we finally got to carving our pumpkins at 5:00 on halloween. better late then never. craig was cleaning the gutters…. halloween costumes were figured out last minute again this year…like always. annie was the classic lion (circa 1999). talby scored a costume from the thrift shop.
sean repeated his skeleton from last year. he wants to be scary & i keep saying no..this is as scary as i can handle – a skeleton tee & face paint.
we hit the streets to trick or treat. the neighbors were just coming out…so much fun to watch the kids see each other all dressed up.
our block had 3 witches, a cowboy, yoda, tinkerbell, a lion, a giraffe and the skeleton dude. seven pumpkins…so messy…but so worth it when you see them all lit up together….love it!
where did october go? how is halloween already over? our house is now bursting with candy like everyone else. just before bed annie said "mom…i'm gonna save this and eat it ALL tomorrow after church" oh my.
Christina-I love the crooked smile pumpkin. 🙂
My kids wanted to carve pumpkins this year so badly, but I just never carved out the time to do it. Maybe next year…
It seems like a weird phenomenon in which all people everywhere are wondering where October went! I have heard this so many times in the last two days.
pam-i especially like craig’s costume. the leaf blower guy was in a horror movie or something, right? what was YOUR costume? 😉 the kids look so happy and fun!
jimaie.marie-i LOVE the picture of all the pumpkins together!!! Your family makes me smile Meg <3
linda@LimeintheCoconut-All I know is that I have had a full compliment of stolen dots and almond Joy and red licorice…so now November feels about right!
LOVE that gaggle of pumpkins!
And that teensy giraffe…be still my heart!
akmichelle.blogspot.com-Adorable pumpkins! Next year I am going to carve more than one… you’re right, they are just so perfect all together like that!
KELLY -ONE Q FOR YOU, HOW IS IT THAT YOU CELEBRATE THAT HOLIDAY, WELL FOR ONE YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN RIGHT? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOUR CELEBRATING? WOW MEG I WAS A REAL FOLLOWER OF YOUR BLOG BUT THIS HAS ME THINKIN, WHAT ARE WE NOW A CHRISTIAN CHURCH GOING GOD BELIEVING PEOPLE, WITH ALL THE WORLDLY HOLIDAYS, SAD BECAUSE AS A BELIEVER IN OUR JESUS, HOW IS IT THAT WE CAN ADORE OR WORSHIP THE OTHER SO CALLED god OF THIS WORLD.
Gratsia -Hope halloween was fun …awwww what a cute little giraffe
jerilyn-wow – you really go all out – love the Halloween picts!
Rach-Ooo, I can’t wait for Halloween next year when we can go trick or treating with out little one ! Looks like you guys had a blast. Great costumes on the kids too.
Patti-i must confess…our pumpkins are still sitting on the porch – unscathed. i can’t believe i forgot about carving them. i’m a bad mom…bad i tell ya! very cute costumes, by the way! happy november!
Beth-I know. Can’t believe Oct. is gone. We put off pumpkins until Sat. PM too and then had a crisis finding pumpkins locally!!! Newton was OUT OF PUMPKINS. Imagine that. We got some in Hesston, though! Last minute costumes are the best . . . I put together a pilgrim hat at 7:15 on Friday morning 🙂
Renee-A week from today I will turn 39. Where did October go??? I still can’t believe I’m married with a house and three kids! Does anyone else ever feel this way? Awesome pictures as usual, Meg. xoxo
Tracy-LOVE it – the pumpkins and the costumes! Everyone looked SO CUTE! :O)
elizabeth-why does it get so difficult, year after year, to think up and execute the costumes? maybe it’s our (at least mine) ever-increasing age. your costumes and pumpkins looked perfectly sweet and a tiny bit scary! thanks for the wonderful post, as always.
Jen@thecottagenest-I feel the same way about October! I think mine passed in a frenzy of Silver Bella prep! I look forward to seeing you there!
sarah-I woke up today and thought the same thing… How is it already the 2nd of November?! Where did October go. So Crazy!
We didn’t even get to carve pumpkins or go to a pumpkin patch this year. I’m very sad about that. And this year Kenzie would have really enjoyed it. Oh well. Hawaii was what got in the way, so I guess we’ll live 😉
Your kids costumes were so cute. I love that you found one at a thrift store. I wish that was possible here, maybe it is and i just don’t know where to look….
Laura Phelps-ya know what MY Annie said?
After the FIRST door we trick or treated at, she looked up at me and asked, “So, mom? Next is Christmas, right???”
love that. should go and post that one on my own blog, really.
Heather @ Cookie Mondays-Hey, that’s when we carved pumpkins too! What a cute little lion. Based on our visit and the popsicles, Annie’s church sugar challenges scare me! Did she do it?!
Sharri -Here’s a tip: Cut the pumpkin hole at the bottom of the pumpkin not the top. It is easier to lift the pumpkin up by the stem and place it over a candle vs sticking your hand inside the pumpkin.
I agree where did October go?
Love your blog.
Sharri
misty-I agree~ October went by in a FLASH! Thanks to your post last year about being creative with the costumes, I made my daughters lady bug costume and grabbed a lion costume for a $1 at a garage sale in case it was freezing halloween night~ It was so fun making her costume, I am going to do it every year! thanks for being an inspiration! and I LOVE all of the cute things annie says =)
Sara-I had to laugh at your hubby cleaning the gutters. Mine does the same thing. He blows off the driveway too. It is my opinion that it calms him. Every time it gets crazy around here, he dissapears and you will hear the blower. LOL
susie whyte-craig is so funny. i guess you’d have to get up there with the leaf blower. you probably get a load of leaves in your gutters and on the roof. 🙂
october is gone, sista!! i got the a-ok to get out some christmas stuff from the hubby. i think he was too busy sulking about turning 30 to care. ha ha. 🙂
glad you guys had fun!
pve-Last year my son was carving the pumpkin and nearly cut his finger off. After the trip to the ER, I said, next year we will light up the house with torches and black lights and that is what we did….we went to get a pumpkin and they were sold out. I took it as a sign, an omen of sorts.
love your tricksters…..what a treat!
pve
se7en-Your day looks so fun and the pumpkins turned out brilliantly – love them!!!
Erin Johnson-I ADORE those orange and black tights. So cute!
Cate O'Malley-Love Halloween pics! We had a soccer playing vampire here, along with Raggedy Ann. Raggedy Ann has mastered the art of finding trick-or-treat stash that I have hidden, along with unwrapping lollipops. The fun begins!
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints-Oh those are so good. I am anti-mess, anti carved pumpkins…but when I see yours all lit up I feel like reconsidering for next year:)
Ashley -Annie’s costume was SO cute! And Talby’s was the best witch costume. The thrift store is awesome. Sean’s face makeup looked good and creepy 🙂 And gosh, I love jack-o-lanterns… who did which? Did you save any of the seeds to bake? Baked pumpkin seeds are excellent.
And I just noticed… 14 popcicles? Really? Sounds like me when I was little… 🙂
adrienneK-so fun!!october flew by for me! we had so many pumpkin, halloween ,related things going on it made my head spin ha! im ready for christmas!!
Amanda-and after 14 popsicles one day, I totally believe that she WOULD eat it ALL after church. Good luck with that!
Scrappy Girl-I can’t believe October is gone either…we are in New Orleans for the first weekend in Nov. and that is going to make November fly too.
Darby-Meg, What fun! I love all the festive pictures! Especially those creative jack-o-lanterns! Glad you all had a wonderful weekend!!
