2020 Pumpkin Patch Trip

Going to The Patch in Kiowa became a family tradition while we were living in Castle Rock, so we were very glad it wasn't closed that year due to Covid. Nana, Papa, and cousin William were also able to come!

The kids loved everything there, but the huge slide was the favorite, so we went there first.

Well, maybe not everyone loved it. Clara wasn't super thrilled with her first time down the slide. Oh well!

That year they added a large, air-filled trampoline thing, which went over well with our kids. Clara was too little, so she didn't get to enjoy it, unfortunately.

There was also a new buckin' bronco train. I got this photo of Aubrey and Carter as we waited in line, and it just makes me so happy!

Carter was particularly excited about the train. 

In the end it wasn't very fast, but the up and down motion made it pretty fun, I think.

Next we took the hay wagon ride. Clara wasn't interested in a three-generation photo, the stinker.

But I got this awesome photo of me with the older lovies!

Our final activity was the apple canons. 

Carter actually hit the target on his second attempt!

And then, finally, I made everyone take a lot of photos, haha.

Hay mountain!

Clara didn't love the way the hay felt... Can't really blame her!

In spite of her feelings, we managed to get a cute photo of all three kids.

And of course we had to see how much the kids had grown!

Silly pumpkin faces!

We also took a few photos at the cool, antique truck they had set up for just such a purpose.

I love this one!

Before we did the corn maze, we decided to play in the corn kernel tubs. But unfortunately, we had a little accident that prevented us from making it to the maze after, as we had to leave and take Carter to the doctor to have a corn kernel removed from his ear. I guess William dumped a bunch of kernels over Carter's head while it was tipped to the side, and a kernel found its way in his little ear. And my attempts to remove it myself did NOT work.

His regular doctor's office didn't think they could do it (arg), so we ended up at the ER. Carter was SO upset about it all, but the in-room TV kept him calm-ish until...

... they finally flushed it out with some water. 

It was a fairly painless experience, but it really did freak Carter out. I had to hold him down while they squirted the water in his ear. And to this day, 3 years later, he still remembers (and talks about) that experience. He's not a fan of things in his ears now, haha.

Anyway, despite the snafu at the end, we had a great day!

Fall Break 2020

After school starts, but before it's really Fall, things tends to slow down a lot. We don't do as many family activities, so I don't take as many pictures. Looking back at August of 2020, I don't have a lot. And, unfortunately, I don't remember a lot.

But I do know my parents came to visit, and we sat in the backyard watching Aubrey and Carter play in the kiddie pool.

And then, funny enough, I have pictures of Aubrey and Carter in the snow just three weeks later.

And then only 9 days after that, the kids were back outside, playing at the park. Honestly, I love the variation in the weather we have here! It keeps things interesting.

Then it was October break, which is always a fun week for us. Our first adventure was a hike in Boulder, which I can't remember the name of anymore. But it was nice!

It was really windy at the beginning, which Clara actually loved. 

And Carter trailed behind, as usual. He didn't like the wind.

Cuties stopping for a rest on a convenient fallen tree:

It was a pretty place, but my phone had a terrible camera back then, so the pictures don't do it justice.

I kept trying to get pictures of the beautiful aspen trees...

Aubrey was often leading the way, as she usually does on our hikes.

And at the top, we got a nice view of Boulder down below.

After our hike, we got some tasty treats at a local bakery and ate them at Chautauqua Park so we could all take a little break. 

Aubrey and Carter spent most of their time running through the trees playing hide and seek.

Clara was just happpy for the chance to stand on her own two feet after riding in the car, then the backpack, and then the car again for most of the day.

But for me and Daniel, the best part was the view of the Flatirons.

I got another shot of them out the car window on our way home. So pretty!

Our second adventure during Fall break was the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. It was a nice, albeit small, little place. 

It was so cute, because on the way from the car to the building, Carter got really cold. So Aubrey wrapped him in her jacket with her while they walked. I live for those moments of sibling sweetness!

  

Inside the museum we admired some old carriages...

... and an old elevator.

Carter was especially excited to ride in it.

As for me, I liked this fancy, old gown. It must have something to do with my love of Jane Austen...

And while we were waiting for Carter and Daddy to use the bathroom before we left, Aubrey played really cutely with Clara. Yay for more sibling sweetness!

While we were in the Springs, we took the opportunity to visit the Penrose Heritage Museum, which was full of cool race cars. Carter was in Heaven.

It also had a bunch more old carriages...

... and early cars.

Clara insisted on getting out of her stroller and exploring on her own. She was very taken in by this horse and buggy combination, haha.

Finally, we also went to our traditional pumpkin patch during Fall break, but I'm saving that for the next post. Instead, I'll end with a cute video and a cute picture, both of which were taken during the break when we were hanging out at home.