a busy month....

I feel like "the season" has begun. I have always liked fall the best, but I think there is more to do in the fall than almost there is at Christmas time. Today was the start of the Harvestfest  and since it's run for three days, we like to go on the Friday when it's not so busy. Diana and Alana joined us this year, and we put the babies in the buggies and walked up to see what was going on. The day was a bit dreary.. but with such a fun thing to do.. what does that really matter.

The sun began to peak out, it was fun to poke threw the vendors and see their wares... and actually I was looking for a wedding present for a wedding on this same weekend. We had a nice lunch under the tents and saw a lot of the local people and friends. 

Last year, Reagan had a "real" thing for pumpkins... I can't even remember how many they actually bought... he almost began a pumpkin collection, so I had wondered if he would feel the same about them this year....

He was  beyond thrilled when he saw the pumpkin patch... Kass had to be very strict and tell him just two... because I have a feeling that these are just the first two that will be coming home with them...

Yes.... certainly one of the best times of the year

so.. I did find a wedding gift at Harvest fest .. a nice pottery plate that I was really pleased about. And it was off to the wedding of our friends Jackie and Gardner. 

Gardner is a lobsterman, so the wedding theme was based on that.. as well as the beautiful fall . It was held outside under a big tent and so many of our friends were there.

Here's the groom... we have been friends for many many years. And, in fact, people have often thought that Ed and Gardner were brothers. Looking at this photo, you could see why....

The ceremony was held outside... it was filled with wisdom, humor and joy. Perfect for Jackie and Gardner... they're quiet, easy going people and their wedding vows reflected that.

They had a big turnout, I think almost everyone they invited came..... and afterwards.. it was a big celebration.

I liked the way the tables were decorated.....

And the wedding cake was almost too pretty to eat. Actually we were each given a sunflower cupcake... I really liked that idea... instead of one big cake that needed to be cut... the little cupcakes were passed out and the cake was saved for the bride and groom

So many fun things... after Harvestfest weekend and the wedding... fall becomes busy. I had hoped this would show better in the photo.. but it's a Halloween decoration along route 1.  All summer the road has been under construction.. traffic a nightmare... so... these folks set up this decoration showing what a "nightmare" it has been. It was very clever... had moving parts, and I had to think of not only how did they come up with the plan of it all... but just the effort to bring it all to life...

Trying to get a jump on some of the things to be done before winter... it was time to spread the manure. I am so happy we are able to do this... not only is it good for the pasture, but it gets rid of the pile. And with seven horses on the farm... the pile gets big... quick!!!

The pile is "hot".. which is good because it's beginning to break down and will be good fertilizer for the fields...

I thought for sure we would have more than enough.. but it's surprising how either big the field is, or how small the pile is. We didn't have quite enough manure to spread over the whole field.. but at least we got a good part of it done... and the pile is all gone and ready to begin again.

A little rain shower came in while we were working... but all the better....

The turkeys are doing well... I'm a bit disappointed that they haven't grown as big as the traditional white meat turkeys grow. I'sure they will be good, but I think they're going to be small.... we have pretty much decided we won't be raising this type of bird again. When we do turkeys the next time, we'll go back to the white meat birds. 

The trees along the pasture edge are in full color, and each day I enjoy this beautiful scene

a school field trip...

I do love the fall... I have to say we live in one of the prettiest places, especially in the fall. This country road is one that I like to travel often. The trees come together at the top almost making a tunnel... this picture really doesn't do it justice... but it shows it just the same.

Abi is settling into school and is loving it. She has been more than ready to go. I was excited to find out that their first field trip was to the orchards not far from the farm. So, I met up with them there and it brought back so many memories of all the field trips I used to go on when the girls were little

Teacher talked all about the apples.. and the class had been studying it for a few weeks. So it must have been fun for them to see all of it in real life. Course, they have probably all been to the orchards since they were all really little, but now, with school... they are learning all the details...

They could each pick three apples to bring home... funny how hard a decision that can be.... one must find the perfect three apples....

And it isn't a visit without a wagon ride... so after the kids walked the orchard and found those perfect three apples, it was time to load into the wagon for a ride... course this was tractor pulled... but it was still fun...

After the ride threw the orchard and woods.. it was time for a snack and a story.. and to talk about all the things they had seen. They could also ask questions about the apples, running an orchard... and then about all their favorite things that are made from apples...

The trip ended with getting a pumpkin as well.. wisely.. they didn't have as big a choice with pumpkins as they did with apples.... The day was so pretty... the kids were so much fun and I was so happy to be able to go. Country life.....it's the best.

early celebration!!!

Some one special has a birthday coming up in a few days... so today, Papa and Baby "stole" Abi and we went out to breakfast. On the menu was a very special hot chocolate, and when they found it out it was a birthday celebration, they made it super special!!!

Is someone excited or what???












On top of that.... they made the pancake extra special as well.... it's good to be turning 6...

A little later in the day, it was party time. Abl wanted to keep with a Halloween theme... dressing up and having a combined sort of celebration. A "graveyard" cake...

And guests dressing up as their favorite.. Abi is into "Monster high dolls".. truthfully I'm not sure "what those are".. but they are about the size of the old Barbie dolls with about as many outfits.

Reagan was happy to come to his big cousin's birthday..... and of course, can't wait for his... (which is next spring!!!)

Abi was thrilled with all her gifts.. seems everyone really tried to get her what she had asked for.... oh to be six once again

Reagan was so good, it's hard to be this little and not "get anything"... but one needs to learn how this whole birthday thing works. He's just two... but his day will all be his

Happy birthday sweet girl... and many many more...

so fall is here for sure... it's time to start getting things buttoned up and ready for the winter days ahead. Ed got the field knocked down and then we'll borrow Dave's manure spreader and give the field and pasture a spread. It gets rid of the pile and give extra energy to the fields

I love the way the walkway looks and my little garden is doing well.  Onto my favorite time of year.....

pink or blue.......

Today we find out "who" our little grandbaby is going to be!!!  Since I don't know for sure, I got a gift certificate to a nice little local baby shop and these cute little diapers...


"pink or blue...... whooo are you??"

We were also celebrating Kassy's birthday too... so there seemed to be presents for everyone. Which totally got Reagan's attention....

Kass had some baby photos hanging up.. but of course they told us nothing.....

When it was time for the big answer.. Kass said that we had to go outside to do it...

Reagan told me that it was silly string that would let us know...

There was a can for him to shoot and one for Abi... but when it got down to it.. Reagan wasn't so sure he wanted to do this..


so......Daddy and Abi helped

and the answer is...


BLUE!!!


we have a grandson on the way.. due around the middle of February!!!!

so Abi still holds the only grand daughter spot!!!!!

And.. we have also been told his name... Calvin Edward.....

Edward  being named for Papa and also for Sean since his middle name is Edward... it works for both sides of the family.

Where "Calvin" comes from I don't know.. I guess just because it's not a common name and Kass and Nate like it...

Since we were all together we had a cake for Kass ... I guess that's one thing.. once you're a Mom.. bithdays are no longer solely yours...


but any reason to have cake is good with me....

and there are many good wishes on these candles...


it's going to get crazy around here!!!!