Nancy-Baby Yoda… perfect. I think babies naturally look like yoda sometimes. My husband is IN LOVE with his leaf blower. He would jump at the chance to get on the roof for a new adventure. Happy November!
i loved this small local pumpkin patch…no signs…no cheesy decor… pumpkins still on the vine…REASONABLE prices. it's quaint.
but sadly on the day we stopped by "Justin's 'Maters & More" he wasn't there. we roamed around his small field of pumpkin fun for 20 minutes hoping he'd show up. then it started to rain. we left with only memories..no pumpkins.
i had the kids tell me what they liked and i tried to find the same thing at another small local place… it's called wal-mart. maybe you've heard of them…
Courtney Walsh-Meg, do you use actions on your photos? Would love to know which one this is! I’ve been looking for something like this! 🙂
AJ -Great pictures! Funny enough, all of those types of pumpkins (that weird one is so strange, isn’t it?) were available at the pumpkin patch we visited here in Western New York (Buffalo/Niagara Falls).
I first saw the white pumpkins by someone’s door when out for a walk. I thought they had been spray painted!
Our farmer has a donation box too for the weekdays.
This morning our pumpkins had a light dusting of snow on them. By this afternoon the snow had melted.
Kelsey-Wow so pretty…our local pumpkin patch is cute, but definetly not as pretty and green!
kasey-we’ve decided to hit the pumpkin patch to JUST TAKE PICS…and then buy them at the market on the way home.
xo
kathy b-My favorite apple farm had a big sign on it that said FOR SALE, retiring. So I thought you were going to say that Justin’s patch was for sale or abandoned.
Your photos and captions are so fun!
Kathy in California, (the chenille lady)
Amber-Oh so cool! I really want to take my son to a real pumpkin patch this year 🙂
Christina-Oh no!! That’s what I said when I got to the end! Those pictures are…I’m not sure the right word. Moving. They’re lovely, fallishly poignant.
It looks like you had a wonderful time even though you left empty handed.
Tiffany Morris-That stinks, but you got some great photos anyway!
susie whyte-THAT is why i want to move out of wichita!! i had to explain to my 3 year old last night on the way home from canton, ks why it was so dark…”we’re in the country! they don’t have lights out here”. 🙂
your poor kids must’ve been so bummed out!
Lori -I love a pumpkin patch 🙂 Love the pics, too.
Kath-I grew two pumpkins this summer, they have not turned orange yet, but I’m hoping they’ll turn for Halloween. I love the colour on your photos ..
Alison-I can’t believe how expensive pumpkins have gotten over the years. I remember when my 10 year old was little we would pick out the biggest pumpkin and pay $5.00 for it! Now you get a tiny little one not fit to cut open for $5.00 and spend $25.00 for a big one to carve. We just go to our local patch to browse, take pictures, eat pumpkin ice cream and then we head to Wal-mart to buy the big ones. How sad is that?!
leah -love your site – have been reading for a year and a half now 🙂 had to comment on these pics – they look so cool, 70’s-esque retro. great filter/cloudy day/awesomeness!
alice-pumpkin patch shots are always fun! yours look great but that’s not really what i came to comment on….. i love your new topper! the watercolor paints sets bring back good memories here :O)
adrienne-around here, we have an honor system… pick your pumpkin and leave money in the can. can you believe it???
se7en-So Stunning, we don’t really celebrate Halloween in our part of the world but your photo’s make me wish we did!!! Have a fun weekend together!
BriBedell -Well our pumpkin patch this year was my Aunt and Uncle’s House! LOL they just “threw out some seeds” to see what they would get…well lets just say we got 40 free pumpkins! That the kind I like 🙂
Renee-Well the pumpkins will come and go, but the pictures you took are incredible (and lasting). It’s been raining here for too many days, and I’m still waiting to get the kids to the apple orchard. Hope I didn’t miss my opportunity. Is fall gone already??? xoxo
carissa... brown eyed fox-fantastic shots and WHAT a great place!
good ‘ol fashion pumpkin hunting! LOVE it!
so sad… we have no patches here… climate too harsh for ANY kind of growing! boo!
big disappointment!
menards was our pumpkin place! 🙂
adrienneK-such pretty pictures!too bad he wasnt there! we have a “pumpkin patch” here you can leave a donation in the donation box!! maybe you could have left some money lol
Aljolynn-I’m so jealous that you get to have fun in a REAL pumpkin patch. We don’t have those here in Hawaii. I think it’s time to move back to Boston. Or maybe the midwest? ;o) Love the photos.
jody-looks glorious. too bad wal mart won out.
we are off to go pumpkin hunting this weekend.
keep those beautiful pictures coming…loving the eye candy!
Suzette Mahoney-Great photos! We got our pumpkins at that quaint little Walmart too!!
Beth Ann-I have thought about bringing my kids to the Walmart or Grocery store, pose them in front of the sign that says “Hy Vee’s Pumkpin Patch” (Hy Vee is the grocery store) on top of the boxes of pumpkins and calling it ‘Our 2009 Trip to the Pumpkin Patch”. Between the weather and other fall activities we haven’t been able to carve out 2 hours to drive and explore one. Hopefully Sunday, no rain in the forecast….. otherwise it is HyVee this year.
Stephanie-I would have taken the pumpkins and brought the cash back later when he was around. Oh wait, is that considered stealing?
Melanie-At least you have the memories:) When you get your pumpkins and get them decorated, the kids won’t remember that they came from Walmart. LOL
Summer-Your pictures are all that I love about fall. Well that and apple pie of course.
Starnes Fam-I’m having a hard time finding a FREE pumpkin patch in KC. I have, oh, about 30 pumpkins already in my house, so don’t need more….just a photo op and somewhere for the kids to roam. Would love to have a market there for other goodies to buy. So far, every one seems to have an entry fee of $35, which includes a pumpkin per person, that we do not need!
Kate-I love pumpkin time! The colors are so pretty. They are always some of my favorite kiddo pics!
Sharla-That’s sad that you didn’t get to pick them up from there. Looks like the kids had fun anyway!
elizabeth-I had NO idea pumpkins grew on a vine! Imagine a field of them and not a parking lot with faux straw. Oh, the glories of the country as opposed to urban life. Thanks for the beautiful photos! (And I am just kidding — I knew pumpkins grew on a vine — I just can’t remember ever actually seeing it!)
Ashlee Archibald-I loove pumpkin patches! those are all REALLY great pumpkins too!
Jen -So cute! I must know what font you’re using for your captions!!
Stephanie Carroll-Oh how I wish we had cooler weather so it would feel like fall in Houston 🙁
And I wish we had a pumpkin patch
Darn the city.
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cheap kamagra-Right now my gun collection right now is mostly just Eastern Block Military peices. I love them all, and have lots of fun shooting them, however none of them are terribly valuable. I do have a few slightly more valuable peices such as a Browning Challenger III, a Ruger GP100, and a Ruger P89, and a Remington 870 Express Magnum 12 Gauge. I’d like to add a few more collectable and valuable guns to my collection, but I’d like some suggestions.
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bb guns-Love the pictures!
How it reminds me so much of when i was younger.
Life was much simpler in those days!
Ken-I think it is good for children to have bb guns. I had one as a child and had great times. I currently sell self defense products but we have bb guns as a sideline on the site. You will find a selection of Airsoft bb guns here: http://www.proselfdefenseproducts.com/airsoftbbguns We have the spring air bb guns which have to be cocked before each shot. They are good for the younger kids to learn firearm safety. We have the CO2 powered models for adults and more experienced users. I see articles about bb guns being misused and it makes me sad. Nevertheless, you can’t outlaw everything that is misused. Hopefully you will stop by the site and see what we have to offer.
Thank you for your time,
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Magchunk-Hahaha your Sarah Palin impression is smashing. Looks like the kiddos had fun. Sorry is one of the best board games!
You guys play a lot of games, think you may have a board-game favorites list sometime? We’re thinking of stocking a game cupboard in our new place…
Julia-Hi Meg, I love your shirt…did you get it recently?
