Fall is here

This weekend was a fun and busy one.  The weather was gorgeous; it was sunny, and (despite starting out in the low 50s) it warmed up to the mid 60s.  It was perfect weather for a trip to the pumpkin patch.  We headed out early, around 9am, to Craven Farms so we could beat the crowds.  We started off by getting some hot apple cider to warm up and some fresh kettle corn; something I have been craving.  It was really foggy in the valley, but that didn't stop us or Alex from wanting a hay ride.  He had been talking about that hay ride for days.  The hay ride goes around the pumpkin fields and then into the corn fields, winding here and there through scarecrow decorated clearings.  I don't think Alex's eyes ever saw the scarecrows; his eyes were fixated on that humungous tractor.  After the hay ride, we headed over to the pumpkin fields and picked out our pumpkin.  I think Alex had his eyes set on some larger ones, but Mamma helped convince him that the medium sized one was a good choice as well and one that I could actually manage to get back to the car.  Alex had a really fun time in the pumpkin fields, but by the time we were all set to go, Alex was covered in mud; Mommy forgot his rain boots.

Alex loved the kettle corn

 Here you go Dadda

 Our little pumpkin

 Alex liked the really big pumpkins

 Searching for the perfect pumpkin

 He felt the need to brush the dirt off every one

 Alex discovered the big ones make perfect seats

 ....and the little ones stacked make a great perch

That afternoon we got the front porch decorated for Fall and Halloween.  Alex had helped me pot some mums and while he was down for a nap, I put out the Halloween decorations.  He is not so keen on all the spiders, skulls, and monsters that he keeps seeing at the stores, so I knew he would probably not like this part of decorating.  

After getting all the halloween stuff up, I took him out to see it all and was surprised that he did not seem frightened by it at all.  He was very cautious not to get to close to any of it, though.  

Sunday was a day of errands and baking, but it was another gorgeous day, so sometime had to be spared for some backyard fun.  We are preparing another care package for Dan.  I baked zucchini bread and homemade brownies for him.  I always enjoy preparing his packages, especially when there is an upcoming holiday that you can incorporate into it.

During one of our errands, Alex got a new pair of Thomas sunglasses.  This is him sporting his new shades at home.  He doesn't like them over his eyes, so this is the only way he wears them.  Funny thing is, whenever we were outside, he was requesting them.  

Dan has been gone nearly 6 weeks, but it seems like it has been a lot longer.  I am sure the next 2-3 months will fly by with all the holidays.  USS Abraham Lincoln along with the rest of it's fleet has made their way through the Pacific Ocean and continuing through the Indian Ocean.  Last weekend they had a port visit in Malaysia, near Kuala Lumpur and he got a chance to get off the ship.

Petronas Towers

 Kuala Lumpur

 Petronas Towers at night 

(I love the moon right over the towers!)

This weekend USS Abraham Lincoln along with guided missile cruiser USS Cape St George made their way into the 5th fleet area of operations.  They will be providing support for coalition forces in Afghanistan, support for the drawdown of forces in Iraq, as well as to support existing maritime security operations.  It's a huge area of responsibility and if he thought he was busy already, things are about to get even busier.  

Dan we love you and miss you!  Alex and I both look forward to going to the pumpkin patch with you next Fall.