Tough Guys

One year ago, Jack and his buddies from school dragged their mamas to a local pumpkin patch after school to play and have their pictures taken.  The kiddos were all about 7-8 months old, and some of them weren't sure how much fun they were having.  We lined them up in front of some big pumpkins and giggled while we took pictures.

This is how that went:

Isaac, Emma (about to be a big sister!), Jack, Gabe (about to be a big brother!), Eli, and Mac.

This year, of course we had to do it again.

I was smart enough to leave my camera at home, knowing full well that there would be a slew of really fancy cameras with very capable moms behind them to make it worth my while.  I figured there would be a fair amount of toddler chasing, so I even thought ahead to wear pants and toddler-chasing shoes.

I was right about the cameras, and my outfit choice was apt.  I had underestimated our toddlers by a bit, though.  They covered every inch of that pumpkin patch.  They climbed stairs.  They ran into the family photos of unsuspecting families.  They rolled pumpkins down hills.  They giggled at each other and called each other's names.  (They do that now.)  They thwarted our very best attempts to get them in one spot for a picture, much less looking the same way.  

I don't yet know whether the camera-wielding mamas got some great shots.  I sure hope so.  Here's what I got:

Mac, Jack, and Eli cornering the market on the little pumpkins.
Note:  Eli looks very cute.

Jack was not dressed for the occasion.  In fact, he had such fun during craft time at school that he had to borrow a shirt from his nattily-dressed buddy, Eli, so that he didn't look like a total goober in the pictures.  He was, however, eager to prove that he is a tough guy this year.

Did you say we were going to the gun show?

I hope that Jack and his buddies stay buddies for a long, long time.  And I hope that they continue to drag their cooperative mamas and their fancy cameras to this pumpkin patch for a long time.  And I hope that I never stop being surprised or entertained by the fun stories that we make there.

He does believe in the Great Pumpkin.  Why do you ask?

Heather