Oh, thanks for the tip on the jewelry. I love, love, love bangle bracelets – I was thinking of doing one with my husband and kids on it.
kasey-i’m here.
i’m here.
sounds like a wonderful evening outside.
xo
Kristy -Meg-
LOVED this post–highlighted by the Palin jokes:)
My girls love the milkweed covered in monarch caterpillars–Jeremy and the girls are very active in tagging monarchs in the fall for the Monarch Watch.
Are you planning to for to the Arts & Crafts Fair next month? Maybe I’ll see you there.
Kristy
meg duerksen-dear Stop Shooting,
if you are going to leave a comment like that….at least be decent enough to use a valid email address.
no one is shooting stray animals.
they are protecting their gardens they worked hard on…their pets from disease…their children safe from rodents in the yard…etc.
and we were shooting pop cans.
but if you have a strong opinion…which is okay…you need to be kind enough to leave a way for me to contact you.
mom -I love this post. We really did have a nice peaceful time. Everyone doing their own thing together!
Maybe we should clarify (for “Stopshooting”)that the bb gun doesn’t hurt the animals – just scares them. They don’t need to be eating all my flowers!
Kate-Seriously. Thank God for your blog. I am having a crazy (AKA horrible) morning and just reading this made me relax.
Thank you, thank you
Stopshooting -I think this is terrible. Hurting innocent animals and then still being proud of it…goodness what are you thinking?
The comment that says that she uses bb guns on stray animals…how sick is that? They are homeless and vulnerable and then you nice people shoot them
traci-that is great sarah!!! you know the boys are going to be hounding you for a bb gun now. my kids grew up with them. you look like a natural. cute photos. great memories made at grandma and grandpas!!
the wild raspberry-love annie’s scene…reminds me of the Night at the Museum movie…i’m sure they must have come to life that night!
Kathy-Great pictures, what a wonderful summer night surrounded by family and fun.
Diana aka "knzus"-LOL! What a great get-together day, huh! I just cannot believe this awesome weather we’ve been having. LOVE the dinosaur vs. all the rest of them guys… personally, I always rooted for the Indians when I was little. First, and only, time I ever held and shot a rifle was when I was in high school, I think I was 16… it was my boyfriends’. He and I, along with a few friends, were at some sort of lake hunting place (LOL!)… ANYWAY, he showed me how to hold it, then instructed me how to pull the trigger, and I shot at a pyramid pile of cans. Knocked the whole falutin’ bunch to smithereens! And I didn’t even fall down from the kickback of the rifle! Get this – and this was AFTER the other three GUYS had shot and MISSED! ROTFL!! Have a great week, Meg! 🙂
jody-fun! reminds me of our family when we go to my parent’s house. guns, games, grandparents…life doesn’t get much better!
Michelle-You crack me up Meg! And I really love the peacefulness of capturing everyone absorbed in games at the table together.
jennifer -Oh you are ha.larious! Watch out Tina Fey!
And congratulations on the award!!! You rock!
Christina-Gun shots, not camera shots. I like the unexpected!
Annie’s wooden board is awesome. It’s like the Village People went prehistoric. And then multiplied.
It looks like such a lovely evening. And peaceful seems like the perfect word, it was a peaceful post.
Ashley Ann-First the comment calling you a “Maverick”…H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!
Love, love, love that your girls have an army men, indian, dinosaur war going on. love it.
Congrats on the well deserved award too…
Anna Marie-I got a bb gun just like that last Christmas from my husband. I love it! I use it for opossum, raccoons and stray animals.
Looks like you all had a blast! I like your mom’s deck!
Christy -Such a Maverick! What a fun time. Love Annie’s village! That is AWESOME!
Shann-The first thing I thought of when I saw you guys shooting the gun was that great line from the classic “A Christmas Story.” You’ll shoot your eye out! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! I am so thankful, however, that it appears no eyes were harmed during your evening of fun. Don’t you just love outdoor porches and board games?
purejoy-boys are fascinated with guns. i wonder why that is?
i rear ended a semi in bumper to bumper traffic in chicago.
not a good time.
the policeman responding to the “incident” was not amused, either.
i had the back window rolled down because my two small children were in the car, and frightened.
my 3 year old son spotted the police officer, and twenty questions ensued. . .
wow! is that a gun?
is that a real gun?
does it shoot real bullets?
have you ever shot your gun?
did you kill someone??
ohmygracious, please, son. this guy was not in a good humor when he arrived. . .
but on the inside, i was dying laughing.
this the same kid who broke the silence after the accident. . .
. . . mommy. why you say sh*t?
Starnes Fam-This is a really fun post. Loved the Palin jokes and I’m a Republican!
Staci -Waffle wasn’t scared at all????? I love the patio pics 🙂 Makes me smile…barefeet and OFF…isn’t that what Summer is alllll about!!! I’m a little sad it’s gone….but I love my house being quiet for at least two small hours 😉
Christine -So I love this post, it reminds me of when I was a kid. My dad had two daughters and no sons, so even though I had barbies, I also had a bbgun and the litle mono-colored toy soilders and cowboys and indians like your daughter was playing with. Great post, I’d say enjoy the rest of your summer but I forgot that kids already go back to school by now farther west. 🙂
-Christine
Amber-Hey girlie. I have that same pink shirt! :o)
Ashley Clark-Gorgeous photos. Love the ones of the caterpillars and toy soldiers especially :)I remember when my dad took my brothers and I to shoot his BB gun at some pop cans. It was so exciting, and very addictive!
Ashley ♥ http://ashleyclarkphotography.blogspot.com/
adrienneK-ahahaha! i love it!!! armed and (kinda) dangerous!!! you’re great!!!
Laura-You’re a crack-up- love the picts, I enjoy going to bass-pro-shop & ending up in the shooting gallery. On weekdays, they seem not to require coins to activate(?).
Once when my husband was shopping handguns, he asked me to hold one, see how it felt, too small, too big. I was also holding my youngest, on my hip. All I needed was to throw off my shoes, and I’d have been a complete picture.
Love the army guys and the classic ‘sorry’ game. Happy Sunflower Season-
Michelle/sumshay -You made me laugh…and feel normal. Thanks.
Our back to school night…me sitting reading till midnight (need to get a laptop!) outside their rooms. Everytime thought it was safe to leave–“mommy–stay a little longer?”! Vampire children and school hours don’t go well together. Add to that new school anxiety.
Long night.
Rachel @ Chicks & Chaps-oh how i love to stop over here!! thank you for the belly laugh i just had, i needed it. your kids are so lucky 🙂
Rachel @ Chicks & Chaps-oh how i love to stop over here!! thank you for the belly laugh i just had, i needed it. your kids are so lucky 🙂
Trina McNeilly-Its our last week before school starts.. and i feel like i have not made summer that fun… I’m trying to figure how to cram things in but at the same time I want to enjoy relaxation before the crazy schedule kicks in…love the tent in the house idea….. things going the way they did for you…well that is real life isn’t it….. as always love your posts for the fun, style and most of all the relatable realness. Have a fabulous week!
xx Trina
erin-I think you must be the funnest mom for your kids! I read your blog and you give me so many great ideas. Things I just forget to do like kicking back and doing bubbles in the yard or fun ideas like a shaving cream party. Thanks for the ideas to get to bedtime!
jessica -i just love your blog!
it makes me smile and laugh out loud 🙂
you are such a good mommy!!
thanks for always sharing your oh-so precious ideas!!
Becky B-Just love you for your honesty and your photo skillz. Thanks!
Liz Woodard -Okay – I just want to know…Where did you get those premade individual pizza discs? The kids would love to make their own pizzas. Don’t tell me that you made each of those?!
lydee-you rock. inspite of things not going according to plan. you still rock.
TRACI -love those RED lampshades. HAVE TO TRY THAT!!! We do the tent in the livingroom and shockingly enough my kids STILL love it….aren’t kids funny..lol
deb meyers -You’re real, you’re funny. You’re REAL FUNNY! 🙂
So THAT’s where you put the lampshades…
deb meyers
Erin-Thanks for your honesty – it’s good to hear bedtime doesn’t go smoothly at someone else’s house too!
But still, a super fun night before school!
Amy Walker -Meg, you’re an awesome mom…even if you did have yelling and spankings at bedtime!
Ashley Ann-My first thought on the parfait picture was “Wow, that’s a lot of parfaits! Are they at a restaurant?” Then I counted…and then I realized I am only one parfait short of that. Life is good…parfaits make it better.
Shannan-Thank you for admitting the spankings. I’m always afraid the spanking police will show up at my door if I talk about it…
elizabeth-I have to admit to feeling relief that your back to school night ended up a little nutty — otherwise, I’d wonder how could someone’s life be just so dang perfect!
Meredith-You crack me up. Typical of boys to wimp out to their beds! Glad the first part of the back to school celebration went so well, as for the bedtime bit – that was just to remind you why you’re so glad they were returning to school, right? Hope you get some time to do some sewing for yourself soon. Meredith xo.
andrea -thats it, i want to move in
Christina-Camping in the living room is such a great idea.
I’m sorry the night before school was so trying. Ick.
Your kids back-to-school pics are gorgeous.
Jill -Sooo funny. Dinner looked great and I LOVE the idea of a special dinner for the night before the first day of school. And the parfaits… yum. Sounds wonderful!
Kathy Beams-I love your ideas of family fun ! I am taking notes…
And I love your menu !!!! You have a beautiful family !
Dina-I LOVE LOVE LOVE how honest you are…hilarious!…the night-before-everyone’s-whacko part:-)
And….I’m glad I’m not the only mom ready for them to go back to school. Granted, mine are in half-day pre-school…ahhh the freedom!!!!
Joanna-Oh what fun! I loved the first day of school almost every year. My girls are too young for school but I am looking forward to these times! You’re a lucky mom and you seem to know it.
jennifer -Oh, we SO have the same bedtime thing going on over here too!
Thanks for keepin’ it real.
It’s what I love about you/your blog.
Elizabeth at BlueClearSky-We did the same thing for our oldest son’s birthday party about 3 years ago and then repeated it with cousins. The kids had a blast! Looks like yours had fun too.
Staci -Tooo funny! The boys wanted their beds 🙂 We live on 30 acres…Connor, my 7 yr old has been DYING to camp out there….but, he finally decided it was “TOO LOUD” outside….WHEW, instead we camped in the playroom….with airconditioning and bathrooms right around the corner 🙂 I wonder how much longer we can get away with it being too loud 🙂 ?????? And to make you feel better…I am QUITE sure there will be yelling on Monday night for us 🙁 Have a great weekend girlie!!!!!
adrienneK-a tent in the house i LOVE it!!!!! (i once knew a kid that had a tent in his room lol)
Lee Ann -Love that you tried having so much fun with them. And yes, lots of our fun night end not so fun either. And I also find sitting outside their rooms on the laptop is good for everyone 🙂
Melanie-thank you for being normal. i always read your blog with a bit of jealousy so seriously…THANK YOU!
Elma Riedstra -Oh I love the camping in the living room!! What a fun time for all the kids!! Now are all five kids in school this year?? You must do home your:) Love the bubblegum machine on the table.
Michelle-Is that a polaroid inside your gumball machine? LOL
Dana M. -LOL!! Could not believe that your kids all took baths, read books and cuddled until bedtime…..then read that you were totally joking! LOVE IT
purejoy-yay for the beginning of school!! unless of course, that beginning means your youngest goes 5 hours away to college. and the other one is just starting his second year of college. . . in a house. yikes on a stick.
it’s been one of those weeks.
fun party, fun parfaits, awesome camping. your kids are adorable.
ah-dore-able!!
charlane-LOL I had to crack up at the NOT too. My sister fought to get her two vampires in bed too.
Jo-Your family is ALWAYS doing something fun! I need you as my neighbor at the last.
Darby-Meg,
Can I have a parfait right now!? With extra whip cream… please… and a spoon long enough to reach the bottom of the hurricane!
Kathy-You have such a fun family!! I wish you were my Mom, hell I bet my daughter wishes you were her Mom!
Christy -Ha, ha, ha! That was a lot like our night before school too. My son was up till 10:45, mom I need water, mom my leg hurts, I need medicine, my leg hurts water will help, will you run my knee, bed time story, I forgot to floss, etc., etc. I think “bedtime” lasted 2 1/2 hours. 🙂 No spankings, but I threatened to take the Wii away the next day.
kat-Reading your blog not only inspires me but reassures me that others are in the same boat and react the same way as I do in similar situations 😉 We have had nights like that, big plans, loads of fun, and then the mother of all meltdowns at bedtime… ah, gotta love those moments, fun times, fun times indeed.
A pocket full of posies...-Too fun!!! (and funny!) You always make me smile!!
Have a great weekend!
Blessings!
Jill
Renee-OMG. That was so heartwarming and FUNNY. The no Starbucks. The yelling. Crap. Me, too, girlie. Me, too. Cheers! xoxo
Tammie-Oh wow this looked like soo much fun! We have these lil water parks by us too in Suwanee Ga and Lawrenceville at Mall of Ga. My kids love going to them!
Heather Anuta-I’m so glad you mentioned The Choo Choo in Chicago! I love that place and thought of it as soon as I saw your pictures. I was just thinking of it the other day. Great pics!
Elisa-Oh that Crayola store!!!
We just got a Lego store, which is pretty cool too.
Beth-A CRAYOLA store?? Oh my gosh. I would totally love that. Have you seen the video on youtube “Crayola doesn’t make a color for your eyes”? You have to check it out. Here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EELEjeYzfjM I love it so much I used my daughter’s itunes money to buy the song for myself 🙂
cassie o -surely annie is the most adorable child alive
danyele-love the crayon pics! and the kids in the fountain…awesome!
Kelly-I love baseball. I grew up going to Tigers games with my dad all the time. But your day looks like way more fun than a baseball game! Great pictures too!
Rebekah-A Crayola store!?!?!? I had no idea such a thing even exixted, but I have a sudden pressing need to go there.
stodd -Cracks me up… we were just at the fountains last week… why do kids feel like they have to sit on the fountain? All of mine had diarhea that night… cleaned them out I guess! lol!
We do Fritz’s tomorrow…our first day of school tradition!
Tracy-LOVE LOVE LOVE them all, Meg – great job as usual and don’t worry, I too am a weirdo and take picts of other people’s adorable kids! HA! They all looked like they were having a ball and you just can’t beat an all “girls” day out! Hugs, Trac~ :o)
Betsy-What a wonderful day with the girls! I love your pics, and you’ve reminded me that even though I think there is “nothing to do in Kansas City” … there is always things to see & do. I’ve lived here my whole life, so it’s nice to see KC through someone else’s eyes.
Would love to go to the Crayola store. So much fun! Those pics reminded me of the video that used to play on Mr. Rogers of a day in a crayon factory. Anyone else remember that? It looked just like your pictures 🙂
Stacy Kearney -We drove past the fountain on our way to Grinders to see The English Beat and saw all the kiddos playing in the water. I was very jealous.
elizabeth-What fantastic photos — I’m ready to move to Kansas if you keep this up!
tabitha-crayons coloured my world when i was little, to this day…i can see the name of a certain crayon and find a memory attached, some that never come to the surface until i smell a new box of crayola colour. crayons were my first creative outlet and my biggest thrill was a brand new colouring book 🙂
Sandy -Surely Lauren thinks I’m creepy, but I just had to say that she is beautiful. The one on the roller coaster…very beautiful. She (and her teenage attitude) remind me of myself but I was never that pretty. 🙂
Love you. Love your family. Love your pictures.
charlane-a girls day is always a fun time – great shots
Dana M. -Allie LOVED the lego art. Still think that she and Sean should get together and create.
