Halloween Treats, Compliments of Nana

So, my mom bought all these little Halloween give-a-ways for Dakota and Elle to package up for their friends. Naturally her thoughtfulness lead to a requirement that I do the only thing a good mom would do and make her gifts as thoughtful as could be. And so I ordered some Halloween stamps from my Stampin' Up friend Krystal and came up with some ideas for decorating our treat bags. Elle and I worked on hers one night and then Dakota, Elle and I teamed up to do the 18 we needed for his classmates. We became assembly line experts and the finished product was imperfect but handmade with love.

Livesay Orchard Pumpkin Patch

I wouldn't say that I love this time of year and mostly that's because I'm a wuss when it's cold. I don't like to shiver and I don't like for my toes to go numb. I do, however, like some of the activities that go along with the season.

This past weekend we made a visit to Livesay Orchards in Porter, Oklahoma. We were in need of some pumpkins and thought it might be fun to tie in a hay ride and other children's activities at the same time. Livesay does a decent job of combining the commercial with the traditional.

We took a tractor ride ($3 fee) out to the orchard where we got to trample the pumpkin vines and choose our loot.

We were promptly returned to the farmer's market where we pay for our pumpkins plus whatever other items our hearts desired at that time. Jason was quick to point out that they would do quite well if they had an on-site cafe and sold food to low blood sugar fathers who are along for the ride.

We ran into some old friends at the orchard and enjoyed watching their little guy save caterpillars in his pocket. And we gave the kids some play time in the hay maze, etc. Even Elle showed off her ropin' abilities and Dakota proved that he knows how to milk a cow's tit ("You have to pull AND squeeze Elle!").

Racine, MO

I took this picture while standing in front of Racine Christian Church. I was there for a funeral for my great Aunt Jean. It was nice to revisit her home place and I never realized how beautiful it was there. The last time I visited there I was a child and didn't have much appreciation for the landscape. This part of MO was very pleasant.

I also had little knowlwdge of Jean's early years. As it turns out, she was fond of dancing. And as her tribute stated, when we all go on to meet our creator, we should look for her on the dance floor. I know I will.

Oh no, say it isn't so!

We had to say goodbye to the man plant. It is sad. Guess I didn't give it the TLC it needed. It's legend lives on in spirit I suppose.

Capitol Building

I love visiting other cities and actually seeing something that doesn't look like all the rest. This shot is of the Texas capitol building taken out the car window. Sweet!