Halloween on the Gourd Farm

I don't take the kids to a pumpkin patch for Halloween. No normal stuff for us. Instead, we go to the gourd farm.

Just another one of the many reasons my children are destined to spend thousands of dollars in therapy when they grow up.

In any case, most of us had fun.

No matter how big they get, they still love to drive around these little tractors.

And, no matter how old they get, they love these goofy games.

The best part of the day is the haunted hay ride.

And no matter how old I get, that big bird always scares me.

Maddie was the only one who didn't have fun.

Fortunately, the folks at the farm were nice enough to let her take care of the animals.

And, of course, there are pumpkins to be had.

My only rule (about this particular thing, because we all know that I have lots of rules about lots of things) is -- if you pick it, you have to be able to carry it. I can't help but pat myself on the back, because I heard lots of parents repeat this back to their kids after hearing me say it.

All in all, another great day!

Not to be outdone, here's CoCo

As Ginger was practicing her Me Collage, CoCo was jealous. There are few things that child loves more than being in the spotlight, and it just about killed her to watch Ginger get all of the attention.

Here's CoCo's turn to perform. Again - the stain is gross - I'm trying, but it's looking more and more like an area rug to cover it is the only solution.

I seriously wish I had that energy for about 30 minutes every day. I can't even imagine what I could accomplish!!

Ginger and the "Me Collage"

Ginger had to do a "Me Collage" for school. It's a pretty big project for a first grader. She had to present her collage in front of the class. In Spanish.

Seriously, in first grade, I could barely talk to the teacher, much less do a presentation in front of the class. Forget the other language part.

I wanted to give her a chance to practice and watch herself, so maybe she would be less nervous. Here she is practicing. Please ignore the giant stain created by Rotweiller vomit that no one even attempted to remove until mom came home 3 days later. (If you have any ideas for getting that one out -- PLEASE let me know!!).

Funny, Toothless Girl

Because I'm a mean mother, I wrap the children's birthday presents at least a week before I allow them to open them. I place them in the dining room, where they are sure to seem them at least 2 times every day, wondering what is inside of them.

One morning, Ginger and Owen were looking at her gifts, trying to determine what was inside.

Owen said "I bet it's Polly Pockets."

Ginger said: "No. I don't play with Polly Pockets."

Owen said: "I bet it's Barbies!"

Ginger said: "No. I don't play with Barbies."

Owen said: "I bet it's Pet Shops."

Ginger said: "No. I don't play with Pet Shops. I don't play with ANYTHING!"

Owen said: "What DO you do? If you don't play with anything!"

Ginger said: "I like to make things. You know. Art. Crafts. Jewelry. Coloring. You know."

And, she's right. She really doesn't play with toys. And, all the gifts actually were arts and craft related.

Later that day, Ginger said to me:

"Mom! I know why I like to make things so much!"

And I said, "Really? Why?"

Ginger said: "Because I'm from China, and everything is made there! People from China love to make things!!!"

Such a funny little girl!

Seven

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Ginger's birthday.

This is what seven looks like.

After 3 years of watching CoCo decorate a fantastic mermaid cake, Ginger decided she needed to have one, too.

Ginger would not, however, "BITE THE BARBIE!" I had to leave that to CoCo.

Everyone agreed that the cake was way too sweet to really eat.

And, Maddie got a chance to hold one of the cutest babies who ever lived!

What a great day!

Happy Birthday Ginger!!