Pumpkinfest!

Last weekend we enjoyed the festivities of Pumpkinfest. Grant was old enough to participate in the pedal pull this year. While he didn't win (or even really come all that close!), we had a great time watching him and all the other little kids pull. We had to laugh, because this was Grant's 2nd time doing a pedal pull event, and after his first time in Hudsonville in August, Eric had mentioned to him that he's got to start pedaling fast from the start to get momentum going. Well, Grant took those words a little too literally, and thought it meant hopping on the tractor as fast as he could and starting to pedal - almost before the gentleman running the sled got the pin back into place for the weight. Oh well - gotta love the kid!

Who needs to focus on pulling when you can be smiling at the crowd?
Brooke with a birds eye view on Grandpa G.'s shoulders.

We enjoyed the "Dinner on Us" event that downtown merchants put on - providing free dinner to the 1st 1500 people (hot dogs/chili dogs, chips, and paddle pops - yum!). The kids also got to jump in the giant inflatable Spiderman and play numerous games.

Grant, Reese, and Aaron painted pumpkins with Grandma P. while the rest of us waited in line for dinner.

My patience with messiness was definitely tested, as my independent daughter refused any assistance in eating her paddle pop (as you can see, though, I did try to outsmart her a little bit by picking the chocolate covering off to try and avoid a chocolate nightmare on her shirt). :)

Despite being the littlest kid in there, Brooke loved the inflatable bounce area - almost too much...
...as Eric had to crawl in and get her out, because she refused to do it on her own accord. Little stinker!

On Saturday, Eric and the kids enjoyed the parade. While not the best weather for a parade, Grant was still stoked about being able to ride on the wagon with his preschool classmates. I was shopping with family that day, so was unable to see Grant on the float, but Eric graciously snapped some pictures for me.

G and his preschool buddies getting ready for the start of the parade!

I had a wonderful time in Michigan City with the ladies on my mom's side of the family. I do believe that in a few years, though, we will have another little shopper tagging along...

She played with my empty shopping bags most of the following day. She had better start saving her money now!