Well... I didn't finish the year in time... but never fear, October is here! Again, this is light on words, heavy on pictures!
Some Mommy/Addison antics:
Heather Farms in Walnut Creek... not much of a pumpkin patch, but very cool playground. If it hadn't been 100 degrees, the kids would have played all day!
Costume Shopping... unfortunately, Mr. Flash did NOT go for this outfit. :(
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| We were pirates instead! |
First Halloween themed event - a local fundraiser for a children's hospital... and our friend Sue's birthday!
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An intense band!
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| We were Boo'd! |
Gram and Pop came for the holiday fun!
But first, we took a trip to Gilroy, CA and Pinnacles National Park. What a cool place!
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| Stuck in traffic for three hours... at least we brought refreshments! |
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| On the shuttle headed to the park... Addison is choosing which trail we will take. |
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| It wasn't an easy hike! But it was definitely worth it! |
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| I loved all these tunnels and caves to explore! |
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| Do you see the face in the rock? |
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| I think this one was called Snoopy's rock? |
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Just as we approached the safety of the car... we found our first (and thankfully only) tarantula! He was big and hairy, and I am NOT a fan. But it was kinda cool to see one in the wild! |
That night, we headed to Gilroy Gardens for their Festival of Lights, a celebration of China. It was amazing! I was super impressed with the displays, and I loved learning about all the meaning and symbolism in Chinese Culture.
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| The gates to enter the park, passing through brings good luck! |
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| These pieces (above and two below) were created with little glass bottles filled with different colored liquids! |
This dragon was made with plates, tea cups and saucers. It was truly amazing.
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| Just had to throw this pic in to remind us that Addison was indeed a Daddy's girl on this trip (she has since switched back to Mommy), and was a complete GRUMP the morning we went back to the amusement park. |
Back at Gilroy Gardens the next day... definitely not as much fun during the day, especially when your kids hate all rides. :/
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| Stay off the road! Andrew is driving! |
Above - the dragon during the day, showing the details of the plates!
We left Gilroy and headed to San Jose for the night.
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| Trying to teach good restaurant behavior at dinner. |
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| She's back to planning our trip! |
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| At the Tech Museum. Our kids definitely were not ready for this place... and the place wasn't ready for them. |
Back in Mountain House...
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| Halloween Bingo! |
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| Getting pumpkins at our local produce farm! |
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| A pirate skeleton - our newest family member! |
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| Checking herself out with a wig on! |
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| Headed to the annual Halloween Parade! |
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| A bunch of scalawags! |
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| A pirate with his bounty! |
For those of you who don't recognize her, Addison is dressed up as Izzy from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.
Carving Pumpkins!
Another Halloween Parade... this time at School!
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| Andrew and his 8th grade Buddy. |
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| Gram and Pop babysitting a sleeping Addison after their walk! :) |
Trick or Treating!
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| Addison did not wear her wig out on Halloween, so I'm pretty sure everyone just thought she didn't dress up at all. |
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| With our neighbors, Pyper and Bash and a Kindergarten friend, Kaylee. |
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| Gram and Pop love trick or treating! |
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| Pop talking to the Creepy Clown - for later reference, 2016 was the year where Creepy Clown costumes were banned from schools due to criminal activity and police warnings. Sigh. |
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| My Halloween Tree! Ghosts of Halloween Costume's past! |