Halloween

Although we can't go to Jucker Farm anymore to see the pumpkin displays, we are lucky to live near Half Moon Bay - which is a pumpkin patch mecca. We hit 2 patches this year: one for the hay bale maze (takes nearly an hour to get through) and another for the better (cheaper) ;-) pumpkins for purchase.

This year we also combined our pumpkin patch outing with another excursion: An 85 foot pregnant blue whale had died (presumably hit by a cargo ship) & washed up on beach very close to the coastal pumpkin patches. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the largest animal on earth. The whale had only been on the beach for about 5 days before we went to see it, but the stench was overpowering - Lukas & I, seriously, almost vomited. But it was amazing to see.

Enjoying the beach (upwind) from the whale

On to trick-or-treating. This year Lukas wanted to be a skeleton & Marieke was a pumpkin. Lukas was REALLY into the candy this year & hit quite a few houses. Marieke held up pretty well too.

At the last minute, Rob & I dressed up too. I don't know why we never plan it better. We always want to dress up, but don't think about costumes until literally a few minutes before we head out the door to trick-or-treat. Resolution this year to to plan ahead!

Lukas turns 6!

Lukas wanted an "Underwater Adventure" birthday party this year. He loves everything to do with sea creatures. As usual, I planned/researched ideas/bought supplies & then Rob provided the artistic talent. Rob painted a huge shark with a cut-out for taking pics of the kids which they later turned into picture frames. I think it turned out pretty good. He also made a great cake.

Pin the leg on the octopus

It was only a 2.5 hour party, but after about an hour the kids had already whipped through all of our games/activities. Rob & I kind of looked at each other in panic... we pulled out Hullabaloo which thankfully kept them busy.

Legos were still the coveted gift this year & he got plenty...

2nd Annual Chestnut Picking

Our 2nd Annual Chestnut Picking was even better than the first. The weather was perfect. We also are now experienced and know to pack a picnic lunch & hot chocolate to enjoy after our "work". Picking was definitely more tricky this year - trying to keep Marieke happy but off the ground & away from the prickly outer shells of all the chestnuts. But we still managed to pick way more than we needed.....



Lukas holds our loot & Marieke just thinks the chairs are fun.