Pumpkin Patch

There is a pumpkin patch about 20 minutes south of us that we take the kids to.  We have been the past two years, and the kids have really enjoyed it.  Instead of a bounce house they do a big bouncy pillow.  They have a small train kids can ride on alone.  There is also a maze, a few slides, and a tractor ride.

Bouncy pillow

Anna trying to stay up with some help

We decided to go this year at the last minute before Halloween.  My dad was in town, so he came along with us.  Most years there are not many people there, but this year it was absolutely packed.  Apparently everyone else was trying to slip a visit to the pumpkin patch in before Halloween too.

Since it was so busy we did not do as much as usual.  The kids each got to jump on the bouncy pillow, which they love, but we only did it once instead of multiple times.  The lines were just too long.  We also did the mini train, which Anna loved since she got to go without a parent.  The kids loved the slides and did those a couple times, but the lines just made it take forever.

In line forever

Going down the bumpy slide

This year we skipped the tractor ride.  It takes forever and isn't all that good.  We did let the kids each pick out a mini pumpkin and bring it home.  (Big pumpkins come from the grocery store for a third of the price!)  The kids really had fun, and we were glad my dad got to join us.  Next year though we may have to try a new place.

Grandpa helping Anna across the tires while Charlie slides

Charlie and Anna on the very unsafe looking train ride

Anna's Hair

As if Anna wasn't cute enough with her curls, she has now become obsessed with pigtails.  They look absolutely adorable in her hair.  She loves wearing them and asks for them every day.  Some days we will do a little ponytail, but most days she is quite adamant that we put in the pigtails.  I love watching them bounce up and down as she runs everywhere.  Because her hair is so curly the pigtails each turn into one long curl going down almost to her shoulders.  She's just as cute as a button!

Charlie's 5th Birthday!

My best guy Charlie turned 5 at the end of October.  I couldn't believe it.  How did he get so old?  It seems like just yesterday he was born.  I love this little guy and was not prepared for him to grow up so quickly.

Zoe loves Grandpa!

Super hero birthday party

We did our standard party at our house again this year.  We got a bounce house for the backyard, invited all our friends, and ordered some snacks.  Most years we end up with more guests than we planned on, but this year a lot of people were busy.  Don't get me wrong, it was still quite a crowd at the house, but it was a little smaller than past years.

Our happy birthday boy

It may be Charlie's birthday, but Anna was still the princess

Of course Zach also had his half marathon that morning, so I was glad to have my parents in town to help.  My dad went with Zach to be his driver/cheering section while my mom stayed and helped me get food ready, pick up balloons, decorate, etc.  

Charlie had a blast with his friends on the bounce house and our swing set.  He had a super hero theme for everything.  We lucked out with amazing weather again this year.  It was sunny and felt great outside.  We had fun hanging out with our friends and family.  My parents and Zach's parents were able to come as was his sister Kelsey.  Charlie was so proud to show off his friends to them.  

Me and my Charlie

The next day my mom had to head back to Florida unfortunately.  The one good thing was that she managed to get a flight back later in the day, so we had the morning to spend with her.  We decided to take the kids to Fritz's since they love it so much.  Charlie and Anna had a great time taking Grandma and Grandpa to their favorite restaurant.  I love Anna's outfit that day; she looks like a little old woman!

Fritz's

Her outfit and accessories were cracking us up

 We love having a big party for everyone at Charlie's birthday, although we may get in trouble soon since Anna keeps asking if she is going to get as good of a party.  

Charlie was so happy to have Grandpa and Grandma back with him

School Pics

The school Charlie and Anna go to do school pictures at the beginning of the year on two different days.  The first day of pictures Charlie went in and was thrilled to have shots taken.  He beamed in every photo.

Anna, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it according to her teacher.  She just flat out refused to get in front of the camera.  I really wanted pictures of her, so I came in one the second day and went to see the photographer.  I stayed through Anna's photo shoot, and after initially crying she began to cheer up.  

As usual I had Zoe with me, and the photographer was all kinds of excited at the idea of taking her pictures too.  So we ended up with some really cute ones of all three kids separately and some of the girls together.  Next year my goal is do all three kids together. 

Fritz's Fun

The kids just love Fritz's!  We head to the choo choo restaurant all the time.  I can't resist posting pictures because they look so cute and happy while we are there.  These are from back in October.  I'm a little behind.

Bounce House Birthday Party

One of Charlie's friends had a birthday party at a bounce house place.  Zach was out of town, so I got a babysitter for Zoe and took Charlie and Anna.  Charlie was super excited from the minute we got there.  He bounded off and started running from activity to activity without stopping.  Anna on the other hand was not amused.  She just started crying the minute we walked in.  

Saddest face ever

Anna being forced to have fun

Charlie loving every minute

We spent 45 minutes in one room.  I finally got Anna to try out the big slide by picking her up, carrying her up the stairs, and sliding down with her.  We went flying off the end of the slide, and it was kind of painful.  However, she would only do the slide with me, so up and down we went a few times.  Charlie kept joining us thinking it was so fun we were all together.

After 45 minutes we ventured in to the second room.  This room had more bouncy activities for the kids.  There was one game where you threw balls and tried to knock down other balls that Anna loved.  She did that for about half an hour while Charlie jumped.  Of course as we were finally finishing up in that room Anna decided jumping looked fun.  She got about 10 minutes of jumping in before we headed out for pizza and cake.  

Charlie in the wind machine

Anna finally having fun

Lesson learned from this - always bring Daddy along to take the kids down the slide.  Way too much work for Mommy!  

Of course Anna getting into the bounce house just as it was time to go