Pumpkin Pleasure Trip

The times are a-changin’, which translates to things like no mountain house weekend this year, thanks to teenagers’ schedules. Faced with a free day off from school, beautiful fall weather, and my unwavering appreciation for Burt’s Farm, I decided to take Laura and Meghan. Turns out Meghan had never been to a pumpkin patch, so it was a very worthwhile mission.

Not knowing just how many people would have the day off and a similar plan, we hit the road early in order to be there when Burt’s opened. We had the pick of the parking lot, and clear access to the vast array of porta-potties!

It really was a gorgeous, crisp autumn morning, and we were all happy to leisurely make our way around the farm.

We were the first hay ride of the day, after which we grabbed some baked goods and then got to work picking out pumpkins. Pretty sure we got the best ones.

Given that Amicalola Falls is just 1/4 of a mile up the road, the girls humored me with a trip to the state park. They first flocked to the playground before we made our way to the base of the falls. It’s a steep trail up to the falls, which was not on their agenda, so we turned around pretty quickly - but we got some lovely views along the way.

It was so refreshing to be outside, and not in a rush - and these girls make pretty fun companions. It wasn’t a weekend retreat, but I enjoyed my morning in the mountains nonetheless!

Clare’s Junior Year Homecoming

As seems to be par for the course for Junior year, Homecoming weekend was jam-packed for Clare. It unfortunately fell on the same weekend as her two-day swim instructor certification for the Y - which of course was held at a YMCA 45 minutes away. In true fashion, she planned accordingly, working ahead where she could and staying home on Friday night to study. And as is (almost) always the case, everything worked out beautifully!

There was a picture party/dinner at Christian’s house with all of her friends before the dance. They lucked out, as the ridiculous and record-breaking heat wave finally broke the day of Homecoming- making for a beautiful evening! 

A grand time was had by all - and I think she was the best-dressed there, too!

Danny’s First Cross-Country Season

Early on, Danny committed himself to run a season of cross country for Marist. He mainly planned to do this both to get involved early on at school, and to condition for soccer. He assumed he would hate it. WE assumed he would hate it. Particularly since the practices began in early August, when the weather really couldn’t be any hotter. Danny has never been a fan of being active in the heat (he comes by that honestly).

He was pretty nervous heading into his first practice, worried that he’d either get sick or, worse, be last. Tim and I were prepared to let him quit after three practices (not that we told him that). So imagine our collective surprise when I picked up a jubilant runner after day one! Turns out he practiced with the faster group, kept up with them, and actually enjoyed himself!

These poor kids never did get a break in the weather: the record-breaking heat continued through their final meet. But Danny never wavered, and will likely run again next year. It just goes to show that you never know until you try!