Halloween

Because one costume is never enough...

 R2 and Leia are set for some candy.

 What a family!

 Trick or treat.

 Pumpkins designed by Miss Madeleine.

 Counting up the loot... Any doggy treats in there?

The force is strong with this post.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

 Help me Obi wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.

 Beep, woop, beep.

 Do or do not, there is no try.

 The force will be with you, always.

 Your powers are weak, old man.

 Who's scruffy looking?

 The chances of finding a better group of costumes in Steveston are 357 - 1.

I love you. 
I know.

I really don't see how that is going to help! Surrender is a perfectly acceptable alternative in extreme circumstances!

Pumpking the Pumpkin Patch

One of Madeleine's favourite holidays is almost here and wait until you see what see has planned for this Halloween! This weekend the old pumpkin patch was open. This of course has been an annual tradition since M1 was born. Since I love nostalgia, here is a walk down memory lane, or memory dirt path to be more accurate.

Zero years old.

One year old.

Two years old.

Three years old.

Four years old. And yes it is October and yes Dad is wearing shorts. We have been having just the most amazing weather. And yes I know that every year I get further away... 

Cowgirl takes a break.

Madeleine practices for Disneyland and loving the pumpkin patch. hula pumpkins.

Line dance!

Raining hay.

Mamma and M1.

Tractor driving.

Looking for the perfect pumpkin.

Born to be a farmer?!?

Mamma and M2.

Special family moment.

Cuteness.

Dad and M1

Dad and M1 the sequel.

Oh, and it was also Thanksgiving. Check out this sweet auto-timer shot of the whole family. Too bad I'm the only one not looking, but what do you expect when there is turkey on the table?

I am happy to report that although a wee bit tardy, summer has now arrived on Canada's West Coast! Perfect weather for a veggie harvest.

No, we do not have our garden next to a nuclear power plant. In fact, the zucchini was grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Madeleine thought that it would be neat if we could find one as big as Mirabelle...

Almost!

 Mirabelle lectures her cousin Gwen on the fine art of getting what you want.

 Technique #1: Make sure that when you demand something, you look serious.

 Technique #2: Pouting is a good backup way of getting what you want.

 Technique #3: Don't worry, be happy.

Vacation 2012!!!

 Well you know what everybody, and everybasset loves? Chocolate!

 And you know what else? Family visits!!

 Yes, it was that time of year once again, to hop on a jet plane for a trip with the girls.

 In Quebec, babies can drive speed boats.

 In the forest looking for elves.

Madeleine wasn't quite ready for the speed boat, so she tried out something that was a little bit more her style.

 Mirabelle was unimpressed and replied with cuteness.

 With Annou.

 And then it was Madeleine's turn for a speed around the lake.

 Next stop, a leap of faith.

GO!

Mirabelle was impressed.

 Sittin' on dock of the bay...

 It was long past due that Madeleine learned about the traditional Canadian canoe trip around the lake.

And then time for a swim. She has almost mastered the doggy paddle I taught her. Next stop, Olympic gold medal.

 More family time. Sheesh you'd think they would let me be in one of these one of these days eh?

 On the way back from the cottage there was time for a quick visit with Oma.

 Seriously, what did parents do before the portable DVD player?

 Next stop: Newfoundland.

 Three men and a baby.

 Cheers to the Rock.

 Madeleine and Nan Leggo.

 It sure is pretty.

 M1 and Aunt Joanne.

 M2 and Lorna

Madeleine shows some love for her Pop.

Cousin Josh.

 Rocky Harbour.

 If you ever get the chance, go.

 It really is amazingly beautiful.

Madeleine checks out the breathtaking view.

 Mirabelle definitely has Newfoundland in her blood.

Ranting and roaring.

My family.

Mirabelle takes the cake in this beauty.

After one more quick shot with Papa...

...it was time to hit the beach!

Which we had entirely to ourselves.

Mirabelle and Pop

And one more with our host.