Garden at Grandpa's

My dad has a nice backyard. Since we live in a condo and share our "yard", visiting him has it's privilleges. We bring our dog, Lula, and she gets to run free. Plus, for the second year in a row we planted a garden. It's hard work....for Harland.

This year we planted pumpkins and watermelons. Recently (ok, so it was 2 months ago, but whatever!) we went to Grandpa's for grillin and chillin and to check out the progress of our future jack-o-lanterns. This is what we found.

It was exciting to see we grew a watermelon! Last year we had 2 small pumpkins, but this year we grew a watermelon!

...or did we? Look closely at the picture below.

Yes, that IS a sticker you see on that melon. My dad thinks he's soooooooo funny. Our one pumpkin didn't get carved. It's sitting on the counter as Thanksgiving decor. And the ??? well, they looked like tiny watermelons but when we cut them open...pumpkins that stalled in the early stages. {Sigh} Maybe next year.

Ma & Pa Carpenter

We were very excited when one of the airlines started direct flights from Grand Junction to LA and took advantage of the new lower prices to get Har's parents out here. We had lots of fun plans for their visit then Har & I took turns getting strep which put a little damper on things. We still managed to have a great time. I'm only adding my very favorite pictures from their visit...because there are lots (my new nickname is "the paparazzi").

Emma loves her grandmas.

My father-in-law and my step-dad shop at the same place.

We spent 2 days at Disneyland/California Adventures...on two of the busiest days of the year, I swear! Which ride scares the beegeezees out of you? For Nash it's the Jungle Cruise. He almost had a meltdown when we were in line and this is what he looked like almost the whole ride. When we passed the hippos he was literally shaking in his sandals.

We went to Tom Sawyer island this visit. It was the first time we had taken the kids over there, so beforehand they were complaining that I was making them go. Then we couldn't get them off the island. It's like a giant playground over there, even more fun than I remember.

One of their last days here it was finally warm enough to go swimming. Of course, Har tried to dunk his mom. I love this candid. You can see how much they really love and enjoy each other. Who wouldn't? I love my in-laws and we had a great visit!