Vala's Pumpkin Patch

For the last 12 years our family has enjoyed going to Vala's Pumpkin Patch. Every year we brave the haunted house (Kesa conquered her fear this year and ventured inside), brave the somewhat haunted mine, ride the train, ride the bikes, figure out how to get through the maze, and many more fun activities. We love to buy our favorite kettle corn and all sorts of yummy treats. One of our favorite things to do is to watch the pig races. Every year one or all of our children have been picked to be a pig leader. This year was a sad year for one and all because no one got the job of pig leader. If you're a pig leader and your pig wins the race then you win a pig nose. It's a fun event to behold. As always we had a great time and can't wait to go back next year.


Waiting for the pumpkin cannon to shoot a pumpkin



Mark helping the boys cook their smores



Our annual picture with Eisenbart the Pirate


One of the new attractions this year was a big jumping pillow. Here Mark and the kids are running from one end to the other.


Kaleb showing he can land on his bum.


I thought it would be fun to play super heroes. I probably embarrassed my kids.


The girls giving Kaleb a ride.


Mark and I did all the work while Kaden sat in the front seat enjoying himself.


LeAnna and Austin joined us this year. This picture was taken inside the storybook barn.


Ahoy there Mateys.....Kaden and Kaleb hanging on for dear life.


The girls found their true loves.


Here Kaden is dancing up on stage to pirate music. I wish this picture could move because it was a funny site. He makes a great pirate dancer.


The four beauty queens


Mark and Kaleb going down the big red slide.


Jana falling on her bottom


Watching Kaden go down the slide.


This picture really needs to be turned the other way so it looks like Mark is flying behind the pig. It's a pretty cute sign.


A very happy Kaleb riding the Barnyard Adventure tractor


The annual hay rack ride


Kaleb is trying to figure out what's going on

Kesa's new glasses

Last December we took Kesa to the eye doctor for a checkup. We found that she just barely needs glasses. I was told that I wouldn't be a bad mother if I didn't get them right away, but if she started complaining that she couldn't see, then I needed to get them for her. She came home about a month ago saying she was having a hard time seeing the board, so off we went to get her glasses. She has adjusted quite well to them.




Looking pretty cute there Miss Kesa Lynn

Flag Football

Kaden decided he wanted to try flag football for his sport this Fall. He started off enjoying going to practice and his games. His first game he even completed a pass (truly a miracle). As time went by we figured out why he wanted to play football. He's only playing so he can get a trophy. He has a soccer trophy, a baseball trophy and next week he'll get his football trophy. After that he wants to play basketball and get a trophy and then he wants to take up fishing. So he won't be the next star on the Nebraska football team, but at least he's enjoying a wide variety of sports.



Kaden on the right getting ready to swipe a flag



Hiking the ball