The Pumpkin Farm

I love Fall! It is always great when the weather changes, we can layer up, and sip a hot cider. As Halloween approaches, the family made an annual trip to Goebbert's pumpkin farm to pick out a pumpkin and enjoy the Fall festivities. Goebbert's has a petting zoo with a giraffe and a tiger, and despite my cries of animal cruelty, we headed out to take advantage of the entrapment of wild animals and perhaps grab a pumpkin cookie.

In the style of Baby Nate, Nate kept to himself and stayed snug as a bug for the large portion of the excursion. It seems that this is the trend, and every outing has a picture of him keeping cozy in the stroller. Stella, on the other hand, can be gregarious when out on the town. She has no fear, and trots off with the spirit of exploration.

Stella fearlessly rode her first pony, and was all business about it (she has plenty of practice riding on Uncle David's shoulders, shouting, "Giddyup horsie!"). She also climbed around with Eric on the various trains and wagons at the pumpkin farm.

After it was determined that it would be cheaper and easier to buy a pumpkin from the local grocer, we settled in for a gigantic pumpkin cookie, hot chocolate, and hot cider. Stella killed off one of these same cookies last year, again proving that her sweet tooth will always triumph over Mommy's objections.

Aunt Elaine was in town from England, so the kids had the opportunity to spend some quality time with her. As always, she showered them with gifts and cuddles. We took a trip out to Sushi Station, and snapped this sweet group shot. It is fantastic that Stella has the chance to see Elaine so often and that Nate got to meet her.

Today we head off to the doctor for check-ups, and I am excited to find out where Nate is on the growth curve. He has been a hungry little dude, and he appears to be as tall as a toddler. We may have to cut the feet off of his 9-month pajamas so that they will fit! He is going to be a tall kid for sure, and he is already the cutest baby alive. He recently started babbling, and is quite grabby. He is getting the hang of eating, and much like his sister, loves sweet fruits. He is Mommy's snugglebug, and Stella loves to sneak in for a hug with him as well.