Pumpkin Procurement

While real life called to the Francos, we delayed our return to city life just enough to swing through Burt's Farm. Not only were we in search of pumpkins, we also owed Laura a hay ride thanks to a highly disappointing trip to an apple orchard/pumpkin patch the day before. If nothing else, that trip showed us that Burt's has really figured out the logistics of such sites.

Laura was delighted by the hay ride, which was a pleasantly relaxing experience for us all on this gorgeous autumn day. From there we proceeded to the plentiful patches of pumpkins and came away with some stunners, two of which Laura has already marked up with crayons and markers. A true artiste...or maybe just a good way to pass the time while I unpacked from our weekend.

We are now in the full fall spirit around here!

5th Annual Mountain Weekend

To say that we Seymours were looking forward to our mountain weekend with the Francos is among the grossest of understatements. And to say that it flew by way too quickly? Well, it absolutely did. Which, we keep reminding ourselves, just means that we had a wonderful time.

Our hike through Fort Mountain State Park took us above the cloud line. (Twinsies!)

We feel like we may have honed in on the right house for our weekend goals and may consider a repeat booking next year. It had terrific access to the river for fishing, a fabulous FIRE pit, appropriate accommodations for all nine of us, and was surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Done and done.

After their extensive, not directionally-challenged walk.

As usual, we worked in a hike, lunch in town, plenty of s'mores and glow sticks, delicious home-cooked dinners, epic foosball matches, fishing and outdoor play (the perceived lack of wifi on the part of the kids was a magnificent bonus).

Until next year! (With a little reminder to pack foil, salt and our own wine glasses.)