Pumpkin Patch

We have sorely missed our favorite pumpkin patch out in Irvine (Peltzer Farms) and have been wanting to find another. This year we took a journey to the Pumpkin Farm LLC near our mall. These farms have been set up near malls in our area and look pretty fun.

The pumpkin displays were fabulous. The pumpkins were pricey, but they were pretty. We used to love the pony rides, corn maze and pig races at Peltzer. It was fun to let the kids ride the ponies for $3. This farm had bounce houses and rides, a petting zoo and pony rides. Unfortunately, one event was anywhere from $5 to $7. Boo hoo. The girls are older now and can understand some reasoning, so we explained to them that it was hard for us to pay $5 to ride a ride when we could go do Disneyland with our passes.

So that's what we did. We hopped in the car, grabbed some dinner to-to and headed to Disneyland for a spooky ride or two. We arrived at 5:45 p.m. to find that the park closed at 6:00 p.m. We did the only thing we could...we entered the park and made a bee-line for spooky Space Mountain. As long as you're in line before closing, they let you on. We made it and had a deliciously spooky ride through space.


Space Mountain transforms into the "Ghost Galaxy" for Halloween. It has spooky music and a grotesque alien who tries to grab ya during the ride. It's very fun. Later this week we'll try to head back for a few more Halloween-themed rides before the park transforms for Christmas.

Spooky Decor

Here are a few of our Halloween decorations. A small house means limited room to display treasures, and I have amassed many a treasure over the years. I just love it all!

These two little guys were made by the girls. Heather (R) made hers in 5th grade, and Jenna (L) made hers this year in 3rd grade. The benefit of Jenna's teacher having moved from 5th to 3rd this year is that we get some of the same art to display before the older child's is too faded to sit side by side with the younger child's.

Fallen & Torment

Two books I've just finished in the Fallen Series by Lauren Kate. Can't get these characters off my mind. I read a ton of fantasy, but nothing so far with angels as the subject matter. Very creative and refreshing. Fallen moves a bit slowly in the beginning to where you wonder if it's going to be worth the read, but it doesn't remain so for long. Paradise will be out next summer. It will be a long wait!

Sunset After Rain

Sunset last night was glorious. It had rained for three days. The clouds were moving swiftly, some still dark with the moisture they carried. The three-demensional picture was exquisite. Is there anything more beautiful than the masterpiece of a sunset? I don't know if I'll ever get over the fact that I can walk out to my front yard and view this any time I wish. My girls are now sunset watchers. I love it when they come running in to tell me that I have to come see the sunset. Isn't that awesome?

My Sister & All Four Seasons

My cute, California-born sister has lived with the four seasons now for almost 20 years. That would be the winter, spring, summer, fall seasons, not the music group (tee-hee). She misses CA weather, but she now knows what it's like to watch the leaves change colors and have white Christmases. I love that she posts pictures of the seasons on her blog so that those of us left back in Cali can enjoy the beauty. She is an artistic photographer and captures the beauty around her in an exceptional way. Here is a picture of the tree in her front yard. You can check out more photos on her blog, The Three Blairs.

Devil's Food Cupcakes

Not too devilish, but good. Although we can't know for sure because I goofed and put in double the butter. The cupcakes have a dense consistency, but are still yummy. They will be delivered to a few (hopefully) willing tasters tomorrow. I'm thinking a little extra butter might not be a bad idea. They are definitely not dry. Same yummy frosting from last time too. I need to try the chocolate buttercream next week.

Sunday...

After early morning church, a couple of naps and some quiet playtime, our Sunday afternoon went on to include the following...

puzzles and games with Daddy

cupcake baking with Mommy

studying for science test

nerf gun war (it wasn't my idea)

yummy dinner

family council regarding chaos, order and what we'd prefer to have around here

order won, thank goodness

I love Sundays.