Yearly trek to the Pumpkin Festival (2009)…

Welcome to the Pumpkin Festival (only a few more miles and about 2 hours of driving). 😉

Hurray so it’s October which means the Hollfelder’s yearly trek to Half Moon Bay for the Pumpkin Festival.  Yep, every third weekend in October since I was a little kid my parents would load up the kids and make the long trip to the coast.  If we left super early in the morning we could make it in about 45 minutes.  Unfortunately as we grew up and no longer participated in the children’s parade and costume contest we began leaving later which meant anywhere between an hour to two hour drive to get to the festival.  This year I think we achieved a personal best with 2.5 hours for 35 miles (average of 14mph).  Craziness.

I happily played chauffeur for the day and Meems took over taking pictures on our 2.5 hour trip to Half Moon Bay.

After getting into a slightly heated discussion with my mom about letting people live their lives and “to each his own” I encouraged my mom to check out my camera.  Within minutes she was completely absorbed with taking pictures of everything and everyone within range (Ooo, shiney!.. she’s just like me).  😉

I asked her to take a picture of the place where 5-6 years ago my dad had to pull over so I could, um, “use the restroom” when I couldn’t hold it any longer (note, the portable toilet was not there when this happened several years ago).  =(

I wonder if I was in the inspiration for putting a portable toilet at this turnout. Man that would have come in handy several years ago. 😉

I also asked her to take a picture of the pampas grass because I thought it looked cool against the blue sky (she stuck both arms out the side window to get this shot).

I love this shot. All askew and yet it looks natural to me. Nice picture Meems. =)

Of course there were tons of pictures of the family which got old after awhile apparently.

Grumpy at sitting in traffic and my mom taking so many pictures, my dad strikes a mean muggin' face.

Even Heather was caught sneering at the camera when my mom snapped this picture. What's up guys?

Marshall took the high road and hid from the camera (nice Apple hat). =)

Since everyone was avoiding the camera my mom had to get sneaky and started doing point-and-shoot shots under her arm.  This one actually came out pretty good.  It had me laughing hysterically.  =)

Ha! Gotcha! =)

And who do we have to thank for all these great pictures?  Why it’s none other than the famous photographer Meemers!!  =)

Great pictures Meemers. And nice workout shirts. 😉

Since traffic was so backed up I took the camera and shot a couple pictures including this super sweet one of a metal thestril.  And now on to the festival.  =)

Cool metal thestril welcomes festival goers. Awesome. =)

The arts and crafts at the festival were really great this year.  I found an amazing felted hat that I fell in love with and bought, and Marshall found a very cute sculpture of a Doberman that we convinced him to purchase.  My dad started a tradition that I fight at first but ultimately acquiesce to which is that he gives each one of the kids $100 to purchase something special for ourselves.  Very generous and so thoughtful.  Thanks Dad.  =)

I normally greatly dislike hats but something about this one called out to me. After walking the entire festival I finally decided I wanted to get the hat with the money my dad had given me. Thanks Dad. I love the hat. =)

We also saw Farmer Mike who carves amazing (although kinda scary) pumpkins each year.

Farmer Mike has been carving pumpkins for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until 3 years ago that we finally started noticing a few grey hairs. Seriously, that guy doesn't age! It must be the unicorn blood. 😉

Finally it was time to head back to the car so we could make a 5pm dinner reservation for the Moss Beach Distillery.  Heather had suggested we go to the Distillery after the Pumpkin Festival last year and we enjoyed ourselves so much we have added that to the tradition.  Hurray for another great time at the Pumpkin Festival.  =)

Marshall and me overlooking the ocean at the Moss Beach Distillery.

Dinner at the Distillery was amazing as always.  We started out with delicious steamed mussels and went through 3 baskets of bread sopping up the best part of the dish, the buttery, well seasoned juices.  Heather and I had the same thing we had last year, a succulent seafood medley over linguine and Marshall ordered filet mignon with cheesy potatoes that he enjoyed much more than the dish he had last year (thank goodness).  =)

After dinner we feeling good so we took the opportunity to take some family photos.  First up, Mom and Dad.

They may fight like cats and dogs at times but they still love each other. =)

Next, Heffies and me.

What, what!? =)

After Marshall took this picture my mom said “Marshall, take a picture length-wise” to which I jokingly added “Yeah, do it right Marshall.”  Marshall responded by then starting to randomly snap pictures and talk with a “Bruno-esque” accent saying “Oh, I don’t even know what I’m doing.  I’m an arteest.  It’s crazy.  It’s madness. ”  I endulged in playing Marshall’s “model” and couldn’t stop laughing which led to this series of pictures.  Gotta love it…  =)

Work it!

Oh I'm being so playful!

Ok I can't take this anymore. My sides are splitting and so are Heather's. =)

No more, seriously, you're killing me! =)

Oh man, I needed a laugh workout after that meal.  Thanks Marshall.  =)

Aw, you're the best photographer Marshall. And you make me laugh like crazy. =)

After that it was time to head back home.  I think this may have been the best Pumpkin Festival ever.  Thanks Mom and Dad for treating us to a wonderful dinner and a great time with my family.  I love you guys!  =)