Annual trip to Burt's Pumpkin Farm

Woohoo - our annual trip to Burts! It is amazing how many pumpkins are there - even more amazing is the number of people that come out each year. This year was no exception. We left our house early (early for us) and arrived at Burt's just before 10 am. There was already a 25 minute wait for tickets to ride the hay ride. So after a couple of family photos, in line we got. I wanted to take pictures of the boys by themselves - but they just wanted to ride the hay ride. We didn't even get to take pictures on the tractor this year...it was just crazy. And, I was trying to go 100% manual on the camera again and was forgetting to change the white balance from sun to shade - huge mistake. Tons of shots were over exposed darnit. At any rate, we all had a great time and afterwards had a picnic lunch at the park near Amocalola Falls. This year instead of trying to hike up it, we drove to the top to see the view down. Much better! The kids loved the hay ride. That was for sure their favorite. We headed home just after lunchtime and the kids slept the whole way. I just love this time of year!

The local pumpkin farm

While Derek was out of town, I took the boys to the local pumpkim farm. We make an annual trip to the mountains each year, and although the weather was perfect for a mountain day trip, we opted to wait for Derek's return and hit the local pumpkin farm. There is one just up the street from us that has a jumpy, a petting farm, and pony rides. The kids (& I) were excited. They loved the petting farm (bunnies only) so much. I think they spent an hour in there. We went first thing Sunday morning, so we were the first people on site. When we left, with our first pumpkins in hand the place was packed. Hatcher loved riding the horse and feeding it a treat. He was so excited - you can see it in the photos. Speaking of which - here are my favs...

Putt Putt golf...in a pirates ship!

When thinking of fun stuff to do with the boys while Derek was out of town, I decided we should try our hand at putt putt golf. There is a great and short course near our house that is entirely themed around a pirate ship. The kids were so excited. I knew that Tom and Grandma were looking to get on the golf course and I thought - well this might be a good solution...get the folks and the kids on the course together. I figured an hour tops and then we could grab a bite to eat with them. So, off we went to Pirates Cove Putt Putt and began hitting and losing balls. Hatcher was really into it. Aidan just wanted to carry his ball around the course and drop it in the hole. Occasionally he would take a swing...but mostly he was up ahead looking, investigating the next hole. Grandma got a hole in one...or a "home run" as Hatcher would call it. It was good fun. Then off to mexican we went for dinner. We all had a great time and with the morning spent at the festival, the boys were pooped and slept soundly through the night. Here are some of my fav pics.

Love this time of year...Fall festivals everywhere you turn

Tis the month of festivals in our neck of the woods. Festivals with food, art, and most importantly tons of stuff for the kids. The big one in Duluth every year houses a traveling carnival and collection of jump houses. The kids had a blast. Derek and I were able to walk around most of the vendors and squeeze in time for the kids to jump and ride the ferris wheel - which I was terrified of. I seriously doubt you will EVER find me on one of those again. I sat with Hatcher and he was so sweet, he knew I was about to jump out of my skin and said, "don't worry Mommy, I am here for you and will help you feel safer." Moments later as the wheel creaked its way around again Hatcher said, "I am not so sure of this thing mom...maybe we should have ridden the other one!" LOL great...





The following weekend was the Norcross Art Fest. Derek was out of town in Colorado at the GA game. He and some of the guys went and made it a "boys trip away" and even though UGA lost - they all had a great time. So while he was away, I packed the weekend with fun outdoor events. We headed to the Norcross Art fest with Heather and Owen, Amy and her two - Haley and Tomy. The kids had a blast and behaved so well. We made a deal, we would let them jump in the jump house to their hearts desire and then the adults could walk the art displays. We took them around every single art vendor - and not a single thing was broken. Then we all headed to lunch at the train depot. The kids were glued to the windows waiting for the trains. We saw two while at lunch...then everyone headed back for late afternoon naps!

The boys 1st UGA football game - Ark Vs GA

So much fun...we took the boys to their first UGA football game. Dave and Lisa have been planning to come to Atlanta for this game since the spring. Uncle Dave has been getting the kids psyched up about this game for months now. They arrived on Thursday late afternoon and rode home with Derek who was on route home from yet another trip away for work. The kids had an absolute blast catching up.

Uncle Dave was so excited the night before the game - he couldn't sleep. So when the big day came - he was up early and packing the car. Hatcher was just as excited - he got up and got dressed all by himself in his new UGA jersey and was ready to go - Aidan was right behind him. Packed - car decorated with more Razorback magnets and flags than UGA - we were set. Off to get breakfast on the road - we had our first foreshadowing of the day - we lost one of our new UGA window flags. At 55 mph - off the thing went. The window attachment was still on the window, but the flag was long gone - married somewhere to the asphalt on PIB north. LOL. But it didn't slow us down - down one flag - but not in spirit. The drive was fun and the kids were excited about Uncle Dave's choice dance mix music. I think both Lisa and I could have waited another hour or so for the beats to rock the car...but the kids had fun!



We arrived in Athens with temps above normal for game day - I mean...let me just tell you - it was so freaking hot - probably near 100 if not hotter where we were sitting. But first we were off to meet Dave's co-worker. And how lucky - along the way we passed Russ (our official mascot) and Hairy Dog. We quickly snapped photos with both!






Then a quick hike up several flights of stairs to our seats. The boys made it through all 4 quarters. Aidan was done after the 1st - but we pushed through and by the half time he was into the game once again. The boys also met up with a 9-year old who was willing to entertain them between plays - so all was well.








Even though Arkansas won - we all had good fun. It was a great game - minus the heat. The boys had fun - and I think the adults had just as much fun. The season is not looking to good for GA - so...go Razorbacks...Pig Sooey! (Don't worry Dave - Aidan still yells it from time to time...and Hatcher insists on drinking from the ARK game cups!)

Visit from the Arlen Family

The Arlen family came to Atlanta for a recent visit. The boys were so excited to see their cousin Ashton. They had so much fun playing together the whole weekend. Ashton slept with Aidan every night which was great...they both loved it! We went shopping on Friday and stopped by Grandma Marilyn's for dinner. Ben came by the house for a quick hello before he headed to SC for his last beach vacation. It was nice to have everyone together.
But - the biggest reason the Arlens came to town...the Arkansas vs. Georgia football game! The Hogs vs. the Dawgs - as Uncle Dave would often remind us. But - those pictures will be in a separate blog entry - that day was full of fun.
So for now - here are my other favs from the visit:

Hatcher takes to tennis and loves it!

Hatcher has been asking about playing tennis since the spring. Not sure what sparked the interest...but he kept asking. So I thought I had found the best solution - a class over the summer that would host both boys. But - turned out the pro at the club was leaving and so they cancelled the classes. So...on Labor Day, I noticed a sign about fall registration for Hatcher's age. I called, and secured Hatcher a spot. He loves it! He has really taken to it in these past 4 weeks - and he even asked to continue. So...we shall see. Last week each of the five boys were tossed 10 balls total - Hatcher hit 9 of them over the net! Way to go Hatcher. Here are a few pics. Aidan and I toss the ball on another court while Hatcher practices - so got some cute ones of him too!