Insta Friday

This week we kicked off our annual halloween countdown (and memory maker). 

see past year's documented fun here: 2009, 2010.

We had to start earlier than the usual 13 days because of our schedule

with football, music, church, birthdays

shopping....you get the idea. 

On the days when our schedule's been hectic, 

we've just told halloween jokes courtesy of no biggie

 a couple of our favorites so far: 

what do you call a skeleton who won't work?  (lazy bones)

why don't skeletons like parties? (they have no "body" to dance with)

Of course, food makes several appearances in any of our countdowns;

on this particular day we had sweet and salty spooky chips.

 We were finally able to go back to our local botanical gardens for their annual halloween themed fun.

Last time we came these kids were 2, 7 and 4 (three years ago)

...crazy to see how much they've grown.

  The nature center and zoo bring out some fun animals: both dead and alive.

The children's sensory garden was a favorite. 

We planted "bean stalks," played games, won prizes, did art, and even learned about composting. 

They had the best time.... 

 Alexis repeatedly said "thank you so much for bringing me!"

I'm linking up.....what have you been up to?