Pumpkins....

It's tradition for our family to head out to our local pumpkin patch on a beautiful Fall day.  This is our second Autumn in Indiana....so hard to believe that we have been here for over a year already!

Adam was almost a week old in these photos.....and this is our official "first" shot of just our 5 lovies together.  My Mom was with us this day as they took a little train ride, checked out the animals, went through a maze and on a hayride with Daddy, and of course picked out some pumpkins. 

Noah was too big to ride on the train....so he stood by and watched the others cruise around. (I don't think that he was too disappointed) If you are wondering, Noah is showing off his mad skill of this thing he does with his fingers....impressive I know.

And this horse was freaking us out, as it stood in this exact same position, with this weird look in it's eye the whole time we were there. Jared didn't want the kids to get to close to it....just in case.

They call this a "weed maze"....a first for us.

And of course....the hayride. I stayed behind with my Mom and Adam....but Daddy was happy to take them.  My kids love hayrides. We used to have them all the time back home when I was a little girl....something I will always remember from my childhood.

And just look at these photogenic faces will you....completely natural smiles from Nate, Lauren and Luke.  (There was a hint of sarcasm in that last remark....just in case you missed it.) They make me laugh every time they try to pose for the camera.....super cute.  

And here is what they were waiting for....pumpkin pickin' time!

By the look on Noah and Nate's faces, this pumpkin pickin' stuff is apparently pretty serious business.

The next day we carved our pumpkin.  God does provide many "daily" opportunities for us to talk about the Gospel with our children.....and as a special tradition, Jared uses our pumpkin carving time each year to present the Gospel as the kids clean out all of the yucky stuff inside of the pumpkin.  

Here is a link to a post I did last year when he talked with the kids....

Gospel Pumpkin 2011

Yes....this is entertainment for us. 

I love Lauren's posture as they were cleaning out the slimy insides of the pumpkin.....she thought that it was so gross. 

Because they are boys, any reason to use a sharp knife is appealing on so many different levels.

Nate was apparently making a statement by wearing one snow boot and one shoe.  

Not quite sure what happened to all of his teeth.....but I love how the stem looks like a wave of hair.

We all enjoy spending time together as a family.....and these are traditions that our lovies really look forward to each year.  

Just Plain Fun.....

It's that time of year.....Leaf Jumpin' Time! One of our lovies most favorite things to do....especially Nate....this kid has been dying for his Daddy to rake up the leaves so he could jump in them. They were all eager and helped out, but I was a little nervous that we wouldn't have enough for a nice big safe fluffy pile. 

Although our pile is not near as large as it has been in the past, their Daddy pulled through and raked enough for them to do cannon balls in, (that would be Noah of course doing those.)

Lots of squealing, laughter, and leaves all through their hair.  I  love to see them get excited over the little things in life....these four little people inspire me to find joy in the simple things that could easily be overlooked.  I am thankful to my lovies and my hub for reminding me everyday of God's blessings......and to God for putting these special people in my life to remind me of His amazing grace.

Pumpkin Pickin' and a Hayride.....

I love family traditions. A favorite of mine this time of year is the day we do our pumpkin picking.  Being new to the area, I searched on line and found a family farm close by who welcomed pumpkin pickers such as ourselves, and offered some other fun stuff for our family to enjoy. 

Our lovies had a blast....it doesn't take much....they are always up for a good time. A pumpkin patch, a little train ride, some farm animals, and a hay ride to top it off. Jared and I kept sharing warm glances as we watched our lovies having a great time....the kind of glances that speak volumes.....reading what the other was thinking.....knowing that both of us were holding these moments precious....this afternoon and this farm with our lovies.  We are both very thankful for our children and for this precious time together as a family.  

Life can be crazy at times....I'll be the first to admit that.  As the cool fall air fills our lungs we are all being refreshed as a family.  This day was much needed and was of course in God's perfect timing. It's amazing how one afternoon can help to bring life back into proper perspective after going through a time of feeling overwhelmed.  Nothing major, just the business of our days which include homeschooling, practicing instruments, laundry, keeping the house clean, making meals, serving my wonderful husband....all of these things I absolutely love to do, (well maybe not laundry {smile}). In these times when God has me strong in His Word and when He blesses our family with togetherness like we had on this day....I am thankful.