Happy Halloween 2009

October has been a fun-filled month with fall activities. Ethan really enjoyed cutting his own pumpkins off the vine at the pumpkin patch and then turning them into jack-o-lanterns. He's still not fond of the slimy mess inside the pumpkins, but actually helped scoop it out this year. Daddy and Ethan drilled his initials on one pumpkin while I carved an owl on another. We knew Ethan would be Peter Pan this year after visiting Disneyland in June. We had met Peter Pan there and his reddish hair reminded me of Ethan. While most people thought he was Robin Hood, a few knew he was Peter Pan. He was happy to show off his sidekick Tinkerbell who was tucked in his belt. Either way, he was a hit and everyone thought he was so cute! He finally got the "Trick or Treat" down this year and "Halloween Halloween" and "Thank you!" Last year he could only say, "Treat!" He walked quite aways with Jack, Little Red Riding Hood and Pink Bat Girl, filling his entire bag with candy! We couldn't even sort the candy when we got home (I think I was more excited about that part) as Ethan was already fast asleep! There's always tomorrow.

Freeman Farms

It's hard to find a real pumpkin patch in a big city. I research pumpkin farms all over the state each October and Freeman Farms in Chino Valley had rave reviews. We had fun watching horse shows, riding pedal tractors, the train, a hayride, Camel ride (yes, the 2nd one in a week!), visiting the petting zoo, the mammoth donkeys, the carousel, corn maze and pumpkin patch. Ethan was so excited to cut his pumpkin off the vine with the "cutters." He was so proud of himself and kept saying, "I love my pumpkin. Nice pumpkin." He also had fun eating a corn cob he found in the corn maze with me. I had to tell him it needed to be cooked so he decided to save it and bring it home. When he wasn't looking, I tossed it back into the cornfield. Would you believe as we were leaving, he asked about it! Lesson learned for next year.

Fun Times at the Zoo

Finally, time for a play date at the zoo! The zoo has changed in the last year, making the experience more interactive. Ethan took his first camel ride. A HUGE accomplishment! He's been scared of getting on a horse for the last year. I think he'll get on a horse now!

Octoberfest

Ethan had so much fun at a recent Octoberfest with Grammie and Grandpa! He was able to wear his Uncle's leather German outfit (30+ years old ). He won best costume so they gave him a brownie cake. They took pictures of him with the band to send back to Germany, to the beer company that sponsered the event. He also enjoyed a new favorite, bratwurst. Another event-filled day!