How Tall This Fall?

When Miss Butterfly lived in Chicago, we had a fall tradition of going to Didier Farms to get pumpkins and apples. We would also pose Miss Butterfly in front of the cute “How Tall This Fall?” giant pumpkin growth chart. When the family moved to Texas last year we all agreed that the annual pumpkin patch visits must continue. My first visit to their new home in Dallas was last Oct. and on a 90 degree day we went to a pumpkin patch.

This year it worked out that my project in Chattanooga wrapped up and allowed for some vacation time to head to Texas to hang out with Miss Butterfly & Miss Doodlebug. The 6 day visit was full of parties, fun adventures and just hanging out at home.

Our first adventure was the annual trek to the pumpkin patch. As we drove to the farm, the weather turned cold and when we parked in the field it was pretty close to bitter. Thankfully we had lots of layers for the girls but it was a quick trip through the farm. We quickly fed the animals, posed for some pictures (including “how tall”), went on the hayride and picked up some pumpkins.

The adventures continued throughout the trip. On Saturday we had 2 Halloween parties. Miss Butterfly was the cutest ladybug ever and Miss Doodlebug was the cutest little pink flower. Sunday was time with both sets of grandparents and a bit of shopping. Monday was preschool and the Halloween parade and classroom party. Monday evening we had an early birthday celebration for me – Miss Butterfly helped her mom make the yummy lava cakes. Tuesday was ballet and then a trip to the carousel at a local mall and lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. It was Miss Doodlebug’s first time sitting in a booster seat & she had to do everything that Miss Butterfly did. Halloween evening was bustling…the girls went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood and also helped hand out candy to trick-or-treaters at the house. Miss Butterfly even went to the “scary” houses and was a brave little ladybug – the next day she said the scariest house was her favorite.

When not “on the go” we had lots of play time at home – dress up, art time and of course reading stories. Both girls love to read! When I was in Chattanooga I picked up a cute book for Miss Butterfly that highlighted some of the Scenic City attractions – Pardon Me is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? by Ellen Eady. I gave her the book on Friday morning & I think by the time I left we had read it at least 20 times. I had a secret knitting project with me & one evening I pulled it out to work on – as soon as Miss Butterfly saw it she said “knitting like Grosi” and had to sit next to me while I knit. A couple of times throughout my visit she would “help” me knit by holding the ball of yarn. Each time I asked what we were knitting she would gleefully should out “A xxx for yyy!” (can’t spoil the secret) Another new favorite thing to do became tumbling on M’Amy – Miss Butterfly discovered that she could do a somersault up my legs & that was just too much fun.

Before I knew it my time in Dallas was done and it was time to come back to Chicago. Between my travels this fall I seem to have missed most of the “fall like” temperatures – it has been quite chilly back here, although there is a possibility of Indian Summer later this week! I’m getting into the routine of working downtown and being home. Since I’ve been back from Dallas my knitting “bug” has returned & my hands have been constantly busy – yeah!