.  Our good friends always have an adult Halloween party every year around Halloween time.  Some years there is a theme, other years there isn't.  This year was a no themed year and JayDee and I were glad because we had a great (and timely) costume idea.

It's an election year so we couldn't pass up the chance to be....The Romneys.

Second grade always does a Halloween program.  Hannah had a great time singing her little heart out about witches, goblins, trick-or-treating....

Then of course, Halloween itself.  I'm really glad that our school still holds to the tradition of Halloween parades. I don't know why I love it but I do, although I can never  get a good picture of my kids because they never slow down long enough for my slow shuttered camera to get a shot.   I did make Ethan pose for a shot before changing out of his Hawkeye costume.  Thanks to Grandma for pulling off another movie quality costume for the very picky, detail oriented Ethan.

Love me some cute kids!  I don't know what made this year's Halloween so great for me but I just loved all the costumes so much this year!

Aunt Shanna, the ultimate photo bomber!

Costumes are kind of a big thing with my family.  We grew up having the best costumes on the block and they were always homemade.  Needless to say, I have strayed slightly from my heritage and if it wasn't for my mom being close by and willing my kids would be somewhat disappointed every year. My sister on the other hand has kept the tradition alive and I just have to share some of her impressive work.  Lucky for her she married a guy who loves Halloween too.

This year.....

 

2 years ago....

  My personal favorite.

And remember....all homemade, mask and all.

What fun! I love a holiday totally dedicated to fun. It's a chance for you to get in touch with the child inside and who doesn't need a little of that every once in a while?