It's not writer's block...

...because lately I feel like I'm constantly blogging in my head. It's getting fingers to keyboard that is the problem. Little roadblocks that have suddenly sprung up, like Ainslie learning to walk and being able to reach the keyboard, Grady wanting me to *play* 24/7, and what not. But, here I am. We've had a particularly nice couple of family days doing things that scream fall at me, liking going to our local fair and the local pumpkin patch. I felt like those were things I just had to make a moment to sit and write about. And, since said pumpkin patch wore Ainslie out enough for a second nap and also, to for once quell Grady's need to *play*, I've got a moment, perhaps not much more, at the 'puter.

Last night we headed out to our local area fair. Fionna had been there on Thursday with a class field trip but it was enough fun that she was more than happy to go back. First we checked out the animals -- poultry of all kinds (we think our chickens are barred rock chickens, I'm SO excited to find out), goats, sheep, pigs, cows and horses. We looked at all the colorful and flamboyant vendors and got past them with not one single bid for a purchase (like I'm used to hearing). We treated ourselves to a shared cotton candy and then headed for the midway. Being the evil genius that I am, I had prearranged with the kids that I had to stay with Ainslie and "Daddy would get to take them on all the rides." Bwahahaha. So, Lenny and Dare-Devil-Fionna made a beeline to the "space ship" that holds you in place with centrifugal pressure and then something called the Sizzler that had Lenny covering his mouth and looking cartoon-green. Fionna was scarcely phased. Grady and I did "fly" in some airplanes, and the kids tried a mirrored fun house with giant slide. They finished up on the carousel and then we got some eats (Indian taco for me, a shared hamburger for Grady and Fionna, and a big ol' turkey leg for Lenny. Ainslie shared beans and fry bread with me). It was one of those family outings that actually went as well as I imagined. No one got over-tired, no squabbles, Lenny actually did not have to leave (I'll give you time to get back in your chair, in case you fell out).

Today's morning was the usual trip to the Farmer's Market and Story Time. Then, this afternoon we set out to the Pumpkin Patch. We toiled in the Maze for awhile (we're maze drop-outs though, we didn't find out way "through"), the kids had a blast on the gigantic PVC slides, and we took a hay ride to pick out pumpkins. Grady has already carved his (it's the smallest pumpkin I ever carved as he can cup it in his hands) and then proceeded to cut out foam "hands and basketball" (I use quotes as they're not necessarily recognizable as such) and stuck them to his new "basketball pumpkin." Fionna got two tiny pumpkins and cut straws to create legs and is busily transforming them into spiders.

Okay, it appears my stolen writing time is fading fast. I'll try to get some pictures up really quick though...