Pumpkins & Suitcases

Halloween is an odd time of year.  Sugar (or artificial versions of it) can be found anywhere - the bank, department stores, even at the thai restaurant we visited for dinner last night.  Also found all over are artificial, foam and plastic pumpkins.  I can't help but wonder, when is someone going to invent a biodegradable pumpkin?

Ethan at the pumpkin patch...

On pumpkins, we opted to pass on costumes, parties & the likes, deciding it was probably better that we invest in our trip, which begins in roughly 24 hours.  But we couldn't pass on all aspects - for instance, the annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch.  I mean, who doesn't love to see fields of pumpkins?  This year, we visited the local pumpkin patch at QFC :)  Took a few photos, let Ethan roll around in the pumpkins and mud, and minutes later we found ourselves picking out ice cream.  It was great.

We've decided on our suitcase and packing strategy for our trip.  Dealing with 4 airlines (Alaska, V Australia, United & Air Canada) and 9 flights, this was no easy task!  Well, it'd be easy if you liked being sucker punched with various baggage fees.  The outcome is 3 checked suitcases (ok, 1 suitcase, 2 backpacks).  2 carry on suitcases, and 2 personal items.  Oh, and we'll check at the gate a stroller and a car seat.  Plus we're mailing a box of winter clothes to Peterborough.

And here's the best part:  We're packed and ready to go!