Buddies

Evan's still not feeling well so his cousin, Noah, decided he should probably keep a close eye on Evan. It was cute to see Noah (3 mos. older) staying near to Evan and being a good buddy all morning yesterday. He'd sit with him and even was playing with his hair at one point. That's so different than their normal growling, chasing each other, and otherwise just being boys. Here's a few pictures of them together. What great buddies they are!

Pumpkin Carving #2

Tonight we had a pumpkin carving party at Michael and Stacey's house. We got together to carve pumpkins and eat a great chicken enchilada dinner, topped off with pumpkin pie for dessert. We had a great time although Evan has been under the weather with a temperature of 101-102 yesterday and today... so you'll see him missing in photos. Hopefully he'll be feeling better soon.

Noah is concentrating... notice the tongue :)

Bryan getting into his work!

Mikayla showing the "gunk"

Me finishing my ghost carving

Our lil family of pumpkins

Pumpkin Carving

Evan got to carve his first pumpkin. He played more with the seeds than anything and tried putting a few in his mouth, discovering it wasn't so great raw! He was so cute with his little pumpkin. These holidays have such a different appeal when watching your own children enjoy the old traditions.

Pumpkin Patch #2

We spent another Sunday afternoon at a pumpkin patch in Bakersfield with David, Ginger, and Andria. We had lunch after church and headed out to let Andria pick her pumpkin. We all had a good time looking at the pond, the animals, and all the cute decorations, as well as ALL the pumpkins! It is SO wonderful to be close to them again and be able to spend the night and an entire day with them whenever we want. We love you guys! Can't wait to see you again for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

The Pumpkin Patch

We spent our Sunday afternoon out at the pumpkin patch with the whole family. We had our lil family, my sisters and their families, my brother Jeff and his family, my parents, and my Grandma Ransom... we were just missing my brother, Rick. He was stuck in Las Vegas working :(

We had a blast, took way too many pictures, rode the train, ate delicious food, had snow cones, and finally picked a pumpkin before heading back home. The weather was perfect and the company was the best! I just love the changing colors of Fall, don't you?

Evan was intrigued by both the pumpkins and the miniature trains on display. He kept saying, "toot-toot" the whole time. And carried around his "kumpkin" proudly.

Our happy family

Of course, Evan went straight to the BIG ones!

Mikayla telling Evan how to pick a good pumpkin

Evan, Noah, Mikayla, and Caleb

Waiting for the train

All aboard!!!

Grandma and the gang in one car

Brandon, Jodi, and Caleb ready to ride

The miniature train

Jeff, Steph, Sydney, Mikie, and Devin

Sydney and Mikayla

Noah and his pumpkin

Evan wanted to carry it himself

Evan and his "kumpkin"

Nana, Papa, and Evan

Sunflower

The Zoo With Ginger and Andria

We went to the Chaffee Zoo in Fresno with Ginger and Andria. They were kind enough to drive up from Bakersfield early in the morning so we could spend some time together at the zoo and have lunch before they headed back. The weather was perfect for a day out and we all had a great time together. Andria talked about wanting to see the giraffes all morning... and when she finally got to see them, she not only looked at them, but got to actually feed one!!! The excitement on her face was priceless(You can click on pictures to see them in full scale). Evan was busy snacking and making noises like a monkey, but I think he really enjoyed the zoo much more this time than in the past.

Thank you, Ginger and Andria, for coming to share special family time with us. Evan keeps asking for "AJ", so we are really looking forward to spending this coming weekend with you all in Bakersfield!

Here's a few shots that I captured. I know Ginger got some great ones too so maybe I'll post a second zoo blog later.


Andria's Excitement

Feeding the Giraffe

Evan feeding himself, LOL :)

Watching the sea lions.

There they are!

A gorgeous, not to mention very friendly, zebra.

Friends-Fair-Food-Fun

My best friend, Katie, and I went to the Big Fresno Fair on Wednesday night for a fun girls night. Back in August I purchased tickets for us to go see Casting Crowns and Leeland. It was an awesome time of worship and so wonderful to be surrounded by others who enjoyed praising God as much as we do.

And of course, after the show we got to walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and treats that the fair always has to offer. It was a blast sharing that time with you, Kate. Thanks for going with me to the fair this year! Here's a few photos of our night.

Katie loved her corn dog!

Leeland

A self portrait

Casting Crowns

Silliness

Cinnamon Rolls, mmmmmmmm.....

I saw Spidey!!!

The sign in the tunnel as we left