Off to the pumpkin patch

A couple of weeks ago ( I know really slacking here) we went to the pumpkin patch to ride the tractor out to the patch and pick our very own pumpkin. Ava was so excited!!



She started out the trip by playing on the slides and club houses.












Then, we went into the petting zoo. Ava is still kind of scared to feed the animals. She will decide to be brave and pulls her hand back right at the last second.















Have I ever mentioned that my daughter is part monkey?
Even though she is afraid of the man eating goats, she is not afraid of heights (much to my dismay).















Daddy and Ava riding out to the pumpkin patch.














She was more interested in running down the paths than looking at the pumpkins. She kept running,
























and running,










and running.

















Until......
she found just the right one(notice that it's still green).








We all had a great time picking out our pumpkins.

Start the countdown!

Ava and I are riding the train up to Chicago tomorrow with my good, good friend, Julie, and her kids. I am very excited and a little nervous all at the same time. This is the first time Ava has ever been on a "major" trip. This will be the longest ride that she will have to sit through. I have a backpack full of goodies to ,hopefully, keep her entertained and quiet.
I have some prayer requests:
1. We arrive safely with no dirty looks from fellow passengers.
2. I don't forget/lose my child anywhere (cabs, american girl doll store, penguin exhibit)
3. trip free of asthma attacks.
4. Fun and stress free (I'll even take minimal stress) day with a great friend and make many memories.

Taking up painting

Ava is anyway. Lately she has been spending hours sitting at the table painting. I got her some canvases at the craft store, so we could hang her pieces of art in her room. They are turning out pretty good. Who knows, maybe she'll be famous someday. Well, at least she's famous in my mind!