6th Annual Spooky Soup Night

Love this tradition!  This year was a little weird because it was crazy warm... like mid 80s!  If I hadn't premade most of the soups, it would have been a grill night instead of soup.  Regardless, everyone had fun and the food was yummy.  I went a little crazy and had seven different soup options.  Four of them were different types of chili.  I have been in full-on hibernation preparation mode lately.  

The kiddos were adorable in the costumes.  We had a Batman, Woody, Power Ranger, Firehouse Dalmatian, Witch, and Fireman.  

These three were the only kids that were very thrilled with the costumes.  Brody didn't like the hood to his costume and Kam was just insanely tired.

I have mentioned it before but these two have the most adorable connection!

Can't wait for next year!

Pumpkin Pick'n

We visited Alldredge Orchard again this year.  Last year we had planned to go to Weston but it didn't work out.  We found Alldredge and really loved it and the location, just 15 minutes from the house.  They are mostly an apple orchard but my mom has a small orchard (about 10 fruit trees) that supplies us with more than we know what to do with.  So, apples really weren't on the agenda but they also have pumpkins and plenty of fun. 

This year they added a fun play area for the kids.  A kid-size silo, barn, and farm house.  They also have some bikes to ride and swings.  The kids had fun and the new equipment is adorable!

Kamden was very interested in feeding the ADORABLE "fluffy" chickens.  He would lay down on the ground and talk and pet them.  Luckily, they were all really nice.  Only the turkey and goose scared him off a bit. 

 

Shocking!  Kam wasn't cooperative to sit and get a photo with Brody.  The adorable Brody was more than willing!

Handsome Mr. B

We took some family photos over the weekend and I captured these pictures of Brody.  We will call them his 1 year photos... just a little late :) 

The other pictures will probably be in my Mom's xmas card so I will hold off on posting them.

Road Trip to Arapahoe, NE

We made a quick stop in my mom's hometown back in July but it made a BIG impact on Kamden.  He has been there a few times but he now talks about Great Grandma V's all... the... time.

I surprised him at school after lunch and told him we were getting in the car and going immediately.  He was THRILLED!

 We arrived at my Aunt J's house for dinner and playing with family.  This definitely sums up how the whole weekend went...

 

We stayed up pretty late watching the Royals win (again!!!!) and playing cards... and by cards, I don't mean 13 point Pitch (the family favorite).  I am referring to a very serious game of go fish.

The next morning there were plenty of farm chores for Kam to "help" with.  We fed the calves that were being weaned.  These calves could smell us city folk from a mile away.  They were terrified of Kamden's shear excitement.  Uncle R even let Kam "drive" the tractor to give the calves some fresh hay.

The rest of the morning was spent playing with all the fun toys.  As an added bonus Aunt J taught me how to can veggies.  Not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. 

After a long (much needed) nap, we visited the field where they were harvesting corn.  We were SO lucky to be there for wheat harvest in July and corn harvest in October.  Kamden's mind was blown with this photo.... Combine... to the grain cart... to the grain truck.

 

 

Saturday evening was spent with more ROYALS WINNING (more on this later!) and hanging out with family.  I captured this moment of Kamden trying to play cards with his Great Grandma V.  

Sunday morning we were headed home.  I barely escaped the house without taking some awesome tractor toys home with us.  We distracted him with exploring some more farm gems. 

Kamden is obsessed with hay bales.  This is a fake hay bale used for hunting.  Imagine the excitement....

We also let him climb in one of the grain trucks.  This one is a total throwback to my childhood.  It is a good old 70's truck that is still rocking.  There is a new and improved (and BIG) version that they use more often but this one is still in rotation. 

Kam was NOT ready to say goodbye to Great Grandma V.  We love visiting and can't wait to come back with Brody.

On the way back to KC we stopped to visit some more family.  My Aunt N made a classic Nebraska  Runza Casserole (If you have never had Runza... you are missing out).  My cousin N and his family were able to join us.  They have 3 boys, ages 2, 4, and 6.  AND they are due with a 4th boy in about a month.  This mom has some serious patience.  I always said I wanted 4... I am SERIOUSLY doubting those thoughts after having 2.   I think Joe's motto of "one at a time" is a good one. 

This is Kamden playing with one of his 2nd cousins, Mr. J

It was such an awesome weekend for Kam and I to spend together, reliving many of my favorite childhood memories.  I can't wait to do it again soon!