Going to the pumpkin patch without Josh Downs sounded really lonely and really overwhelming so I called up Ross (my oldest son) and asked him if he'd come with us.
And since he said yes, I got to hang out with all four of the kiddos for the day...
As always, Courtney decided to give me a good laugh by trying to pick the biggest pumpkin around. (We have a "If you can carry it, you can have it" rule when it comes to picking pumpkins, but Courtney never gives up trying.)
The girls were all about getting quarters to feed the ducks and the goats.
Try as I may year after year, I can never manage to get a good picture of the bean bag toss.
It was however the first time I got a shot of one of the painted face-boards that I loved. (Thanks Courtney Lee for making it a good one.)
I know...I was shocked to see Cole's arm around Courtney too. (That kid is unpredictable to say the least.)
And everyone's picks...
Here's our pumpkin patch shots from years past...2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.
And I'm sorry I'm late in posting the winner for the seat in my January Photographers' Workshop. (Life is just repeatedly kicking my tail right now so I haven't had time to read through all the comments yet to determine which are from military wives with deployed husbands and which are not.) Will get to it early this week though which means that all you military wives still have time to enter!
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I'm sorry things are so hard right now.
lovely photos!!! courtney is really funny!
Posted by: Jona Panesa | October 09, 2011 at 06:08 PM
So I just clicked through your past archives of pumpkin pictures for photo ideas. I couldn't get over how much your kids have changed over the years. SOOO then I went back through MY past pictures and can't believe how much my kids have changed. I'm sitting here sad now, realizing that my kids are growing up. :(
Posted by: Shauna Thompson | October 09, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Omigosh - look at your big boy! When did Ross turn into a man!??!?! Excellent photos, as usual, Missy...hang in there, you're doing fine. Are we counting down to when Josh returns?
Posted by: Kirsten J | October 09, 2011 at 08:07 PM
And I know your post will bring a smile to his face....darling photos, and the light is just wonderful....as you work your magic. Have a good week.
Posted by: janel | October 09, 2011 at 09:16 PM
I think Ross totally Rocks for joining you!! The other kiddo's really seemed to love having him along as I am sure you did too:)!!! The shots are great and love Coles arm around Courtney. Sometimes our kids do amaze us don't they. I'm sure Josh is pretty darn proud of you right now! You are doing amazing things for your family and you are all making huge sacrifices for us all. Thank you!!
Posted by: Patricia | October 10, 2011 at 05:24 AM
wow. do you ever take a BAD phot? beautiful light, beautiful family. Hang in there....you're making everyone proud.
Posted by: Kim S. | October 10, 2011 at 07:38 AM
You have a lovely family Karen! I love the photo of Annie giddy with excitement over getting her quarter. Courtney Lee is adorable in that painted board. Coley is so adorable letting his guard down even for one photo and wrapping his arms around Courtney Lee. And Ross is just so sweet to join you in this annual tradition. You are so blessed. And I'm sure, if Josh is reading your post, that he knows how blessed you all are to have each other.
Posted by: Alby | October 10, 2011 at 08:29 AM
The color in the pictures is making me drool. The vibrant purple of Annie's sweater and all of the fall yumminess. Perfection. The only thing that would make it better is if your Josh was there with you guys.
You are doing a bang up job of taking care of your family. Keep it up. And your other posts with your family pictures and the movie review just touched my heart. Blessings to you all and let know Coley know that I'm going to take his advice and check out the movie.
Posted by: Jenny Meyerson | October 10, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Lovely snapshots as always..
glad Ross could tag along w you all!
fun!
Posted by: jennifer Camplin | October 10, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Hang in there Josh!
Your kiddos crack me up :) Beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Robyn :) | October 10, 2011 at 10:54 AM
I so look forward to your yearly pumpkin patch post. It's fun going thru your archives and seeing how much your kids have grown. My kids and I are going to seven oaks this Saturday and I can hardly wait. Keeping my fingers crossed the weather cooperates. I want you to know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers while josh has been gone. Hang in there Karen. You have so many people out there who love you and support you.
Ps. Loving your class and can't wait to play in AV mode more often. So much of this and everything you are teaching is finally starting to click.
Thank you so much for everything you do.
Libbi Moore
Posted by: libbi moore | October 10, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Your blog brings a tear and a smile every time I read it. I grew up with a Marine for a dad, but fortunately was too young to remember much of his two times in Vietnam.
The pictures of the two of you together in the previous post were just amazing. Just amazing. Your love really showed.
Hang in there.
Posted by: elisa | October 10, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Awesome photos! Praying for Josh and your family - hope things start looking up soon! :) Thank you again for your sacrifice and service!
Posted by: Julie | October 10, 2011 at 06:07 PM
I'm hoping that it will stop raining long enough to get my kids to the patch this year!
Posted by: Kelli | October 10, 2011 at 07:58 PM
We just took the boys to Seven Oaks yesterday. They painted pumpkins too. I'm still working on my pics, love to see yours - beautiful as always!
Posted by: Diane W. | October 10, 2011 at 09:30 PM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the shot of you and the kids! That's my favorite of the bunch as I bet it is Josh Downs' favorite!
Posted by: Ann Grounds | October 11, 2011 at 08:17 AM
I always enjoy your pumpkin patch photos---tht's one our family's favorite activites too!
LOVE the photo of Courtney Lee with the painted cut outs!---Too cute!
Posted by: {vicki} | October 11, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Karen...your family is truly amazing and I find your blog a true blessing! I pray that God continues to bless all of you!!!
I signed up for your online class over three years ago but due to my father in law's failing health, never did get to participate during the class...but printed up all of the lessons and now three years later, am ready to dive in to what I missed!
Quick question....where did you get Annie's sweater?!?
Thank you for sharing all of you and your family....the good, the not so good, and everything in between! It's because of you that I am trying to be the best mom I can be...and am going to hopefully learn soon how to be a better photographer!
Our 'baby' has her kindergarten field trip to a pumpkin patch next week...can't wait to take pictures but know they won't be as incredible as yours!
Posted by: Julie | October 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM