the start of a tradition

in fall 2005, our friend's invited us to join them and their family to pick pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch. it was the first time in a loooooong time since allan and i went pumpkin-picking. actually, allan and i had never done that together. anyway, we had a great time eating tamales, shopping, going on a hayride, and picking out our pumpkins. lucas seemed to enjoy it. he was only 8 months old so we couldn't really tell. the following year (fall 2006), we went again. lucas was 20 months old and walking by then. he had more fun than the last time because this time he got to walk around and pick out his own little pumpkin. he also visited the petting zoo and sat on some cool tractors. so, to continue with tradition, we went again this year. what made it special this year was that it was emma's first time going on a hayride and visiting a pumpkin patch, and lucas went on his first pony ride. my little cousins, bethany and ethan, also came along. lucas loved going through the hay maze with them! our friends, bing, richard, and bishan also braved the cold and WINDY day with us. i think three years in a row is the start of a tradition. speaking of traditions, i am reading a really cool book by noel piper called, "treasuring God in our traditions." (the really neat thing is that you can read her book for free online!) so far, the book is really good and it's been really helpful as allan and i are preparing for christmas.