Ruth-oh wow… that has to be the coolest mall ever! a huge crayola shop – heaven!! love those happy fountain pictures too!
se7en-Oh why do I live on the far side of the world!!! I would live and die to go to a crayola store – Oh that must be heaven on earth just the smell of all those crayons… whoooo heaven!!!
Cathy -On your next girl’s trip, plan a shopping afternoon at Country Club Plaza. And Gates BBQ is fantastic – especially the burnt ends sandwich! (Tastes better than it sounds!)
Christina-Such neat stuff! I’ve seen that Lego guy’s stuff online, and on some late night show or something-he’s amazing.
That fountain made me laugh; is it right in the middle of town? It looks like everyone’s in their swimsuits smack dab in the center of a little city!
As always you have taken some amazing photos!!
Erin-Oh we love KC too! And that Crayola Store is amazing! These pictures make me want to go back with the kids in the summer – love the fountains! A baseball game sounds great but this looks WAY more fun!
Chrissa -Gah, homesick for KC now! must find excuse to fly 1400 miles and stat!
Angela-Mmmm….now I really want a milkshake!
Great pics!
Good call on not going to the game. LOL
Stephanie-I totally love that photo of Annie with the hat on – too cute!
pve-I hope those kids see these photos, they are a hoot.
Happy Days!
pve
Anna Marie-I LOVE Crown Center!!!!! I agree with a previous poster…you have to take your kids to Kaleidoscope! Also, not sure if you saw Union Station right down the street but Science City is there and your kids would like that a lot too…although, it is NOT free 🙁 We went there a couple weeks ago. Union Station is beautiful inside! Looks like you all had fun!
Starnes Fam-KC has so much fun stuff to do…..since moving here in May…..we’ve been delighted with it all. As previous commenters suggested, check out Kaleidoscope for sure and also Union Station.
I’m trying to figure out if the Kansas City Star does tours…..wouldn’t that be cool? As my husband said, you better go see it now….b/f newspapers are a thing of the past!
Lori-Crown Plaza is so fun! We have been to the Crayola store and eaten there, too! And the train restaurant is also a blast! We have eaten there, too! Such a fun day and a great way to beat the heat!;) Lori
alyssa-okay, that is crazy. we were there this weekend too! we had a mini family trip to crown center. we did fritz on saturday…hope your milkshakes were better than our food! not exactly a place you go to for the food!
next time you need to check out kaliedescope. it’s free too! my kids loved it.
Sara-This is hilarious, I just blogged about the exact same thing yesterday! I love Kansas City!
jennifer -We were there a couple summers ago when we were visiting my sister and my kids STILL ask if we can go back!
Christy -Looks like so much fun! What a way to spend the last week before school. I havenot been to KC is YEARS! Looks like I am missing out on a lot of fun stuff. Love the legos, I just took my son to Legoland last month. The ice cream shop looks awesome too! What fun.
PS. Your uncle’s shoe store is awesome! Wow!
Candy-We live in Topeka, which is about an hour west of KC. There is so much to do in KC, next time you are there, you have to check out Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, it is awesome, and FREE! Great pics at the fountain!
emily :] -i LOVE the crayola store 🙂 & that fountain. & we went to fritz’s every year with choir, it is soo much fun! its awesome to see pictures of my stomping grounds.
Sharla-I used to work in the office building right by those fountains – loved to watch everyone out the window . . . .
Jaime-My in laws just moved away from Lawrence to Oklahoma. I wish I would have known about your Uncle’s shop sooner. It looks awesome. And all the years of visiting there we never went over to KC to the Crayon store. My MIL told me all about it, now I wished we would have fit it in one of our trips. Your photos are amazing so at least I can live vicariously! 🙂
Trish-OMG!! Your girls are adorable!! But those boots… oh those boots… LOVE them!!
Stephanie-Lauren is beautiful. She looks just like Natalie Portman in that photo on the roller coaster.
Amy-LOVE your blog! I am a Mizzou Tigers fan, but I would love to go to your uncle’s store – it would be worth coming to an away game in Lawrence! We have friends that just moved to St. Louis from Lawrence – i bet they know about Footprints. I love my Keens! I have 3 pairs now and I’m sure I’ll add more. 🙂
traci-i love rollercoasters. they are about the only ride i can do anymore without feeling sick afterwards. your uncle’s store is awesome. what a great place. what brand were the boots you had on, adorable!!! i think they are worth a splurge.
sandy toe-What a fun store and glasses!!!
sandy toe
Rach-Seriously?? Is summer really almost over? Did you get your list completed? Are you so looking forward to a quiet house again?
se7en-I totally love your toy store pics… Hmmm wondering if I want to their and gather clutter or avoid it and be restrained… When we were in London a few years ago we told our kids that Hamley’s (huge toy store there) was a museum… They fell for it!!! And fiddled and fiddled and played – there is so much stuff out to play with… and then we went home empty handed, after a glorious day!!! Luckily because shopping in pounds is no joke!!!
carissa... brown eyed fox-those boooooooots! the ones on the shelf AND your foot!
i would have had a hard time resisting! no… i would have bought! 🙂 very fun!
sure looks like a NEAT place!
can’t believe summer is coming to a close! my stars… it flew by!
Christina-That was too funny! The pig with the toilet paper…
And the sunglasses-all of them; how adorable!
Jenn-Wow summer vacation is over already? Seems so early though! love LOVE the bathroom mirror and TP holder!
Sally -I couldn’t really get past the “i didn’t bring my camera….” it concerns me. LOL
elizabeth-That’s just awesome. Another reason to visit Kansas!
Hannah -It looks like you had tons of fun! I love the shoe store (who doesn’t love shoes, though?!)
I went to Worlds and Oceans of Fun for my birthday last month! SO MUCH FUN! I hope y’all had a great time! The Mamba is my fave, even though it’s super scary.
Great pictures! I can’t wait to see what you did next!
purejoy-the pig made my day. (which has been super crappy!) your whatever, is a bright little whatever in my day. thanks for being a faithful poster.
Dina-Ok, so you just made me want to go to Lawrence for a day trip….even though I bleed purple through and through:-), Birks are my fav and I MUST experience his shop:-)
Meredith-What a magical day for you all. Loving those Willy Wonka glasses on Talby. Your Uncle Mike is straight from a fairy tale – a storybook shoestore? – awesome. I’m right there with you on the whole rollercoaster decision too. Apart from the whole terrifying-death-whilst-family-looks-on scenario – after six children, my pelvic floor just can’t take that sort of pressure! Hope your back to school preparations aren’t too overwhelming. Meredith xo.
Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home-Meg, what do you carry your cannon rebel in when out and about…do you stash it in a large purse or do you commit to carrying the extra camera bag? It may sound like a dumb question but I was wondering if you found a system that works so that you have it on hand; yet it’s still safe.
Shannan-That uncle of yours looks like one groovy dude!
Anna Marie-The last time I went on the Mamba I rode in the very front spot with my friend. Our lips were jiggling in the wind and I slobbered all over myself {pretty picture I know}…notice I said that was the LAST time…I just can’t handle them any more.
Angela-How much do I love this part of your post:
he had a pool table and you could watch tv from the kitchen bar! i remember my cousin and i watched “a fish called wanda”
————-
It’s stuff like that (aside from your AMAZING photos) that keep me coming back. 🙂
Starnes Fam-I will definitely visit his store the next time we’re in Lawrence. He sells our brand (Keens).
