Boyds Will Be Boyds: Nesting, pumpkin patching and giving thanks

I love October, I love autumn, and I love experiencing those two things right here on Canada's West Coast. In these parts Fall has been magnificent. Days of cold crisp sunshine, colours changing from summer green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Even the nutty browns look beautiful this time of year over here. I love the raking Fall demands, the leaf piles, the slow cooker stew and soup recipes that find their way back into the kitchen.

And I love Thanksgiving, especially this year when we have so very much to be thankful for. Our October blessing is coming soon, and we Boyds are excitedly preparing for the arrival of baby Boyd in our own ways. I am washing tiny clothes, receiving blankets, and spending lots of time in the baby's room trying to make it cozy and welcoming. Matt is installing car seats, putting together the crib, and finishing up lingering home projects. Jake is testing out old baby toys to make sure they are up to snuff for his new sibling. We are in nesting mode, and what better time to nest and make cozy than autumn.

We wanted to take some pre-baby family photos so we chose a pretty spot in the garden on a sunny day. About three dozen photos were snapped, with Jake making a funny face in each and every one. So at the very end, tired of begging him to smile nicely and say "cheese", we decided to join him and make silly faces too. Can you believe that turned out to be the best one? The new baby doesn't know what she's being born into!

Rest assured sweet baby of mine, we can be normal... at least your daddy and I can be. Sometimes.

I'm huge, I know. I feel as big as I look.

I know that crazy, busy, routine breaking times are ahead, along with a sharp learning curve for all of us, but we are ready. Or at least we pretend we are.

-------------------------------------

In the meantime, we have been enjoying autumn in our town starting with one of Jake's favorite October activities: leaf pile jumping. With the ancient oak tree in our front yard he's not left with a shortage of leaves, and he's been in heaven.

---------------------------

Unfortunately, we missed Thanksgiving with my side of the family for possibly the first time ever. We normally make an effort to be with both sides over the holidays, but this year I just couldn't make it to Vancouver. So we missed one Thanksgiving meal we always love to be a part of. But we were by no means deprived. Thanksgiving turkey at the Boyds was delish, and memorable, and plentiful.

Gramps slicing the bird. It's his job.

I made a pecan pie from scratch for the first time. It was good. But next time I'd use chopped nuts. If there is a next time.

---------------------------

But today was a highlight in our October for sure. We made a family trip to the pumpkin patch at the farm just down the road. Train rides, hay rides, and pumpkins for all. What more could a three and a half year old ask for.