Peace, Love, and Pumpkins

Last weekend we traveled to Nick's hometown for the annual Morton Pumpkin Festival.  It's always great to spend some time with Nick's family. As the kids get older they get into the festivities.  They enjoy the rides, the parade and just being together.  My parents were able to join us this year, which is always fun. In addition, my niece Maddi came along.  I didn't tell Ali that Maddi was riding with my parents until the last hour of our drive. Her face was so cute. She said "Maddi is coming....NO WAY!"  They had quite the reunion when we made it to Nick's parents.  My in laws are always such great hosts. Mom H. was a little under the weather this weekend, but never complained and I know she loves having her family together.   Definitely blessed with great family time and great memories!

Ali and Maddi waiting in line at the food tent. This was the best they got along all weekend. These girls are like sisters (and fight like them too). We take any peaceful moments we can get! 

Gigi and Maddi

The girls got their faces painted. Ali was a kitten and Maddi was a "Diva."  They had a Princess option, but Maddi said a Diva was more age appropriate for her...she was too old to be a Princess.

Brock loves, loves, loves the cars. 

Ali and Annelise...Ali loves being a big cousin.  It makes me excited to have another baby around the house.  (no, that's not an announcement of any sort!!!).  She's at a such a fun age and loves babies 

Me and my Mama

Brock and his Grandpa and Papaw....to which he calls both "Papa" because he can't quite pronounce them both correctly

We got a fashion show from these girls...they had so much fun together

The bakers cooking breakfast. We told Maddi we were having chocolate chip waffles and she said "I LOVE ILLINOIS"

This was almost a great family picture.Ali was worried about the sun in her eyes!

Getting ready to catch some candy at the parade

Maddi the photographer took at break from catching candy to snap a picture...Ali really was having fun. Not sure what the grumpy face was here. My guess is that her cousin got to take a picture and not her :)

Papaw and Maddi

Back to the festival on Saturday night to enjoy a few more rides

This might be one of the sweetest pictures ever!

After he tackled the girls, Brayden switched to Brock.  Actually, Amber is pushing them together to get a picture.  We do what we have to do! :)

Delaney may be one of the greatest big cousins ever!!  She lets these kids drag her around, boss her around, and get her to play anything they want.  She takes it all in stride.  We love you, Delaney!

The funny thing about this picture is that it's taken at the very top of the Ferris wheel. Brock, my nephew Max and I were riding the car in front. This Ferris wheel was so rickety that Amber and I were freaking out.  Every time it stopped, the cars would rock back and forth in a very unstable manner.  I think we both realized we have some unresolved issues with heights!

Brayden was being so silly.  We love these boys and they run us ragged!