Looks like super fun, too.
jenn-That bathroom is TOO much! Absolutely hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa -That is the coolest looking shoe store ever! I MUST make it there someday.
Oh, but the farmer in the window is scary, like the escaped crazy guy trying to kill Joan Collins in that original episode of Tales From the Crypt.
juliann brenner -WOW – Lawrence, KS?? One of my best friends is from there. What is the name of your uncle’s store…I bet she’s been there!
juliann
Teresa-Another KU girl here. Thanks for glimpse of Lawrence!!!
Melissa-I have been lurking for some time now, I just love your blog, it is such a fun place to visit. I look forward to it every day. The picture of those frogs just cracked me up! My husband brought one back from Portland for my oldest son. He named it Bob. Bob the frog. It’s one of his “fav” toys. You know, the kind the kids sleep with. Anyhow, I’ll have to show him the picture and let him know that Bob has a lot of family out East of us. All the best to you and yours, Mel
Heather @ Cookie Mondays-No more roller coasters for me either. Fun weekend! Can you believe it’s back to school?!
Dana D @BoysMyJoys-Looks like so much fun!
And WOW, Lauren has gotten even more gorgeous!
Tonya-OMG!!! I’m so jealous that your Uncle owns Footprints…it’s my fave place to buy shoes! I have many pairs of Birks and just got my first pair of Keens to wear on rugged photo shoots a few years ago. And my kids love the store too! Mass St is about the funest place to go ever!
Lanny Stanard-I must say I love all the pictures but you in the pink wig! beats the glasses HEE HEE !
Lanny
Lori -Oh Meg…reading your blog is such a bright spot in my day. I don’t like rollercoasters anymore for the same reason. I feel I owe it to my kids to not do risky things until they are bigger (well, they are teenagers, but they still need me!). Not that rollercoasters are major-risky, but they FEEL very risky! 🙂
That shoe store is uh-ma-zing! What fun!
Enjoy some quiet time with the kids in school. Mine don’t go back until September.
Trasie-Love love love the shoe store and can’t wait to hear what you did next.
charlane-what a fantastic place – I would love to shop there. 🙂
deb -I was just in Lawrence for my brother’s wedding. (He was married at the very charming Danforth Chapel on campus. Know it? Our hotel was on the river front and we walked downtown all the time. I meant to go into that store and now it is on my list the next time I am am in town. Love your blog. Love that you are a Kansas girl…me too! Living in VA now.
Blessings!
Deb
jennifer -Oooh! You SO need those boots! Looks like a shoe store I’d have a whole lot of fun in.
Can’t wait to see what you did next. I mean, what can be better than shoes?!
Staci -I get to comment first!!!!!! YAY!!!! WHY is that such a treat to me??? LOVE the shop!! TOOOOO cool! Next time we are in Kansas (maybe for the KU-OU game this Fall) I’ll have to stop in 🙂 I don’t do roller coasters either—never reeeally liked them….but I have two boys…good thing My Hubby likes ’em 🙂
Jordan Livingston -We’re the officials every year it is fun
Sebastian Gaydos-I’m still thinking why most of you love watching demo derby. My wife loves watching ’em too and I think she’s addicted to it! There’s this one time that she even wanted to join and use our car. And I’m like, “What?! Our car?! Are you out of your mind?!” Hahaha! But still, I love her for that. =)
Christian Louboutin Platforms-“It turned out to be one of the best short pieces I have ever done, and Kate Wilson, editor at Scholastic, read it to her little girl, and they both loved it, and she emailed me in the new year and asked if they could publish it as an illustrated book.
truck rental-This sure seems like a perfect night out! TO be honest- I didn’t get the “fun” you were talking about at first- but going through your pictures- this seems like an amazing event to attend!
chris schroeder -i enjoy running derbies. usually run canton and hillsboro every year, u know my number OU812 just out to have fun!!
Kristine Robb-O.M.G! ha ha i am totally laughing out loud!!!!!!!!!!!! that is HILARIOUS! i think i will have to add a demo derby to my summer-to-do-list next year! your pictures are amazing of course but the video is a nice touch. you could totally score one of those for christmas!
pam-raising my hand! LOVE the demo derby.
eric and i were TOTALLY cracking up at the videos.
jamie -i LOVE demolition derbies. haven’t been to one in years. i think my 5-year-old would LOVE them too. thanks for the video!
Treemama-and i thought i was the only pseudo redneck mama who loves the derby! and this is the first year we went for the derby instead of rodeo night.
we (of course) rooted for the girl driver in the pink car with the peace sign on the side!
simply stork-my husband is an emt and we sometimes get to go and work the races in our area…one time I got to go and due to a double accident I was the one who drove the ambulance…Way Too Cool!
~simply~
Alicia Fulmer (Coach) :) -I.LOVE.THE.DEMO.DERBY!
Lindsay-If I ever make it to Kansas I hope it’s on demo derby night!!
Tess S. -fun, fun, FUN!
emily :] -demo derby… so much fun! its my favorite part of going to the pratt county fair. btw, i love the picture of the fireworks to pieces. not to sound like a creeper, but it’s now my desktop background, i love it that much.
sara-i love a good demo derby too! now for a real county fair.. have you ever heard of hog wrestling??
adrienneK-hmmm im not one for demo derbies BUT it was great getting to see you guys on video!!! yay:)
Dana D @BoysMyJoys-The video was hysterical with all the on-screen comments!
Now I need a lesson on using my fingers and math to determine how long until the sun goes down! I’ve never heard of that before! 🙂
Danielle -Oh, we were talking about going to the demo…. Thanks for the video, now we can experience a little of what we missed. My brother drove in it so many years ago—really a lot of FUN! Next time wait in line for one of the funnel cakes those two are some of the NICEST people I know!
rachel -WOW that looks fab fun. I’m with Sophie’s comment, I too thought the derby was only on something like the ‘Simpsons’ – doh I’m an idiot!
Sophie -I’m gonna sound like SUCH an idiot but I didn’t think those derby’s even existed. Forgive me, I’m English. I’ve only ever seen them in cartoons and stuff. 😛
I seriously wanna go to one now! (:
Peggy Rice-Okay, now my 2 year old thinks you are the coolest as well!!! He says, “more, more, more!”. Jaylee says, “now that’s how you smoosh a car.” Paris needs a race like this.
Laura Phelps-Hmm.
OK.
Um…
Is there a Starbucks close to this?
That might be the only way to get me there.
BUT.
In all fairness…I have yet to see your video.
It is LATE here.
And my husband is sleeping.
I may have a different opinion in the morning.
Hmph. Just when you think ya know a girl!
dawn -Okay, I didn’t read through all the comments and maybe someone already mentioned this — but what about the SMELL?!? Did it smell like…burning rubber and overheating car?!? I grew up in rural Minnesota. The demo derby comes every summer and my mom started taking me young. (If you saw my mom — you’d never guess her to be a demo fan — but she was pure awesomeness and exposed me to all kinds of cool things like this.) I miss them. They must have them somewhere in Oregon — I’ll have to research. My daughter is now four — it’s time. Glad you had fun — and I wish I could’ve been there! 🙂
Beth-As entertaining and fun as you make it sound, I still don’t think I would like the demo derby. Enjoy reading about AND seeing your time there 🙂
Carol S. -Totally agree. I’m from suburbs of Chicago, and we love the demo derby out here too. Cute videos! You guys have a little southern drawl happening over by you. Very fun. You’re too cute. Fun website.
Stephanie-Yes, the derby was exciting, but what I found even more thrilling is that you stood in line to get a “pop” and NOT a “soda”. Finally someone outside of Ohio drinks pop.
I knew I loved Kansas!
