HALLOWEEN!
I love it. Today we went to Gardner Village. The kids got a kick out of all the funny witches around the little shopping village. I think the one with the cat chasing the mouse under her skirt was the favorite. Kaylyn and her kids came too. I thought it would be crazy since Kaylyn had 2 cousins plus her two kids, and I had two cousins plus my 3 kids. But the kids all did really well and it seemed very laid back and enjoyable. The weather was perfect and it wasn't crowded at all. After walking around and poking our heads in a few shops, we got some yummy doughnuts from the bakery and headed to the pumpkin patch!
I thought this was a great pumpkin patch. It's a family owned farm in West Jordan. They had some great looking pumpkins and some really big ones too! The kids had a great time scouting out the pumpkins at the patch. We hauled the wagons around and each chose the one we liked. It was a nice day with the Jordan River temple in the background, very scenic. Wish my photos could do it justice.
Ashley had a great time and was in an exceptionally photogenic mood. Very rare occurrence! The kids were so excited about their pumpkins. Olivia even wanted to hold hers all the way home! I convinced her to put it down at her feet, and when it rolled the stem came off and she was very sad. Isn't it funny what they get attached to and get so emotional about? Sometimes it's hard not to find it somewhat amusing.
The kids were happy that they had more time to play once we got home. Randy came to pick up Landon and Whitney after work, but they ended up staying for dinner and then carved pumpkins with us. (Jill just left this morning for Grand Rapids, so they're on their own for the week) I love carving pumpkins and even if it's a mess, it's so American and so much fun. Maybe you have to live out of the country to truly appreciate this tradition! Is this why Adam loves to carve pumpkins, Amy? I never thought about it before...
Austin created a creepy face with fangs, I did a silly face on a tall pumpkin, Ashley wanted a butterfly, and Olivia drew all over hers and Jared managed to squeak out a face somehow. Here's Landon working on his pumpkin...
Jared was excited to use his jigsaw to cut the pumpkins. Any excuse to use a power tool, right? I have to agree it sure sped up the whole process. Next year we might have to do it again!
Are you ready for Halloween? Do you like to carve pumpkins?
SAVORY SQUASH SOUP
1 medium squash, cut in cubes
3 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 c. water
4 c. broth
1/2 c. red lentils
1/2 c. green lentils
1/2 c. celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. mild curry
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
3-4 medium tomatoes, diced
1-3 T. red wine vinegar
1. Saute squash and onion in olive oil until soft
2. Put water and broth in a large pot. Add lentils and celery. Cook on low for 10-15 minutes
3. Add garlic, spices, and squash to pot. Cook 10-15 minutes more
4. Add tomatoes and 1/4 c. fresh parsley
5. Add red wine, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes more.
Source: Marilou Henner, Healthy Life Kitchen
5 comments:
Looks like another good recipe!
I've used a drill on my pumpkins, but not a jigsaw! (although if I had a jigsaw, I probably would). I agree that living outside of the US makes you appreciate Halloween! The first year we were in Paris for Halloween, we carved oranges...
we went to gardner village last night as a family. I thought all the witches were a great touch. Did you see the one in the outhouse? She was sitting in there reading and my kids laughed and laughed.
Your pumpkins look great. We have 5 waiting to be carved. I think we'll wait for this weekend to ensure they last for Halloween.
Yes!!! I love to carve pumpkins and I've always wanted to have a contest or something to up-the-ante a bit. It seems like I work myself to death on something grand and then don't have much to do with it. Oh well, I guess it's just fun and that's enough because I do it every year. Halloween (day of the dead) in Mexico is fun too.
I've never been to Gardner Village but have always wanted to! You guys make it look so fun.
oh my that soup looks seriously good. We are supposed to carve pumpkins but they are sooo pricey...I just bought a terracota one at michaels, I just forgot to see if you can close the lid if you have a candle in it......adam has seriously some talent in this deparment. How fun to have this done as a family......I was remembering your last halloween in Australia
What fun! We carved pumpkins the other night and Andy whipped out his power tools, too. Men! But I must admit, it made for a much speedier and stress-free process. :-)
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