On Columbus Day we had some fabulous weather and decided to spend the day at the pumpkin farm.  Here’s a few pictures from our fun day.

There were tons of scarecrows and Hailey had to hug all of them.

Rich and Hailey jumped on this huge bouncy pillow thing.  Rich hurt his neck while jumping and I don’t think Hailey liked it either.  When we asked her later if she wanted to go on it again she said, “No thanks.”

Hailey loved the corn maze.

Hailey did not love the big slide.

Taking a little break from all of the fun to play in the water.

Hailey looking for a pumpkin.  This pumpkin patch seems a bit empty.  We took a hay ride out to another pumpkin patch that had tons of pumpkins, but I didn’t take any pictures of it.

Oh- and totally unrelated to the pumpkin patch- I just wanted to mention that the Velveeta Casserole Challenge site is now live.  Go check it out- and you’ll see my lovely face while you’re there.

Have a great weekend!!

Hailey’s description of our activities last weekend was, “Fun, fun, fun!” so it seemed like a good title for my post.  Last weekend there was a fall festival at a park nearby our house.

I think the only reason we bring the stroller most of the time is just to have a place to keep all of our stuff.  When I ask Hailey if she wants to ride in the stroller she says, “No thanks.  My is a big helper.  My push it.”

We went out to eat at a restaurant that had an outdoor area we could eat at and watch the boats going by.  Hailey was so good.  She colored quietly while we waited for our food.  Then she ate her food and watched the boats.  The last time Hailey was this good while we went out to eat was… well… never.

The carousel was having free rides, so we went on several times.  Rich’s plan was for each of us to take Hailey on 10 times- getting a total of 20 free rides, and “saving” him $20.  I think we each took her twice.

The next day there were several more activities going on, so we went back.

Hailey checking out the pumpkins.

Then she got to paint her pumpkin.  I ended up with a big green stripe of paint down the side of my face and in my hair, but it was fun anyways.

Posing with the pumpkins.

The carousel rides were still free and since we are a fan of free- we rode several more times.

Hailey and I walking and talking.

Looking at the lake.

We went on a hay ride while we were there too.  Afterwards Hailey wanted to see the horses.

Taking a break to enjoy some music.

Hailey dancing to the music.

Yesterday was Rich’s birthday but the first celebration actually took place a little over a week ago.  We were visiting my parents so we had a small party to celebrate Rich’s birthday.  My mom ordered pizza from Rich’s favorite pizza place and got him an ice cream cake.

Hailey helped Rich blow out his candles and then dug right into the frosting.

Then yesterday we had a little celebration for Rich at home.  Rich wants to get a new laptop (remember that a certain toddler broke his screen) so everyone gave him money to use towards a laptop.  I wanted him to at least have one present to open, so I printed out a picture of laptop and wrapped it up for him.

Of course, Hailey had to open up the present for Rich.

Then we went out to eat to celebrate Rich’s birthday.  Hailey did pretty well during dinner- we let her sit in a booster seat instead of a high chair and it seemed to help.  I ate way too much- I’m definitely going to have to start looking for the best diet pills to get rid all the weight the birthday celebrations are making me gain.

Rich requested that I make him a Texas Brownie instead of having cake again.  Hailey helped- and as I’m sure you can tell she was very helpful in adding the letters to the brownie.  I have no idea why Dwight from The Office is on there- but Rich wanted him there and I figured that since it was his birthday he could do it if he wanted to.

So there you have it- a wrap up of Rich’s birthday celebtration.  Have a fabulous weekend!

I know I don’t tell you very often (sadly, I probably never tell you) but I really appreciate all that you do for our family.

You have always worked hard to provide for our family.  And now that you are working from home I see you working harder than ever.  I know sometimes I complain about how much you work, but I know you’re doing it so that we can have everything we need and many of the things of what we want too.

I love to see you with Hailey.  You have an unbelievable amount of patience with her (and you can always tell when I’m about to lose my patience and you step in to give me a break).  The way that Hailey’s little face lights up when she sees you and the giggling fits she always ends up having say it all.  You’re an awesome Dad!

Sometimes I just look at you and think about how much you mean to me and about how much I love you.  And I know I don’t tell you often enough- so I thought today was the perfect day to remind you of how much I love you.

Happy 34th Birthday Rich!  I love you!