pumpkin patch

• Lila, despite the rainfall warning, your class still went ahead with the field trip to the pumpkin patch.  It was pretty miserable.  The rain was falling in sheets and the wind was bitter cold.  You weren't happy.  By the end, most of the kids in your class were crying and shivering and begging to go back to the school.  The last straw was the corn maze.  Everyone was lost and whining and trudging through it trying to get out.  I couldn't help but laugh.  Your poor teacher.  Normally, this is an awesome outing, but today it was all kinds of gross.  When it was finally time to pick a pumpkin and go home, you took about half a step onto the field, picked up the first pumpkin you saw and called it a day. 
• George, you didn't enjoy the pumpkin patch either.  Your little teeth were chattering and you kept asking to go home.
• Lila, as we were packing you and your friends into the van, you suddenly started to freak out.  Your tummy was super itchy.  I pulled up your dress to look and you had hives all over your belly.  Oh my gosh!  Luckily your teacher had Benadryl.  By the time I dropped the other kids off at school and got you back home, it had spread to your back.  I got you into the tub to make sure nothing was lingering on your skin.  By the end of the day, it was all over your legs and butt and neck.  It was terrible.  You were soooooo itchy, but did a great job of not scratching.  I wonder what caused it?  I hate stuff like this because I don't have any experience with allergic reactions, and it feels really scary to me.  Or maybe I've just watched too much House and Grey's Anatomy, and I'm certain it's some crazy thing that will end up being a medical mystery and land you in the hospital.
• Jane, you're convinced that George is my favorite.  I'm surprised and intrigued as to why you believe this so strongly.   I can honestly say that I do not have a favorite.  I love you each with my entire being.  It is not possible for me to love you any more than I do.  Seriously, every single cell of my body aches with love for you.  I smile when I think of you.  I'm happy every time you come into the room.  I miss you when you're not here.  I love you with the fierceness of a mama bear, and the tenderness of a warm spring breeze.  And not only do I love you, but I like you.  I like being around you.  I like talking and joking and snuggling and helping.  You're all pretty incredible human beings. Maybe it's something that you can't comprehend until you're a mom.  The love doesn't get divided, it's multiplied.  Our home is full of so much love, but it's just what you've grown up with so it's "normal" to you.  Our family has a beautiful thing going.