Big Weekend at Lost Pines

 

We went to Lost Pines last month to celebrate, in no particular order: our fifth anniversary; Louisa's first birthday, and Grandma Bonnie's 70th birthday. The nice man at the desk gave us a bottle of sparkling wine and three delightful little pastries. Note to self: always tell desk clerks about special occasions. Make them up, if need be.

 

We visited some old friends, Yogi...

...and Boo Boo.

 We played tetherball, or an interesting variation of tetherball.

 We lounged on the grass.

And got the giggles.

We relaxed poolside and perused the drinks menu.

And this happened.

We had pancakes for breakfast and sang "Happy Birthday" to Louisa over a lemon-poppyseed muffin, thereby giving her an excuse for any drug tests she might fail in the future.

 There were snuggles with Grandma Bonnie...

...and a game of washers. Pro tip: get as close to the goal as possible.

Fletcher takes his balance beam practice very seriously. As in, he has his eyes on the gold medal for the "low railing walking" event in the 2032 Olympics.

A Halloween post? Now? Eh, Why Not?

Admiring Brother's sparkly purple broom.

Ghost (and cat and bat) pizza.

 Fletcher had a bat slice, since bats are now his favorite "Halloweenish thing".

 Carving the pumpkin, based on Fletcher's design.

 Watching Dallas work.

Gingerly pulling out a few seeds before declaring that "this is too messy for me".

Fletcher and I have been reading several books about witches that I used to read when I was little. One of the books inspired us to make some brew, seen here. It's better than you think - which, I realize, isn't saying much.

Delicious, delicious witches' brew! He drank three glasses. Brew = green juice blend + pear flavored Italian soda + ice cubes made of purple juice. Now you know.

 .
She kept the headband on for a whole minute this time.

Patiently waiting for trick or treating to begin at Simon's house.

Checking out Mr T's Pink Pumpkin.

A family of witches/warlocks ("Roar-locks") and their familiar.

Fletcher on Family Love

 

"I think that daddies love their kids kind of like infinity, but mommies love them infinity plus one, because they grew them in their tummies."

Star Quality

Pumpkin Patch 2012

We made another trip to the Pumpkin Festival in Elgin.

 Fletcher navigated the first maze.

High five for a job well done!

 There was a lot of jumping around on hay bales.

And sliding down hay bales.

Watching big brother.

And more jumping on hay bales!

A whole maze of hay!

Our friend Pumpkin, Louisa, and Fletcher enjoying the view on the first of our several tractor rides.

 

Me last year on the broken motor boat and...

...this year on the broken down boat!

Pumpkin was so excited to see her pumpkin cousins that she had a hard time containing herself.

 

A more composed portrait.

Happy Pre-Pre-Halloween, everyone!