One of our last fun filled weekends as a family of three

This weekend was busy. Our local zoo put on it's annual "Boo at the Zoo" and I wanted to take Lucy.  The kids get to dress in costume and then they have 10 treat stations set up as you walk through the zoo. You collect your treats and see the animals on the way. We were in luck that there were many animals still out. When I went with a friend 3 years ago there were hardly any animals out to see.  Lucy had a great time riding the carousel and the train. We were only there about an hour-it's a small zoo and doesn't take long to see it all. After we left there, we went to eat a later than usual dinner at Steak n Shake. 

Lucy dressed as Dora this year. This was the easiest costume. I could have purchased a store bought Dora costume, but really....why? All I needed for the costume was orange shorts (which I picked up at a yard sale for .25), a pink shirt (which we already had) and yellow socks. I did buy a plush backpack for her to wear, but that was the most expensive item I needed to buy.  I think her cosutme turned out great and people knew who she was supposed to be. I heard several little girls say, "hey look, she's dressed like Dora".  So, I say it was a success.

Waiting in line to get into Boo at the Zoo

                                    Riding the "meercat"...we had to tell her it was a Cheetah

Riding the train for the first time

Then today, Saturday, we headed over to The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur. I love going here every year. They really do a fabulous job of using the pumpkins and gourds to create amazing sculptures and displays. They have a few animals to look at and lots of fun places to take pictures. It was such a beautiful fall day. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Here are a few pictures from our fun day.

In the car on the way to the Pumpkin Patch!

Mommy and Lucy with one of the haybale guys.

Lucy and the turkey

Lucy and the pumpkin house

The straw maze for the little ones.

She's grown so much since last year!

One of the pumpkin displays

Family shot. Too bad there are so many shadows.

We ran into some good friends at the pumpkin patch and this is Lucy with her friend Meredith. They had a great time playing in the pumpkins while the grown ups chatted for a bit. You'd never guess that Lucy is a year younger than Meredith. They are the same size!

Trying to find just the right one to take home.

Finally decided on this one!

Stopping to smell the flowers.

Some of my favorite scenes. They do such a great job of making everything look so beautiful.

Such a great day. If you've never been to The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, you really should make an effort to go. It's always worth it.