Sarah's Stories: Traditions

As a mother there are many things I want to instill in my children and many things that I want them to experience. For me, one of those important things is establishing Family Traditions. I think that it is all the little things you do that make the greatest impact. We eat together at the dinner table and talk about our day and upcoming events, just as I did as a little girl. We have a set routine at night. We get together with extended family frequently to celebrate birthdays, special events and just to see one another. But, my favorite traditions are blossoming right now... The holiday season is upon us and for me that means many things, the first we did earlier this week. The Pumpkin Patch!

Brianna was 9 months old her first Halloween. I had a garden at our Millersburg house and grew our own pumpkins. As you can see in the picture, it was less than perfect... all warty and mis-shapen. She was a cute little tiger for Halloween.

Brianna's second Halloween she was 1 year 8 months. We made our first trip to the pumpkin patch. She had a blast and picked out the perfect pumpkin. Not to mention all of the fun things to do at the pumpkin patch! One of my greatest memories was on our way home she sang every word to "Twinkle Twinkle" both Brian and I just looked at eachother in amazement. This little girl we had created, so inocent so pure was learning and growing before our eyes! She was a Chicken for Halloween.

Brianna's 3rd Halloween we went to the same pumpkin patch and once again had a blast. As you can see it was hard to choose just a few pumpkins. Brianna was Cinderella for Halloween. While at the pumpkin patch I couldn't help but think about our new son arriving and being a part of all of this the following year. Brice was born just 10 days after Halloween!

Brianna's 4th Halloween & Brice's 1st Halloween proved to be a great experience. She was thrilled to boss him around and show him what it was all about. Brianna was Tinkerbell and Brice was a Horse.

It is funny because every year when this time rolls around, I think about the year before and how much fun we had. I always hope that we will have as much fun as the year before, and that my family will appreciate my efforts to continue these traditions. Without a doubt this year was a blast! The kids are old enough to really tell you how they feel and I could just tell by the sparkle in their eyes that they were excited and having a blast. We went to a different pumpkin patch this year and it proved to be a great change. We rode on haybales pulled by a tractor out to a few acres of pumpkins. There were so many to choose from...

Brice made sure to inspect each one and helped carry them to the tractor, car and porch when we got home. Brianna tromped around the patch with me in search of the perfect pumpkin. We finally found exactly what we came for...