Carvin' Time!

Every year for the last two years, we've been working on a tradition: the Littles draw Jack-O-Lantern designs, and Mama cuts them out. (see our previous years' designs here: 2012, 2013) This year marks the third year in a row that's found us outside on the picnic table with Sharpies and gourds, and I love love what these kids come up with (vs. more traditional designs).

Not so traditional this year was the addition of power tools. RotoZip, where have you been all my life? Like butter, people. I carved these babies up like a hot knife through butter. Granted, I was way messier in the end, but I was able to get every little fine line carved into the masterpieces that they are.

The evening after carving, we ceremoniously watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (for the 26th time), gathered candles and the Aim 'N' Flame, and carried the lanterns to the front porch. Despite the wind, we got the lights to stay lit, and there was much celebration.

It's too bad they'll be in the compost pile in another week or so. They're pretty rad.

That's right, rad.