Pumpkin Pleasures

 

At the end of a rainy week when the temperatures were pleasant and the skies bright and sunny, we ended a school day with some pumpkin fun,  :-)  I took the kids to the pumpkin farm where we explored the variety of available pumpkins and gourds from traditional to heirloom and chose a few favorites.  

The grounds were muddy, but that didn't keep us from weaving our way through the corn maze.  

The spicy smell from the snack shack was so enticing we couldn't help but to discover the tasty treats that were inside and to purchase a few fall favs to take home.   

The kids had fun climbing on huge tractors, riding on barrel horses, playing a bit of corn hole, visiting the farm animals, and relaxing on the porch for a bit.  Seriously, the weather was perfect!  With our picks loaded up, we headed home to share our findings and to make pumpkin shakes--an autumn tradition that goes back to Pumpkin Festival at Oregon Hill. :-)  The younger kids had yet to taste these epic blends and it was high time they were introduced to them.  

Not surprisingly, the shakes were a hit.  :-)  Our next round of pumpkin fun will be in carving...stay tuned! :-)

Wildflower Walk

 October is easily one of the best months where we live.  The weather is wonderful, the biting bugs start to decrease, the colors start to really pop, and there are plenty of activities to appreciate.  Actually, October usually explodes with things to do and see and we love it.  

At the beginning of the month, we took the opportunity to walk in the garden before it closes for the winter.  The garden never disappoints and our afternoon was quite enjoyable.  We were welcomed by blooms bursting over the waterfall bridge and a stage stacked with harvest decorations, all for our enjoyment.  

The Japanese Maple section of the garden is always super pretty.  With the sun peeking through the orange, red, and yellow leaves, it was quite a sight.  

We had a bit of fun interacting with the statues along the pathways to the real highlight of the afternoon--the wildflower patch.  

It was well worth the short hike!  Wildflowers spread out all over the hillside, bees of all kinds buzzed from flower to flower, and the sweetest flowery fragrance filled the soft breeze that made the sun above us so pleasant.  

We lingered long soaking in the serene beauty.  By the time we left, we were one of the last to leave before they shut the gates for the evening.  If we're lucky, we'll make it back one more time before winter.  But if not, these wildflowers have made a lasting impression that will stay with us for quite some time.  :-)

School Resumes

 

The morning we awoke to begin our new school year was drastically different from the weekend prior.  Instead of bright blue skies with great big puffy clouds and the sun shining while the heat warmed you up just enough for you to want a cool breeze or the air conditioner on, we were greeted by clouds, a bit of gloom, a light intermittent breeze that activated the tunes of the wind chimes, and temperatures low enough that we could spend the entire day with all of the windows open.  We were thankful for the beautiful weekend we had just experienced and then began to open windows and plan reading time out on the porch and were thankful for the uniqueness of each season.   

This school year I only have four students and we range in grades from elementary to high school.  Connor has begun his freshman year and is already loving that he works independently from the rest of the pack.  It affords him more time flexibility to fit in both textbook and tool time--which he very much appreciates.  

Sonja stepped up to junior high this year and with Connor's promotion, she is promoted by default.  Sonja is now the pack leader--at least for group work.  Junior high status brings with it a heavier work load, but Sonja is up to the task--even if she doesn't fully understand the work this year has in store for her (she's still saying it's not more, silly girl).  :-)

Riley is finishing up elementary school this year.  It's odd to think that I'll only have one elementary student next year.  Suddenly the kids are feeling very grown...and I think this is a transitory growth year for them all.  In each of their first day photos, their faces seem bigger and somewhat awkward in each of their maturity and developmental  phases.   

Hannah is in fourth grade this year.  This advances her in Sunday school status as well.  Sonja graduated out of Sunday school classes and is now a teacher's aide and Hannah moved into class with Riley and the big kids.   I'm glad Riley and Hannah get some time together.  So often it's Riley and Sonja that team up.  The new set up allows for both of them to grow closer in relationship (which will hopefully help them in school collaboration as well) and help them to develop new personal skills as a shake up in group dynamics is bound to affect interactions.  Hannah is feeling pretty accomplished in her new status, but now she's got to step up her maturity in different ways.  It'll be a big year for our Miss H.  

So here we go--diving into the 2021-2022 school year!  May God bless our days with productivity and positive growth.  <3

Last Weekend of Summer

The last weekend of summer brought us beautiful weather to enjoy.  We closed out the season in a big way by visiting the last day of a three day Jeepfest. 

Jeeps for days!

Jeepfest is a grand opportunity for Jeep owners to come out and test the limits of their vehicles and driving skills while onlookers excitedly cheer them on and discover Jeep life.  There are trail rides, obstacle courses, venders to buy from, raffles to win, sun to soak in and a great big mud pit to drive through then run through--yep, the vehicles sink their wheels in and then people get in and see if they can run through the pit without falling.  It's a huge and messy challenge with prizes to win.  

Jozsef took this picture.  He said it was a perfect representation--the blue Jeep for Nikolas and the burnt orange Jeep for him. :-) 

The heavy equipment was set to rescue those who got in over their heads--and we witnessed quite a few rescues that day!  Watching them get the Jeeps out was just as fun as watching the Jeeps dive in! 

We were in the splash zone of the mud pit--but it was the best area to watch the runs ;-) and the kids didn't seem to mind (for the record, we didn't get real messy, though we did witness others that did)

Nikolas was especially enamored by how people approached and executed the teeter totter

We saw a driver attempt to go up the boulders on this hill.  He gave it a good go, but he also broke his axel :-(  Needless to say, we didn't see anyone else attempt the run for the rest of the day.  

Oh so pretty!

We had so much fun!  At the end of the day we had all we needed for day dreams and just plain dreams of future Jeep ownership.  :-)  

On Labor Day, we spent the day lounging, tying up loose ends before the start of a new school year, enjoying a good backyard BBQ, some time with friends, and a few rounds of corn hole.  

Jozsef actually joined a corn hole league so he was super happy to get in some practice and we just wanted to play.  

We'll miss the summer days of more whimsy than structure, but the pursuit of education must continue, so we bid the summer season a big farewell and welcome autumn, the break in the heat it affords, the beauty of the season, and the fall activities we so enjoy.  

Until next summer (we can't wait for another Jeepfest!) :-)