Making the most of "Fall"

While the weather doesn't feel like fall, the calendar says that it is, indeed that time of year to make all things pumpkin and brown. 

We have been busy! Some of these pictures are out of order because I forgot to post them before the big birthday shindig. But they are enjoyable none-the-less. 

Oh, and I realized I forgot to share the funny bubble gum story....picture is still on Marc's phone. Sorry. 

The Saturday before Desmond's birthday we visited a pumpkin patch! I was a lot of fun, though I will admit to being surprised that the pumpkin was "implanted". In other words they shipped truck fulls of pumpkins to Georgia and then put them out on a patch of grass. They had so many fun activities and we had a blast!  And going with some new friends made it even better!

The hay ride to the pumpkin patch. 

Mini maze. 

Petting zoo. 

Don't know what this is called but it mimics a trampoline and is a lot of fun. 

Some new friends got a new puppy and pig! The pig only lasted for a week before it was given to a different family, but it was a lot of fun playing with it when we went to visit!

This weekend we got to go paint pottery at a friend's birthday party.

Another fun activity. We visited a local university's museum. This is Des digging for and identifying fossils. 

This is Jaxter sporting some of the Dino wear at the museum. 

Last, but not least, we have (again) added to our family. We have caterpillar that we are hosting in the hopes that he will form a cocoon and we can have a science lesson! We will have to prep Des for the release, though, because he gets pretty attached to his creatures, however I just don't think a moth living in the house would work well, especially with Tana trolling around!

Watching the caterpillar eat - you can actually hear him munching away. His name is Arrow. 

Happy Birthday, Desmond!!

We had a great time celebrating Desmond turning 6!! He loves to play in the dark and experiment with glow in the dark things so, it seemed natural to do a "glow in the dark party". We procured a dark room (the garage), a black light, as many neon things as possible, and had a blast!

The beginnings of decorating. 

Des and Jax trying out the party space. 

Party!!

The inside space

Party guests having some birthday cake!

That's a lot of cake! (Note to those planning a black light party: just because it is brightly colored does NOT mean it will glow in a black light, not even all things white will react. The only food items I found to be black light reactive were pop rocks and tonic water.)

The next day: he's officially 6! Though he did tell me that "it takes a few minutes before he turns from 5 to 6". 

Thanks to everybody for the very generous gifts and well wishes for our fast growing young man! (Notice the Tana photo bomb. Haha)

Check back tomorrow for a funny story about the gift he is holding - bubble gum (cuz in our house you can't chew gum until your 6).  But the picture is on Marc's phone. 

Finally fall, kinda

Another week here in the sunny south! We have had some cooler weather but it still heats up quite a few days out of the week. Boys are definitely improving in health, though the cough is lingering. 

Having a play date (in the shade!). 

I just now realized that I have been extremely deficient in taking pictures this last week! We had fun holding a garage sale which earned us enough extra money to buy new shoes (with laces!) for the boys and lunch at Taco John's. 

I stay busy with my on-line courses, volunteering in Desmond's class, leading a Bible study, general housekeeping for my lovely family, and BOYS! =) Marc stays busy at work and then comes home and helps me (a lot! since I am trying to get my course work done asap). He is amazing! =) We have also had a lot of family walks, bike rides and games. 

The government shutdown has been a popular topic of conversation but, other than the commissary closing (which re-opened today), we haven't see much change from our perspective, though I know some have been effected greatly. 

Desmond and me riding the scooter on our walk. 

Bristle blocks have made a strong come back in the car! The boys love making things. 

We are gearing up for a birthday party this next week! It will be interesting! Have a lovely week!