Pumpkin Patch & Pumpkin Painting

Me, AJ, Anna, Belle, & Kara Perry Farms -2010 

It is such a delight and blessing to be able to spend quality time with my nephew Anthony and my niece Belle. They are both growing up so fast and I just love to capture all the moments that I can with them at this age. A couple weekends ago we went to the pumpkin patch and picked out some great pumpkins. The kids had so much fun looking at all the different sizes, shapes, and even the smashed ones. Well, actually I think that spent most of the time looking for the smashed ones. Their little faces were glowing with excitement. I truly cherish these times because I know that it is only a matter of time before they are going to hit the 'i'm too old for that' years. Being an Aunt or as they say Tati (ta-tee) has made me realize that the heart of a child is so pure and innocent. Spending time loving on them and investing in their development, and growth is something that  I will always hold near and dear to my heart. 

insistent on getting pictures with the smashed pumpkins

AJ the scarecrow & Belle the pumpkin

Got a great wagon for the pumpkins

After much consideration of what kind of project we should do I decided instead of doing the traditional pumpkin carving we would do pumpkin painting. Carving can be fun, if your idea of fun is digging into a pumpkin scooping the guts (super gross!!), and then tediously etching a face into the front. I have never really been into pumpkin carving. And in being 100% honest it is probably because I have never really been good at it. But, after trying the pumpkin painting it will be a must every year. Not only was is less time consuming but the mess was pretty easy to contain and to pick up. Also, depending on the age the work can really only be done by the adults or kiddos that are old enough to work with sharp objects safely. This is not to slight anyone that has the tradition or love of pumpkin carving...But for those of you that want to try something different of be creative with color I definitely recommended pumpkin painting. 

Supplies needed: 


Pumpkins 
10 pack of Crayola Washable Paint 
3 piece Absorbent paint brush 
mini or regular muffin pan 
2-3 garbage bags 
 scotch tape 


I picked up the paint and brushes at Michaels for under $10, the washable paint is highly recommended easy to clean off kids. Absorbent paint brushes are a must for young kiddos, the paint stayed on the brush and it was easy to switch colors without them mixing. I used the muffin tin to keep the colors separate. Using the household garbage bags I cut them open and then scotch taped them to the table to less mess and easy overall clean up. 


*overall cost will vary depending on pumpkins selections and what you have at home 

Belle & I - first year of pumpkin painting

A special "boy" colors  pumpkin for AJ 

Fall how I have missed you...

I love all seasons of the year and I am so happy that Fall is here and upon us now. I uses to have a favorite season (summer because of my bday) but now I have realized that I just love them all but for different reasons. Although this last week has had record temperature in the 90's you would not think that Fall is here. But it is and has been for a few weeks according to the calendar. I have enjoyed this Indian summer but its time for the real Fall to begin. What I mean by 'real' is the feeling of the Fall season and all the treat that it offers. October is already half way through Halloween is just around the corner and Thanksgiving is on its way. This time of year is very special to me and I wanted to take some time today to reflect on what I love about this time of year. 

Family & Friends - spending time with family and friends is really important to me. This season gives you a little of both within two months. Halloween is always fun time to get together with friends and have a party as well as seeing the adorable little ones in their costumes. I have never been a fan of what Halloween actually is about but the fall festivities/festivals and costume parties are a blast. Then comes Thanksgiving! Not only is there excellent food, but it is a time to spend with family and reflect and give thanks for all of the blessing that you have. I think that you should give thanks on a daily basis; however this is a wonderful time to fellowship in the company of family and friends relax, watch the parade, or some football. 

Atmosphere - The smell of rain is something that always refreshes me. I was not a fan of El Nino when it rained every day and night but I do enjoy the rain. It also a great time to bust out the warm blankets and cuddle which is another one of my fav things to do. As well as the beginning of candle time! Of course you can light candles year round but I love the smell of the fall spices and jack-o-lantern on the porch just makes me smile. 

Lattes - I love my pumpkin spice lattes!! and they are only around this time of year. This mornings latte is really what inspired me to write this blog. All lattes in my opinion are delish! But, the pumpkin spice has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of eating pumpkin pie with my Dad. We both love pumpkin pie and every fall we don't just save it for Thanksgiving (LOL). And this year now that I've started baking pies from scratch I am going make my first homemade pumpkin pie for him! 

Leaves - The colors that the leaves turn during fall is truly an amazing sight. The bright orange, yellow, and red is a sight that I love to see. Nature has always been a love of mine, and the transition that trees undergo during fall is something of gorgeous proportions. When I was little my mom use to let me collect the leaves and then press them in between book to preserve them. One year I tried to scotch tape the leave instead of laminating...let's just say to my utter disappointment my collection was ruined. Now, I am not a fan over raking the leaves but I do like to make a big mess and run through the piles and roll in them. It sound childish and it is...Its something that can let the little kid inside of you out again.