A visit to Howell's Pumpkin Patch

They hydro-duckie race was a hit with both boys.

A photo opportunity at the iconic Howell's sign. I think I have one of these from every year we've visited, and have managed to stay out of the photo each time.

Jack tackled Mt. Haystack. When asked if he wanted to give it a try, Griffin said, "No. It's yucky and smells like poopy." City kids.

Next we conquered the corn maze.

Bryan hoists his perfect pumpkin in jubilation. OK, maybe he was laughing at something the boys said.

Griffin and his sherpa haul the pumpkins back to our wheelbarrow.

"Stop, sherpa. I'd like this one instead."

The menfolk carry our pumpkins back to the tractor.

Flag football -- go Jayhawks!

Jack is on the Jayhawks this year for flag football at the YMCA. He'd still prefer to tackle, but he's getting more involved this year.

Silly with pride, you can see he's holding someone else's flag in his hand. Daddy may or may not bribe him with goals of getting others' flags.

Another celebratory flag capture.

"Jack Boesen is the ball carrier..."

The loan Jayhawk in a sea of opponents.

He ended up getting away from this close call, but pay special attention to the "Boesen tongue thing" that Jack has inherited from all his great uncles. Hey, it served him well in this situation.

A ride on Thomas the Tank Engine

Griffin and Cole Ferrell got to see Thomas up close. His eyes "moved all around and his horn was too noisy." But still, they had a good time. Also, we thought it was nice that they planned their outfits accordingly.

"Hey, look! It's the conductor!"

Aunt Meredith and cousins Johnny and Sofia got to go for a ride on the train too.

These two creepy dudes just like trains, apparently. They didn't have any kids with them or anything.

"What's over there?"

Here comes trouble...

After seeing this photo, Sally can sit back and chuckle because this is my punishment. She likes to tell a story about how a certain middle child would climb on the countertops and swing from the kitchen light fixture growing up. It seems this is my revenge. Also, don't ask why he's naked. 

Of course, once Jack figured out what Griffin was up to, he had to give it a shot, too.

Jack's first day of kindergarten

Jack started kindergarten at St. Augustin Elementary, just up the street from where we live. He was excited on the first day to show off his uniform: Navy and white for "Penn State away." We knew he'd find a way to turn a polo shirt and chinos into a jersey of some sort. 

Griffin wanted in on the uniform action, too. He settled for his favorite "Snoopy jersey" with new shoes to match Jack's. Griffin was NOT happy when we dropped Jack off at school for the day.

This is Jack's macho "kindergarten smile." He settled into his seat at school and got straight to work (we hope).