Pumpkin Festival

So many of you may know that Nick is from Morton, Illinois.  Morton's claim to fame is that it's the Pumpkin Capital of the World.  A lot of people give me a "seriously?" look when I say that, but it's true.  85% of the world's canned pumpkin is packed at the Nestle plant located in Morton (seriously, I just looked up the stat). 

Than annual Pumpkin Festival is held every September.  In fact, Nick and I were married on Pumpkin Festival weekend and there was almost a boycott in support of the mighty Pumpkin Festival.  I absolutely adore this fall time tradition. I've only experienced it a handful of times since we've been married, but it's a tradition I want our kids to remember and I hope we don't have to miss them in the years to come (which will thrill my mother in law)!  The feel of a small town Festival is lost living in Indianapolis.  However my heart melts when we drive through the streets of Morton to Nick's parents house (to which the mailman walks door to door because there are no mailboxes). The parade route is lined with folding chairs and roped off areas where people have staked claim to the prime parade seats for the following morning.  As my dad says, it's a slice of Americana!  There's great food, rides, games, EVERYTHING Pumpkin.  The town truly comes alive and this is the event of the year.  I'm thankful we got to be a part of it, but even more thankful for the wonderful memories we are sharing with the Hopkins clan!



Grammy and Brock waiting in line for the Pumpkin Grill



 A festival with all kinds of great food and my daughter wanted an M&M blizzard from Dairy Queen!  Don't worry I took care of a funnel cake while they were off getting ice cream. In fat, Brock was bumming some funnel cake of Grandpa. I don't know who enjoyed it more...Grandpa spoiling or Brock eating!

 Getting ready for the parade to start!  The best part is that they throw candy out during the parade, which the kids love! Nick wasn't going to leave any unaccounted for and was sending Ali out into the parade route in between cars to get candy. 



 The Brockster!!

Ali spent several days after we got home correcting anyone who said Brock.   She would say "Not Brock, Grandpa calls him The Brockster!"

 Gotch Your Nose, Buddy!

A little sibling love...just wait until they are fighting over the candy next year. I don't think there will be as many smiles!



 Ali and Brielle marching to the beat!

 It's not a Hopkins Family weekend without some boccee ball

 Best buds! 

We took the girls back to do some rides during the last night and they loved it!  They are so cute together and absolutely adore each other!

 Riding the Wiggle Worm

"Grandpa, I have a secret for you!"

Grandpa taught Ali to "give secrets" to which he blows raspberries on her cheek.  I have a feeling he might be regretting that, as that is ALL Ali does with him the entire weekend