Thursday, October 29, 2009

Our own Harvest Festival

I've always appreciated welcoming the seasons with enthusiasm. This year as the leaves were falling and Halloween was upon us, we spent a great deal of time outside, playing in the leaves.



I miss the big old maple tree that used to be in my parents' front yard. In order to collect enough leaves for an adequate jumping pile, we had to steal some from the neighbors. Imagine their disappointment when they came outside to find their entire lawn had been raked and taken to our yard! Yes, I'm joking. Bob, our neighbor, was elated!


Both Maya and Sam were all smiles after an afternoon of fresh air, earthy leaves, and sunshine. Ah, the joys of autumn.


Later that evening we completed our own Harvest Festival by carving pumpkins. Yes, mine had its traditionally sinister grimace and Aaron's pumpkin was strangely reminiscent of Pinocchio (see photo) but we had a great time. We even enjoyed some toasted pumpkin seeds as a late evening snack that evening.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Pumpkin Patch

The Autumn weather was glorious for our family trip to the pumpkin patch on October 10th. Blue sky, puffy white clouds, and temperatures in the 60s. Fall at is best!











Whidbey Island

In our attempt to find time when the four of us can be together on our own, the Russell family made the short trek to Whidbey Island a few weeks back and spent the day enjoying the sunshine, beaches, parks, ice cream parlors, and the ferry ride back to Mukilteo. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the time together.





Going Back to Pullman

The third weekend in September we drove to Pullman to spend the weekend and see friends. One of our most fun adventures was a trip to the Latah County Fair. Maya was sad to see that the carousel wasn't included in the rides this year, but we still had a great time.



Later that evening we had a wonderful dinner with friends and helped Lydia celebrate her sixth birthday party a few days early. Happy Birthday, Lydia!

Maya's First Day of Preschool

Is it possible that my sweet little girl headed off to preschool already? She was all smiles on her first day.



Looking rather hip, I might add.