Thank Your, Ladies and Gentlemen

Every year I get really excited about fall and make a grand declaration about how many fall festivals we're going to attend and how many caramel apples we're going to eat and how we're going to drape ourselves in warm popcorn and cider and leaves ... you get the picture. In my 30 years of existence, I think I've actually attended somewhere around zero fall festivals. The season is young(ish), so there's still time for me to make good on this year's promises, but even if I turn out to be a big liar once again, at least I can say that I took Andrew to a really cool pumpkin patch (a first for both of us).

The whole experience was charming. Andrew loved running through aisles of pumpkins and wasted no time selecting one he deemed worthy (I took this picture before I read the sign that said "No picking up pumpkins by the stems.")

"Yeah, I'm cool. I'm sittin' on a pumpkin in my jean jacket. What?" (I took this picture before reading the sign that said "No sitting on pumpkins.")


To my shame, we didn't bathe in caramel apples or popcorn, BUT my boy had his first experience with boiled peanuts. I think I get some major fall points for that.



He also went on pretty schnazzy hay ride. You know you're in the south when your hay ride takes you by some gigantic talking pumpkins with unbelievable hillbilly accents that offer a "God loves you" message. Another fun item I assume you wouldn't find in, say, Massachusetts: A huge sign in the parking lot that reads "No Alcohol Or Profanity." Fortunately I read this one ahead of time.

The icing on the cake was that we got to share the experience with some of our dearest friends. Here we are with Ishbibenob*, Rhianna, and Starla*, who are "home" from Thailand for a bit. We're soaking up every second.

In closing, something totally unrelated to the glories of autumn. From the time Andrew wakes up to the time he goes to bed, he is asking to watch TV. Specifically "W W", which is what he calls the "Baby Bach" video of the Baby Einstein family. (He calls it that because they read out their web site at the beginning.) I try to space these viewings out as science and medicine and current Christian thought have instilled fears in me that one day Andrew will spontaneously combust simply by standing too close to the Devil box. However, I want the world at large to see what I'm up against. Here's a clip of Precious watching is favorite segment of "W W."

*As you may have guessed, names have been changed to protect the innocent.