Trick or Treating Report

This is the first year that Benjamin has a good understanding about what Halloween is about so we were looking forward to trick or treating with him. We were planning to do only a few houses, but he was having so much fun that we did the whole street. He was really good about saying the appropriate words and then saying "thank you". There were quite a few funny moments too:

• Neighbor wearing normal clothes said to Benjamin, "I like what you're wearing." Benjamin's response, "I like what you're wearing too.
• A car drove by and Benjamin said "Oooh it's a scary car." After it had driven by he amended that "No, it's just a Virginia car."
• At about the 3rd or 4th house, while passing some other people on the driveway, Benjamin tried to Trick or Treat from them.
• While passing a parent wearing a crayola box costume, he said "Hi Crayons. Oooh, you're very Crayon-ey."
• There were 3 houses that went all out and had tents around their porches, lots of decorations, scary lighting, and scary costumes on the people handing out the candy. At one of the houses Benjamin was shaking his Jack-o-Lantern so hard I had to hold it steady for the candy to go in.
• Back at the house Benjamin is now handing out candy. I had to stop him when he tried to prompt a couple of kids to say Trick or Treat.

I won't be surprised at all if Benjamin requests that we go Trick or Treating again tomorrow night. A year is just too long.

Halloween

Last Saturday, Benjamin, Amanda, and I attended the annual Air & Scare at the Dulles Air & Space Museum. It was VERY crowded but we got some good loot and Benjamin had a great time seeing all the other costumes.

Tonight we carved pumpkins with Benjamin for the first time (although he couldn't do much). He had fun scooping them out and drew on one of his own.

I've posted pictures of both on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2091043&id=1338565858&l=720bba7e63

Fall Colors pt. 2

After our visit to Shenandoah earlier this week, John and I decided to go back today without Mom to do some hiking. We did 2 trails (one of which was about 1.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail). The other trail was as easier hike (although also about 1.5 miles) and had some great fall colors. It was a little chilly (about 55 degrees), but we were well prepared and had a great time. For the record, Benjamin "marked" a spot along the Appalachian just as he did the corn maze a couple weeks ago. He also had a pressing need as we were leaving and there were no official facilities around so he "marked" one of the overlooks as well. No, I did not get a picture of the full moon that he treated me to, although my camera was around my neck and I could have easily gotten some really good blackmail material.

On the first trail:

These trail markers became a highlight for Benjamin. He counted them going both directions. On the way down he made quite a show out of stopping at each post, holding up the appropriate number of fingers, reviewing which number was next, then telling us it was ok to walk now.

On the 2nd trail there were lots of tree stumps and this one was just too exciting to pass up.

He just had to sit on top of this one. It was high enough that John was just barely able to get him up there.

Again there are more pics on Facebook for those that are interested.

Fall Colors pt. 1

Earlier this week we drove the northern part of Skyline Drive to see the fall colors. It was unfortunately overcast, but we saw some good colors and figured it was almost at its peak.At the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center:
There are more pictures on Facebook if anyone wants to see them. It's just easier to post lots of pictures there.

Children's Festival

Today we went to the annual Children's Festival put on by the county. It was way too warm outside and the sun was unforgiving, but Benjamin and I still had a great time (John had to go to work).

The fire engine. Benjamin asked one of the firefighters if he was from the fire station. When he said yes, Benjamin said, "yes, but I'm from Virginia". He got a good laugh.

The "pony" ride. He was happy to get the horse instead of the pony. I guess the pony was too girly.The mini-hay maze. There was only a slight pause where he said "no, not that way" and then he was off on the right path and out the exit.The moon bounce (the first of two times).Pumpkin painting.Fireman Benjamin and his pumpkin.

Corn Maze

On the 6th, we decided to take advantage of John's day off and visit the corn maze at the Buckland Farmer's Market just outside of Warrenton. We all had a great time and had the place mostly to ourselves. They had "stations" throughout where we could do rubbings or answer questions. Benjamin insisted on leading the way even if he had no idea where we were going. Even though he kept asking if we were almost back to the car, as soon as we were out he asked if we could do it again. All told, it took us a couple hours to get through (it was a lot bigger and more complicated than I had expected).

Benjamin and the cows next to the parking lot.
Striking a pose inside the maze:

Navigating: After the leaving the maze:

Live Long and Prosper

The other night at dinner the subject somehow came around to Star Trek. Benjamin spoke up when someone mentioned Captain Kirk and Spock. Amanda asked him if he even knew who they were. He thought for a minute then held up his hand and tried to do the Vulcan symbol. He struggled for a minute then proudly held it up for the whole table to see. I guess it's more evidence that we're training him right.