We had promised the kids we’d take them to a local pumpkin- painting, pizza- eating fun night planned on the base. We were determined to get there on time (something we don’t always seem to manage) because the first 100 kids in line got a free pumpkin to paint. When we drove up, we knew we were in trouble, the parking lot was almost full at 5:28 and by the time we rounded the corner into the auditorium we knew: there would be no pumpkin- painting and pizza- eating there for us that night. The tables were swarming with children twirling their pumpkins and parents feasting on pizza. And nary a pumpkin left. Much less for all of our kiddos. So we decided to make the best of it, in fact, we were determined to have more fun had our plans not changed. Colleen and her kids, Jane and Addie, came with us to a local Mexican restaurant and the food was fantastic. Probably even better than cold Papa J*hn’s cheese pizza. We were so stuffed when we left there, we all had take home boxes in hand. Then we walked to the grocery store to pick out our pumpkins. The girls had the best time choosing, they would have been content to discuss the attributes and flaws of every pumpkin in that joint, so Colleen and I made the final decisions and three adorable pumpkins made their way home with us. The pumpkin cleaning ensued, led by Colleen and the kids. I toasted the pumpkin seeds and then we carved the pumpkin faces the kids had drawn out. They were so excited when we lit the pumpkins up… definitely more fun than slapping some mixed- up paint on a free pumpkin and dragging it home trying not to get paint on everything. Definitely.

Good for you for making the best of it and having a great time to boot!
So finally, FINALLY, the famous Colleen!!!! She’s lovely! Looks like a great time was had by all and yes, I totally agree, WAY more fun that trying not to get paint on everything.
Some things just work out for the best & it sounds like your night certainly did!
Those are very happenin' pumpkins! Nicely done!
Great photos!!
Great looking Pumpkins some very talented carving there!!
hey what skin care cream do you use as you look like you getting younger to me!!!!!!
Cute pics. What a fun night!!
Staci 🙂
Definitely!! It sounds like you had a great time. I’ll take Mexican food over pizza any day!!
Love the jack-o-lanterns!!
Blessings,
Robin
The photos are priceless, the kids are having fun and everyone is happy. You made the children happy, God Bless you.
Yes so much better then some slapped on paint! Those pumpkins are adorable!!!! The pictures are wonderful! How funny that your friend Colleen has an Addie (like me). Is her name Addison?
Sometimes those unplanned trips turn out to be the best ones.
The pictures are wonderful.
Hugs,
Ohilda
Stefanie ~ Love the pumpkin pictures!!!! And unplanned trips can really bring the best surprises.
We have a pumpkin carving contest every year with our teenagers (from our former church small group). This might be the first year we can’t do it. Sniff, sniff. They are almost ALL away now.
The youngest of them began college two years ago, but they headed back here during their freshman years for the contest – it was THAT big of a deal. Now they are sophomores and juniors… too important to head home. Oh, they say it’s that gas is too expensive, but I KNOW it’s because they don’t love us anymore.
(Excuse the pity party. I’m overly dramatic because I miss them.)
It has been a while since visiting you… loving all the photos… the video was nice too… take care