Annual squeamish squash hunt

Joe and I don't have many holiday traditions figured out yet-- but one little tradition we have established is our annual hunt for a bizarre decorative vegetable.

We took the boys to the downtown farmer's market to pick out some pumpkins.

Then, joe and I went to the County Barn in Fairview to find some more interesting specimens. Joe was mainly looking for ugly. I was keen on finding yummy. 

Can't wait to make "Red Warty Thing Soup" :)

New view

Fire station field trip

Stephen has been especially excited about his school's visit to the fire station. He'd even been accurately counting down the days: "four more days until we go to the fire station!!!"

The excitement was contagious. Both boys were ready to get out the door, shoes and all, an hour early.

Waiting in line to walk through the town's new multi-million dollar ladder truck.

Stephen sometimes gets embarrassed when I take his picture.

Mind you, rocky clambered on board first, but was seriously contemplating how to get into the driver's seat. Fortunately,Whit's daddy helped extract him :)

Rockam waits to use the fire extinguisher... He was pretty proactive at getting his turn (more so than Stephen, who had to be led by parents and teachers to get his turn).

Stephen got his turn just before the tank ran out. 

A fun end to the trip-- brothers playing together nicely :)

Blanket elf

Chilly mornings in hoptown: when all the strange creatures come out of the bedroom forests.

Three months down

Ollie relaxes after a busy day. 

Oliver's first trip to LBL

Last weekend, while my mom was visiting, we loaded up the minivan and headed out to the nature station at Land Between the Lakes.

Oliver tried out front facing it in the snugli. He's wearing his big brother's hat because I forgot his. 

We enjoyed some indoor critters.

Outdoor critters... Rocky called the bobcat "baby jaguar" because of his recent love affair with Diego.

And lots of looking up...

Ollie got to bond with Daddy. 

Stephen and Rockam had fun throwing leaves into the pond -- Papa-style. 

After spending a couple hours in nature, we enjoyed a yummy Indian lunch at House of Spice in Cadiz, where the dosas are bigger than a Parrino's head. 

Bright eyed boy