care group pumpkin patch outing...

We decided to try Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch in Frederick this year instead of going to Butler's because it was significantly cheaper.  (Bill wasn't able to make it out because he hurt his toe.)  We had a great turnout despite it being a little farther out.  The day was a bit hot, but gorgeous!

 We went into the corn maze with the Erguetas and TOTALLY got lost!  We must have been wandering around in there for at least 45 mintues.  Jamil had a genius idea to just cut through the corn when we got to the edge of the maze.  Whew!  So glad we made it out!

 The boys enjoyed roaming through the patch and being able to pick their own pumpkins.

 Dave & Paul...

 All in all, a fun-tastic day!

3rd annual care group picnic...

Lately, we have been pounded with rain, but the Lord blessed us with a glorious day for our picnic.  Once again, everyone was able to make it out.  It was great to just be able to fellowship without an agenda and allow the kids to play together.  I love, love how diverse our care group is.  Some highlights... (These are mostly of the kids...  Got only a few pics of the adults.)

pumpkin patch!

We made it to our first pumpkin patch outing as a care group to Butler's Orchard.  They were having a pumpkin festival that turned out to be great fun.  Here are some highlights...

William and Josiah LOVED playing in this "sandbox" of corn kernels.  Believe it or not, this was one of their favorite activities at the festival!

William's first pony ride!!!  Woohoo!

For some reason, Bill left him when they did the 2nd lap... I was pleasantly surprised to find William not freaking out.  =)

Two hands up!  So proud of my boy.  We went to a petting farm several months ago, and William (our fearful one) was adamant about not taking pony rides or hayrides.  Look how far he's come!

This pic cracked me up.  I hope the baby didn't have a rude awakening.

Waiting in line for the hayride to get to the pumpkin patch...  It seemed odd to me that the main attraction would require you to stand in a LONG line to board a farm vehicle that transported you to the designated area.  =P  So grateful that the boys were patient while they waited.

There were some dry cornstalks and dried corn hanging as part of the decorations in line.  Glad the boys were fascinated with them for some time.

William is thrilled about taking this pic with Dada.  (Dada looks equally thrilled.)

LOVE the chub!

Miss Anna waiting, too...  We spent most of the time with the Kims.  It was difficult to stay together as a group with so many different things to do.

William's first hayride!!  Woohoo!

The long anticipated pumpkin patch!  It was beautiful.  This was my first pumpkin patch outing, too.  So it was a very cool to share this with William and Josiah, although Josiah will probably have no recollection of it.  =)

Josiah wanted to try and pick up every pumpkin he saw.

Our little Strongman...

Love this pic...

Amazingly, Josiah found his own little pumpkin.  You can't see the pumpkin, but he's pulling on it, trying to get it off the vine.

And there's the little sucker (the pumpkin).  It's small... and perfect for our Littles.

We had to look for a pumpkin for William since he was getting tired and stank.

Smiles' lil' pumpkin...

Not very happy...

There's a smile!

Mission accomplished!  We got our pumpkins, even through a meltdown...

On the way back with our goods.

My sweet boy...

All in all, a wonderful and worthwhile trip.  We'll be back again next year!