On the Farm

OK, full disclosure, it wasn't really a farm. But it was close enough for Sam's purposes. We visited Uncle Rob (whom Sam lovingly referred to as "Bob," from Bob the Builder) and Aunt Christy for a few days before Thanksgiving at their lovely house on a huge plot of land in the beautiful Virginia countryside. They have dogs and cats and all kinds of "trucks," so Sam was pretty much ready to move in for good. He slept in a bedroom that had a deer head mounted on the wall, which he seemed to think was totally appropriate bedroom decor. Every night before bed he would say, "Night, night, deer."

Milestone Alert! First Train Ride

We didn't go to one of the many wonderful farms around these parts to pick our own pumpkin, wander in a corn maze or take a hay ride. I think Sam will get much more out of that sort of thing next year. Instead, we rode on The Pumpkin Patch Express at the Museum of Life and Science. It was a beautiful day for a train ride.


Headed to the station.


Choo choo train.


Checking it out.


Still checking it out.


Lucky No. 7.


All aboard!


Mom is super excited. Mom doesn't get out much anymore.


Sam's getting a little nervous (as evidenced by his hands covering his ears). Best family portrait ever. This may well end up on our Christmas Card.


Loud!


Looking for a pumpkin in the patch.


Success!


You can't tell by this photo, but he was seconds away from hurling that pumpkin.


After the pumpkin haul, reviewing some train literature. Something about the Santa Express?


Enjoying something called a "popcorn ball."


Tried to get him to pose on a giant pumpkin, but he refused to give up his popcorn ball.

Bouncy Castle

Sam's first time in a bouncy castle went as expected. He was intrigued but stand-offish. But the second time? Oh, the second time. He. Was. All. In.










Took a break from bouncing to play with the bubbles. Choices!

(These photos were courtesy of Jim Stratford, the professional photographer we hired to shoot the law school's tailgate party during reunion weekend several weeks ago. I didn't have the heart to tell him to stop taking photos of Sam. I'm thinking of using him in all our promotional materials.)

Halloween II: The Main Event

Sam prepares to go trick or treating with his new neighborhood friend, Eli. Eli only speaks Mandarin, but somehow he and Sam are still able to communicate. Sam did teach him what sound a firetruck siren makes. It's the universal language.


Sam's first call was on our neighbor "Nick!" Sam loves Nick. He didn't say "Trick or Treat," but he did say "Bye, Nick!"


Terrorizing the neighborhood.


The dynamic duo discusses strategy before approaching their next victims.


Sam making the tough call between a Kit Kat and a Reese's cup.