The Sugden Kids: Spook-tober 2011

October came and went in the blink of an eye! The first part of the month, we took the kids apple picking for the first time! That was a really yummy and cool experience. I had no idea how satisfying it could feel, just watching my children pick an apple, wipe it on their pant leg... and take a bite! It was pefect weather, and a really enjoyable afternoon as a family! We also took the kids to our local petting zoo... we owed them a trip from Maddie's Birthday since Dad wasn't feeling well then....
Also in October, we enjoyed a visit from my Mom (Grandma Cindy) for 10 whole days! The end of her trip overlapped with the beginning of Aunty Tricia and Uncle Mark's visit! So we actually got one whole day with all 3 of them! What a treat (no tricks included) that was! Mom, the kids and I spent our entire time doing the usual... cooking, eating, watching all the chick flicks that have come out since our last visit! Might sound unexciting, but for us... it just never gets old! This year (much thanks to our wonderful friend and family photographer) we were able to get some family portraits done while Mom was here! Including, a generation shot of Mom, Maddie and I. We can't wait to see the finished product!
The most eventful day of her visit was the last day when Mark and Tricia joined us for a trip to Goebberts Farm! This farm has been around for 60 years I believe!? Al Capone used to go with his family... back in the day. Or so Jeff tells me. Apparantley he and Capone go way back! ;) Just kidding honey, I know your knowlege of random information is long and diverse and shockingly accurate... so much so that I'm willing to post it without googling it first!
So, Goebberts... awesome! We hadn't been in nearly 5 years... and boy have they GROWN!
They've got quite the extensive petting/feeding zoo now! Including, the Giraffe House! They built a deck that takes you right up to face level of the giraffes where they sell you overpriced carrotts you can feed to them! I have to say, it was pretty amazing! I need to thank Mark and Tricia again for spending way too much money paying for all of our admissions!!
We came home and carved Pumpkin's for the first time ever!
That was pretty intense... and fun! Granted, the kids watched as Mark, Jeff and myself dove in knife first... and Mom was a pro at seperating, washing, seasoning and roasting the seeds! Mark, didn't mention that he's like a carving pro! His Jack-O-Lantern was pre-T-ty impressive! Jeff and I quickly reassured ourselves that he's had at least 15 years of prior experience raising his boys and that we too will be pro one day!
Then it was off to the airport for Mom, but boy did we live it up to the very last minute! We miss her every day! Can't thank you enough for all your help and all the goodies Mom! We love you!
We enjoyed the next couple of days with Mark and Tricia. They too, spoiled the heck out of us with help and goodies! Thank you so much again you two, for traveling all this way just to visit, help and spoil us! Hard adjustment it is going back to reality when all the loving family has gone! We miss them!
We did pack a lot in to a short amount of time though! The kids went trick or treating... as Mario (Jack) and Luigi (Austin)... Maddie was an adorable little kitty! She was so tough, running to keep up with her brother's, lugging that bucket of candy like a pro, and never missing a door! She got that 'smile sweet and get candy' concept quick! All in all, I'd say it was a pretty Spooktacular October!