We had a great, fun filled weekend! A few of our highlights: a haunted house, waffles, Night Eyes at the Blank Park Zoo, Frey's Pumpkin Patch, and a hike at Ledges State Park.
"We killed the MOMMY!" (notice it's not mummy) the kids shouted as they ran in and out of the house Friday evening while making crafts on the patio. They were making bird nests and houses out of "really cool things we're finding in the yard!"
Harrison REALLY wanted to try out a haunted house. Max was at a sleepover so Hubs took big H. He screamed through 90% of the haunted house (not surprising), claimed he hated it, went to bed, slept all night in a dark room by himself, woke up and exclaimed "I want to try a haunted forest next!" This kid has no issues keeping us on our toes!
Saturday morning we took Hubs to work and then went for waffles at my parents house. Max went all out with strawberries and whipped cream on top of his.
After naps, the kids got dressed in their costumes and we headed to the zoo with friends to Night Eyes. The kids got to trick or treat their way through the zoo, see the animals, and their favorite part, all of their favorite characters.
We met friends at Night Eyes. It's been far too long since we've seen these sweet girls!
The Australian outback was Wizard of Oz themed. After we were done trick or treating, I sent the kids to the gift shop and I did a re-walk through of the zoo with my sister (who works there). It was really cool to see it all when it was completely dark!
Elizabeth refused to wear her witch hat. After nearly losing it and passing it from person to person, I finally just wore it. It didn't look as good on me as it did on Lil.
One thing I loved about walking through the zoo at dusk was how active the big cats were. We got to see the lions playing with each other and roar (which scared a few kids).
My Max (aka Iron Man) and the Wild Things. Seems appropriate.
We attempted this picture nearly a dozen times. In every single one you can see the younger two yelling "cheese!" In one pic (that didn't make it's way on the blog), two children are picking at their underwear. Good memories to capture.
Our annual family photo with the kids dressed up.
The kids loved having their pictures taken with their favorite characters!
After the kids went to bed, I attempted to write, had a cup or two of tea, and enjoy Hitchcock films. Nothing beats classics such as Psycho and The Birds.
Sunday morning we made our way north to Frey's Pumpkin Patch and then hiking at Ledges. Hiking was cut short when Harrison fell into the freezing cold stream. One of us is always keeping things interesting.
I've had trouble finding dark green pumpkins this year so I was thrilled to finally find a few. Not pictured is our extremely huge 65+ lbs. pumpkin we got!
Minus a fall in the stream (at this exact location too) Ledges was absolutely gorgeous this time of year. We got in one good, 1 1/2 mile long hike and exploring before the fall happened.
Unless we choose to go to some pumpkin patches in Western Iowa while we're hiking in the Loess Hills this upcoming weekend, we're more than likely done with our Tour of Pumpkin Patches. It was fun, the kids had a blast, and we have amazing memories but I'm cool with not seeing another pumpkin patch until next year. At some point in the coming weeks, we'd like to go hiking at Ledges again. Hopefully without a fall in the water!