Courtney-Oh man, this brings back the memories… back when I was a country girl growing up. We’d go to the county fair each year for demo derby night. One year our machanic even bought my mom’s old tank of a car off her and put it in the derby. They painted it like a pack of fruit striped gum and called it the lifesaver. I cried because it made me sad that our old car hurt (I was little OK!). I miss the fair and the demo derby and the funnel cakes.
Jenn-Looks like a great way to spend an evening! Never been to one… but someday perhaps when Olaf gets a bit older 🙂
tabitha-i took my two boys to a demo derby like a hundred years ago [ok it was more like 10], they were 11 and 8 and i thought they were gonna love it!!! they didn’t. at all. they were overwhelmed by the awesomeness, that’s what i told myself, later i realized they were both sick with head colds and the noise and fumes probablly nearly killed them. i rule as a great mother! haha…they have, since then, come to appreciate [loudly and with enthusiasm] the joys of the Demo Derby. 🙂
ps. ~hosting giveaway at my blog 🙂 ~ http://www.ftnliving.typepad.com
Meg-My favorite was the people watching from the bucket that was suspended 50 feet over the arena. Good times. Check out our blog for my interpretation of the county fair.
Julie-I have never been to a demolition derby -I wouldn’t even know where to find one – so thanks for the vicarious experience through video! That was great.
amy-this had me chuckling–especially the video with the little notes in it. my favorite by far was the “drunk man says yeeehawww!!” reminded me of going to the rodeo by my parents house in new jersey. yup, a RODEO in NEW JERSEY!! good times.
yeehaww!
Christy -You are so funny! My husband & his brother entered the derby at our state fair, several years ago. They didn’t last too long, but they had an absolute blast! The uglier the car, the better. They love to buy old random beat up cars & trash on them, silly boys!
amber-I love small town life! I would have cheered for the pink car too!
TRACI -Not a fan of the derby but LUUUUUUUV the videos. You crack me up with your fancy necklace on at a DERBY with MUD..LOL
Sarah-Would you still like me if I told you that you could’t get me to one of those if it was the last place in the world that sold funnel cakes?
maribeth-love it! especially the pop up video . . . looks like you have a blast!
candice-How fun, I have never been, do they even have them in Cali? You look so cute on the video, the curly hair and your necklace, how cute! More videos please, I love videos!
colleen-I haven’t seen this much Redneck fun since I went to Walmart… thanks for the videos…they were great!
Dana M. -This made me smile. Good to see you at the derby. You captured it in all it’s glory, mud and crazies. Kate spent the entire first 4 heats under the “mud” blanket we brought. When she finally emerged she screamed that this was “The best derby EVER!” To really enjoy an event like this, it helps if you know some of the drivers. The Hamm brothers are usual winners, but they build good cars and this is what they eat and breathe. Growing up across the road from them as kids, we put on our dad’s helmets, lined up our big wheels and trikes and played “demo derby.” What memories. Next year plan on your family coming to our place for supper, then we can “do the derby.”
Let me know when you plan to come to town this week.
Emily D. -We sat on the opposite side no sun, but you have to get there a little earlier! The boys enjoy it, not really my thing, but since I have boys I guess I have to endure it! Kind of wish the Hamms would have more competition, not so fun when you know who will win.
Shawna Landers -This looks just like Abilene’s Central Kansas Free Fair demo night!! I love the demo. It must be a Midwest thing or something but I can’t imagine the fair without it. I didn’t realize that Hillsboro had their fair at the same time!!
Great pictures!
Thanks!
Shawna
Anna Marie-Now wasn’t that a fun post?!? Your hair was super duper cute in that first video ;)|
My brother-in-law drove in a derby 2 weeks ago. Fun stuff!
Have a great evening, Megan 😉
Ruth-This looks toooo fun! And for a redneck you are incredibly glamorous 🙂
kelli -thanks for posting– that brings back fun memories! btw, i think you were the best dressed demo derby go-er!
Amanda-ahhh there were fireworks this year? lucky. i had plans so i couldn’t make it. 🙁 thanks for the recap though. i had some friends in high school who worked on the pit crews. i desperately wanted to be their (better) friend so that i could do it too. oh, and i also want to be friends with the fam who sits in the cherry picker.
Lauren-I love the demo derby too!!! I haven’t been in years! hmmm….maybe that’s an idea for the weekend!
Love your blog – read it every day! Have a great week!
Valerie-This brought back the memories. I am a Tulsa girl, but for “one and a half winters” we lived up in MN (that’s how you count time up there). My husband’s cousin up there invited us to the demolition derby. We had no idea what to expect and showed up in our little preppy Ralph Lauren shorts ensembles only to find ourselves surrounded by rednecks and mud flying up in our hair. It was awesome. It still makes me laugh to this day. I’m back safe and sound again in Tulsa, but I will always love Anoka, MN for its county fair and the hilarious night it gave me. 🙂
Allikayes Mama-I went to a demo derby at the Nebraska State Fair when I was younger…we teased our hair up nice and high…put on lots of makeup…and put on temporary barbwire arm tattoos! We fit right in back then!!! So fun!!!
jennifer -Feelin’ like the dorky city girl here. I only thought they did that in the movies, not in real life! Kinda like when we first moved to CO and I realized that there really are cowboys, too. I have apparently led a very sheltered life and I need to experience more. Your pictures are wonderful, as usual. You’ve got such a gift!
Amanda B-so funny…dave and I had a conversation last night about how much I LOVE demo derbies….we didn’t go last night but we were at the carnival and animals, WISHING I was at the derby, but not sure how a 1 and 2 year old would do. Anyway…I was telling him how much I love them, I really really do. He likes them too, but thought it was funny how much I had to say that I LOVED them! So I’m glad that you love them too! The one in my hometown is AWESOME, way better than Harvey County! I want to go back there next year! I have that redneck/hick streak in me too! It’s kind of fun, I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Sorry to hear about the drunk guy. But glad you guys got him taken care of.
Angela B. -I live in the city and now am so jealous that we don’t have the derby around here. What a blast!
kristin-i’m am HIGHLY avoiding the question from micah about when the demolition derby is…we forgot until it was too late. he is not going to be happy.
Kirsten-Oh I have to ask my parents about this memory…like I was a little girl in the 70’s…Pasadena CA?…and I remember we had these huge ugly green corduroy pillows we would take to sit on at the races – figure 8 racing. Loved it, and wish we had flips back then, lol!
Lori -Wow! that looks really fun! If you hadn’t included the video, I would never have considered it. Thanks!
amy j.-Corey is driving back to Abilene tonight to go to the COMBINE demo derby. Are you jealous? 🙂
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints-Oh yeah! We went last year and our kids had so much fun. You captured it well.
Georgia -Meg, your so glam!! ♥ a glam red neck mama! lol x
Karen E-Oh I love the demolition derby. Lots of fond memories going to the derby with my grandma at the local fair. My sweet looking grandma screamed and yelled and jumped out of her seat when watching it – she loved it so much!
I lurk on your blog, only discovered it about a month ago and I think your photography is fabulous. 🙂
A pocket full of posies...-Too funny!!! growing-up for fun my dad owned a dirt race track…I was the trophy girl stand-in one night…I was 12…don’t you know that poor guy who won was sadly disappointed!! 🙂
Julia-Have had a migraine for 4 days…even with that I am still laughing at that first video….now I’m confused about division….haven’t heard about the famous Hamm Brothers-feel a little out of it.
Amanda Jo-My husband is a very proud redneck and we go to Cowtown Speedway near Ft. Worth everytime they have a Demo Derby! You have to get there EARLY otherwise you’ll be wading in a sea of Wranglers and cowboy hats.
