Halloween fun!

It has been a fun fall season for the boys. In addition to the American Cancer Society party, Alan went on a trip to the pumpkin patch with the MOMS Club, Kevin got to go to the MOMS Club Halloween party and the pumpkin patch at school, and the whole family went to the Harvest Festival at the JW Marriott!

The Pumpkin Patch at St. Thomas


Alan has so many pumpkins to pick from!


Alan examines his pumpkin and his decorating choices


One of the school field trips had cupcakes, and Alan charmed his way into one


Who would have thought a tub of corn could be so much fun! Alan didn't want to leave


What a fun morning!

MOMS Club Halloween Party


Getting ready to start the Trick or Treat Parade!

While Mommy led the costume parade, we picked up treats from...


Miss Fiona...


Miss Melinda...


Miss Sara...


and Miss Ann!


Parades are hard work, and Kevin refueled with a cupcake...


... and then it was back to the playground.



Pumpkin patch at school


Kevin takes a whack at the pinata


Kevin with his goodies and friend Robbie


Kevin finds a pumpkin

The Harvest Festival


Alan romps in the haystack


Kevin finds prizes in the hay


There were lawn games and another pumpkin patch!


After a break inside with the touch tables and an early dinner, it was time to change into costumes for the Trick or Treat Parade! Alan didn't feel like eating, and managed to scam his way into the pool, with Mommy following. He pulled off his shoes and dipped his toes. He would have gone for a full dunk if Mommy hadn't pulled her shoes and socks off and went after him!


Kevin ready for the Trick or Treat parade!


Alan preferred to ride on Daddy's shoulders


On the go


Alan decided he wanted to join Kevin in the parade


Alan loves his lollipops!


Happy Halloween!

Another trip to the beach

The boys had so much fun at the beach, we decided to take a friend up on her offer to use their beach house at Port Aransas. We went for a fun weekend before Kevin headed back to school.

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Florida Family Time - Grandma and Grandpa

After the beach, we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's farm. We took Grandpa for lunch at Cracker Barrel and shopping for some movies to watch on his big TV. We showed Grandma and Grandpa how much fun the Buzz Lightyear Rocket Blaster sprinkler toy, watched Grandpa show off his vintage tractor, and had a yummy dinner to celebrate Grandpa's 80th birthday. Once while coming back from an errand, Kevin came face-to-face with one of the cows! Kevin and Alan had fun playing with Grandma and watching Cars with Grandpa.


Cows!


Grandma & Alan hang out in the tent


Grandpa and Kevin going shopping


Birthday presents for Grandpa


Grandpa drives the tractor


Rocket blast off!


Grandpa gives Alan a good view while Grandpa makes egg rolls


Chocolate cake for Grandpa's birthday


Kevin loves chocolate cake - so much that he burped "I want more cake please!"


The boys snuggle with Grandpa while they watch Cars



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Florida Family Time - the beach

The family went on a trip to Florida to celebrate Grandpa's 80th birthday! We spent a day at the beach in Clearwater, where we got to see sharks, turtles, stingrays and dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the boys got to splash in the surf. Alan wanted to play with the sand as soon as he stepped on the beach, but took a little coaxing to play in the water. Kevin was happy to romp into the surf right away! Daddy even flew a kite for the boys. Before we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's, we went to the playground at Pier 60.


Kevin and Grandma pet a stingray


Kevin watches one of the dolphins underwater


Alan can't wait to play in the sand


Kevin and Daddy in the sunset and surf


Big waves!


Alan slowly inches into the water


Seaside winds means it's time to fly a kite!


Alan likes the playground


Kevin prefers the sand

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Blue Bell and Wedding Bells

We took a trip to Brenham, home of Blue Bell Ice Cream, to attend a wedding. We got in the day before the wedding so we could take a tour of the ice cream factory. We met up with old playgroup friends Gavin and Gwendolyn and their Mommy and had a great time watching ice cream being filled into cartons from 1 pint to 3 gallons! Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos during the tour, but from the parking lot we could see the massive tanks shown below.

The next day we attended the wedding of the daughter of Daddy's neighbors back in Abilene - Ashley was a lovely bride! Her big brother Alan was tickled to meet our little Alan - poor Big Alan kept turning around when we told Little Alan to stop, come back, don't touch, etc.! We had a lovely time catching up with old friends and sharing in this special day for their family.

We enjoyed a quiet weekend at our hotel, and the boys loved the pool. We went swimming all three days, and Alan became so attached to his swim ring that he carried it around in and out of the pool.


These tanks were filled with granulated sugar and ice cream mix.


These even bigger tanks were filled with water, condensed milk, and raw milk.


The whole family in front of a vintage Blue Bell auto


Kevin and Alan with the cow and girl from the logo


Kevin and Gwendolyn waiting for the tour to start


Miss Kathy loves holding a little Alan


Kevin gives the bride Ashley a kiss!


Daddy gives Alan a ride on his shoulders to keep him from running wild through the reception


Big Alan holds Little Alan


Alan loved swimming with his ring so much he wouldn't put it down


The family enjoying the pool

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Alan loved jumping in the water!