Pumpkin Huntin'

During the first week of track-out we made our annual pilgrimage to the Disneyland of pumpkin patches, Hill Ridge Farms. We ate a picnic lunch, played in the sand, in the hay, and in the corn pit. The kids (and maybe mommy) rode the giant slide, jumped in the inflatables, and fed the animals too. We ended the day with a ride on the train and a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Unbeknownst to us, Paige woke up with croup that morning and her cough worsened as the day wore on. We left the patch in a hurry to get her to the pediatrician's office before closing. What a day!

Lou, Lou Skip to the Zoo!

We had such a special October this year! Hannah was tracked out for the first three weeks of the month so we were able to take some trips and visit family. Then Halloween came and we celebrated with friends and neighbors. It has been so wonderFALL!

Just as October began, we took a trip to the NC zoo with our friend Jodi and her three kids. As always, the zoo did not disappoint.

A Three Hour Tour

Actually, it was a one hour tour and we didn't get stranded on an island. We almost got rained out (you'll see the skies were cloudy), but we made it back to our cars without getting soaked. The kids had a great time and they each got to captain the ship for a few minutes. After the tour of Jordan lake, we went back to the Hoffmans' house for a cookout and cake to celebrate the start of kindergarten. It was a great day!

School Rules!

Hannah started kindergarten slowly last week and in earnest this week. The kindergarten kids only go one day the first week of school to be evaluated and placed in their classes. Hannah's evaluation happened on Wednesday the 3rd and then she found out her teacher is Mrs. Bennett on Friday the 5th. So on Monday the 8th her school year started for real. She got on the bus in the morning and her friend Austyn helped her find her class. She has been so brave through all of it and we are so proud of her. It goes without saying that I have no idea where the last five years have gone. As someone once said to me, "The days are long, but the years fly by." So true, so true.

Great Wolf Lodge

We decided to give the Great Wolf Lodge near Charlotte a try during our mini family vacation. The kids could not get enough. Mommy and daddy on the other hand were wiped out after a few hours. Luckily we had two days at the water park, so we could pace ourselves. The kids "slept" in bunk beds for the first time which they thought was way cool. They absolutely loved the water park and I am convinced they grew gills while we were there.