I think everyone should experience a demo derby at least once in their life time!
misty -off the subject…
have you seen the Disney Family Fun magazine? I just saw it for the 1st time yesterday and picked up a copy… when I was reading it last night I thought just about every project in there would be right up your alley to do with your kiddos!
they have a website http://www.familyfun.com I haven’t checked it out yet but the magazine is GREAT
misty -omgosh this looks like FUN~ I am in Oklahoma and we have a LOT more rednecks than Kansas ;0) so I am sure there has to be a demoderby around here somewhere!! I MUST go! I am seriously going to look into it because my birthday is coming up and we were going to to go a Tulsa Drillers game, but I think my husband would enjoy this so much more! (& me to) =0)
Jen-My dad drove in demolition derbies up until I was 2 or so. He had a car with all our names on it and I have a picture of my mom posing on it with a small beehive hairdo and pedal pushers. Co-ol.
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Christina - I love the crooked smile pumpkin. 🙂
My kids wanted to carve pumpkins this year so badly, but I just never carved out the time to do it. Maybe next year…
It seems like a weird phenomenon in which all people everywhere are wondering where October went! I have heard this so many times in the last two days.
pam - i especially like craig’s costume. the leaf blower guy was in a horror movie or something, right? what was YOUR costume? 😉 the kids look so happy and fun!
jimaie.marie - i LOVE the picture of all the pumpkins together!!! Your family makes me smile Meg <3
linda@LimeintheCoconut - All I know is that I have had a full compliment of stolen dots and almond Joy and red licorice…so now November feels about right!
LOVE that gaggle of pumpkins!
And that teensy giraffe…be still my heart!
akmichelle.blogspot.com - Adorable pumpkins! Next year I am going to carve more than one… you’re right, they are just so perfect all together like that!
KELLY - ONE Q FOR YOU, HOW IS IT THAT YOU CELEBRATE THAT HOLIDAY, WELL FOR ONE YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN RIGHT? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOUR CELEBRATING? WOW MEG I WAS A REAL FOLLOWER OF YOUR BLOG BUT THIS HAS ME THINKIN, WHAT ARE WE NOW A CHRISTIAN CHURCH GOING GOD BELIEVING PEOPLE, WITH ALL THE WORLDLY HOLIDAYS, SAD BECAUSE AS A BELIEVER IN OUR JESUS, HOW IS IT THAT WE CAN ADORE OR WORSHIP THE OTHER SO CALLED god OF THIS WORLD.
Gratsia - Hope halloween was fun …awwww what a cute little giraffe
jerilyn - wow – you really go all out – love the Halloween picts!
Rach - Ooo, I can’t wait for Halloween next year when we can go trick or treating with out little one ! Looks like you guys had a blast. Great costumes on the kids too.
Patti - i must confess…our pumpkins are still sitting on the porch – unscathed. i can’t believe i forgot about carving them. i’m a bad mom…bad i tell ya! very cute costumes, by the way! happy november!
Sarah@Clover Lane - So cute…love the costumes!
Beth - I know. Can’t believe Oct. is gone. We put off pumpkins until Sat. PM too and then had a crisis finding pumpkins locally!!! Newton was OUT OF PUMPKINS. Imagine that. We got some in Hesston, though! Last minute costumes are the best . . . I put together a pilgrim hat at 7:15 on Friday morning 🙂
Renee - A week from today I will turn 39. Where did October go??? I still can’t believe I’m married with a house and three kids! Does anyone else ever feel this way? Awesome pictures as usual, Meg. xoxo
Tracy - LOVE it – the pumpkins and the costumes! Everyone looked SO CUTE! :O)
elizabeth - why does it get so difficult, year after year, to think up and execute the costumes? maybe it’s our (at least mine) ever-increasing age. your costumes and pumpkins looked perfectly sweet and a tiny bit scary! thanks for the wonderful post, as always.
Jen@thecottagenest - I feel the same way about October! I think mine passed in a frenzy of Silver Bella prep! I look forward to seeing you there!
sarah - I woke up today and thought the same thing… How is it already the 2nd of November?! Where did October go. So Crazy!
We didn’t even get to carve pumpkins or go to a pumpkin patch this year. I’m very sad about that. And this year Kenzie would have really enjoyed it. Oh well. Hawaii was what got in the way, so I guess we’ll live 😉
Your kids costumes were so cute. I love that you found one at a thrift store. I wish that was possible here, maybe it is and i just don’t know where to look….
Laura Phelps - ya know what MY Annie said?
After the FIRST door we trick or treated at, she looked up at me and asked, “So, mom? Next is Christmas, right???”
love that. should go and post that one on my own blog, really.
Heather @ Cookie Mondays - Hey, that’s when we carved pumpkins too! What a cute little lion. Based on our visit and the popsicles, Annie’s church sugar challenges scare me! Did she do it?!
Sharri - Here’s a tip: Cut the pumpkin hole at the bottom of the pumpkin not the top. It is easier to lift the pumpkin up by the stem and place it over a candle vs sticking your hand inside the pumpkin.
I agree where did October go?
Love your blog.
Sharri
misty - I agree~ October went by in a FLASH! Thanks to your post last year about being creative with the costumes, I made my daughters lady bug costume and grabbed a lion costume for a $1 at a garage sale in case it was freezing halloween night~ It was so fun making her costume, I am going to do it every year! thanks for being an inspiration! and I LOVE all of the cute things annie says =)
Sara - I had to laugh at your hubby cleaning the gutters. Mine does the same thing. He blows off the driveway too. It is my opinion that it calms him. Every time it gets crazy around here, he dissapears and you will hear the blower. LOL
susie whyte - craig is so funny. i guess you’d have to get up there with the leaf blower. you probably get a load of leaves in your gutters and on the roof. 🙂
october is gone, sista!! i got the a-ok to get out some christmas stuff from the hubby. i think he was too busy sulking about turning 30 to care. ha ha. 🙂
glad you guys had fun!
Sarah - Great documentation of the day!
pve - Last year my son was carving the pumpkin and nearly cut his finger off. After the trip to the ER, I said, next year we will light up the house with torches and black lights and that is what we did….we went to get a pumpkin and they were sold out. I took it as a sign, an omen of sorts.
love your tricksters…..what a treat!
pve
se7en - Your day looks so fun and the pumpkins turned out brilliantly – love them!!!
Erin Johnson - I ADORE those orange and black tights. So cute!
Cate O'Malley - Love Halloween pics! We had a soccer playing vampire here, along with Raggedy Ann. Raggedy Ann has mastered the art of finding trick-or-treat stash that I have hidden, along with unwrapping lollipops. The fun begins!
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh those are so good. I am anti-mess, anti carved pumpkins…but when I see yours all lit up I feel like reconsidering for next year:)
Ashley - Annie’s costume was SO cute! And Talby’s was the best witch costume. The thrift store is awesome. Sean’s face makeup looked good and creepy 🙂 And gosh, I love jack-o-lanterns… who did which? Did you save any of the seeds to bake? Baked pumpkin seeds are excellent.
And I just noticed… 14 popcicles? Really? Sounds like me when I was little… 🙂
adrienneK - so fun!!october flew by for me! we had so many pumpkin, halloween ,related things going on it made my head spin ha! im ready for christmas!!
Amanda - and after 14 popsicles one day, I totally believe that she WOULD eat it ALL after church. Good luck with that!
Scrappy Girl - I can’t believe October is gone either…we are in New Orleans for the first weekend in Nov. and that is going to make November fly too.
Darby - Meg, What fun! I love all the festive pictures! Especially those creative jack-o-lanterns! Glad you all had a wonderful weekend!!
Nancy - Baby Yoda… perfect. I think babies naturally look like yoda sometimes. My husband is IN LOVE with his leaf blower. He would jump at the chance to get on the roof for a new adventure. Happy November!