Patch.

Last week, I was worried that the torrential downpours that have begun in Vancouver would prevent us from making it to the pumpkin patch on a weekend before Halloween.  But on Saturday, after it rained, then hailed, then rained some more, the skies cleared, sending us running frantically around the house preparing for a visit to our closest pumpkin patch.  I don't believe we have thrown things together that quickly since before Henry was born.

It was one of those rare and magical parenting days when things just work out perfectly and everyone is happy.  We managed to arrive just as the farm was opening, which meant we didn't wait in the mile-long lineup that formed just half an hour later. Everyone in the lower mainland had the same idea on the first (and possibly only) dry Saturday in October.  The sun peeked out for a good portion of the morning and took the edge off the chill.  And little Henry slept through most of the outing, easygoing baby that he is.

Lilah quickly put herself in charge of picking out the perfect pumpkin for each family member.

(A job she excelled at, natch.)

I remembered to accost a fellow patch-goer to get a family photo. That black dot below my chin and those two feet sticking out above my right leg?  Yep, that's Henry.

And what is a visit to the pumpkin patch without mini donuts?

And hay! Lots and lots of hay.

(Oh, these boys.  Be still my beating heart!)

Only two months old and this kid has already perfected Blue Steel.

I could not have asked for a more perfect fall day with my family.

Mwah! Happy fall.