The Tradition Continues

I think this is the earliest that we have gone to cut down our Christmas tree. We had the time to do it today and the weather was wonderful so why not! We went back to Sunbrite tree farm and set out to search for the perfect tree. It didn't take us too long to decide which one to get. Brandon and Anna helped Matt cut it down and take it back to have the needles shook out and wrapped up to be taken home. It is now in its spot between the kids bedrooms and waiting to be decorated by them. We also have an artificial tree that goes in the great room, so the real tree is special for them. I remember back when it was just Matt and I starting this tradition. What a blessing it is to continue to do this with our kids.

Just Being Silly

I am doing this post because it just makes me laugh every time I see the pictures. My brother, Mike, taught the kids some new silly faces while we were together for Thanksgiving. Both Brandon and Anna just kept doing them over and over and I knew I needed to capture them with the camera. Even Dad and Kim had to get in on he action. So thanks Uncle Mike for making us all laugh, as usual.

Happy Halloween 2010

Hulky's Lil Farm

Matt's cousin, Daryl, had a get together at his farm this past weekend. He does a bonfire, hayride and lets the kids ride his horse. We have not been able to go in years past so we were glad to have the chance this year. The highlight of the day for Anna was getting to ride the horse. I think Brandon's favorite part of the day was the hayride and just playing with cousins, Avery and Deacon.

Our Annual Pumpkin Carving

Of course we have to carve some pumpkins before Halloween. Brandon did much better this year with getting out the "goo", even though he didn't like it at all. Anna wasn't as enthused about it either compared to last year when she loved it. The pumpkins had an unpleasant smell to them as you can tell by Brandon holding his nose. The kids drew what they wanted and then Daddy carved them out. If you can't tell by looking at them, Brandon's is a jack-o-lantern with some big ears and Anna's is a cat with a tutu on.

Anna's Field Trip

Anna's prek class at school was able to take a field trip to the pumpkin patch at Daniel's Farm. We went as a family last year, but hadn't gone this year so she was excited for this trip. The kids rode on the church/school bus while the parents met them there. She had a great time with her friends and I had a great time watching her with them.

Simply Amaizin'

We finally made it to Simply Amaizin' farm after intending to go for the last couple of years. Our friend, Ryan, has told us so much about this place and how nice the owners are and that you can just make yourself at home there. Well, she was right. The farm has been in the owners family since the late 1800's and the farm house is around 100 years old. "Make yourself at home," is exactly what they told us to do. They have kittens (which Anna absolutely loved and didn't want to leave), free range chickens, turkeys, a pig, cows, and of course the corn maze. There were eggs that had been laid so the kids were able to take them out of the "chicken hotel" as it was referred to and put in a container. They did a great job and only one egg didn't make it (oops, a little finger went through it). Anna had a great time just roaming around with the animals and Brandon helped navigate us through the corn maze. It is a great place to take the kids and just appreciate some of the simpler things in life!