Treats not Tricks with a Teal Pumpkin

Have you seen one of these on your neighbors front porch??  Our little teal pumpkin has been getting some questions so I thought we better spread the word!  On Halloween night 1 out of 13 kiddos knocking on your door lives life with a food allergy.  As a child with food allergies you're likely to feel like October 31st is more about the tricks than treats; knocking on doors and getting a bucket full of candy you can't eat sure doesn't seem like fun.  So in comes The Teal Pumpkin Project promoting the use of non food items for Halloween treats.  

We had a bit of fun making our teal pumpkin but if you don't have the time or energy to make one you can visit the FARE website to print out a cute sign to let trick or treaters know that you are offering a candy alternative.  Last year we handed out one bucket of candy and one bucket filled with mini bubbles, stickers, glow sticks, and yo-yo's.  

Our fun involved a little pumpkin station.  

Step 1. Wash your punkins

This entertained us for a good 15 minutes.

 Step 2. Paint your punkin teal

Make sure you grab some baby wipes before hand because you'll be using a  non washable paint to withstand the outdoor elements.  

The kiddos had so much fun painting the pumpkin that they didn't want to stop so we grabbed more paint and more pumpkins.  

Step 4: Clean up your mess

 We are so very thankful that this darling girl gets to enjoy food this year.  Of course we know that most houses we go to for trick or treat will not have a Teal Pumpkin.  I stocked up on her only chocolate bar from Enjoy Life, and some safe lollipops/gummies, stickers, and play dough; my plan is to let her "trade" her goodies she collects with Mallie Lynn safe treats.

I think she understands how great these pumpkins are.  

We hope you do too!  

Excuse me, is that dairy/soy free candy for me mama?????

So won't you help us?  Spread the word, spread this post, and head to your local Dollar Tree, Target $1 bin, or Amazon to find a few non-food treats to pass out this Halloween. 

Punkin Punkin who wants a punkin?

Fall is one of my favorite seasons....but I kinda say that about them all.  There is something so deliciously comfortable about this time of year as the air gets crisp and families settle into festivities so joyful you know the holidays are just around the corner.  It's the beginning of a wonderful time of year.  With fall comes a list of fun to do's a mile long and it can feel kinda busy.  

Buy Pumpkins and decorate

make apple cider

make chili

bake pumpkin bread

head to the pumpkin patch

get lost in a corn maze

paint pumpkins

Buy more pumpkins to decorate with cause I can't get enough

pumpkin spice coffee (everyday)

costumes

Keeneland

caramel apples

bonfire

crunch in a pile of leaves

take a drive to see the fall colors

So last week we checked off the pumpkin patch and had the best time!  

This little punkin ran from one round orange gourd to the other with excitement.

Henry carried himself like the pumpkin patch pro he is.  

She practiced being a big big girl while trying to pick up every big pumpkin she saw.  

 I got my love tank filled getting to dress the part for fall festivities and enjoy my punkin punkins!

 This was our 5th year out at Boyd's Orchard riding on this little train.  We always look forward to it and seeing the man who drives it.  Our very first year out with Henry just a babe we arrived just as the train was shutting down.  The gentle hearted man gave us a ride anyway, just our family and without even handing over a ticket.  Every year he offers the same kindness, enthusiasm, and gentle spirit.  I am hoping I can remember to bake this man a loaf of pumpkin bread next year or track him down sometime between now and then to let him know how much he's appreciated.

 Apple cider in pumpkin jugs....always the hit of the patch!

 Leaping hay stacks.

 Henry has become our resident photographer and I love being able to snap a pic of me and my favorite.  

The difference a year makes is known all to well to parents everywhere.  

Our pumpkins last year.  *insert tear

 It's always a delight to walk through the pumpkin patch and choose your own.  Henry had been asking for this for a week.  We had a search for the great pumpkin and came out with two.  :)

 Pumpkin cups filled with apple cider, one of the other reasons he loves coming here; well besides the pirate ship, train ride, and doughnuts!

The kiddos had fun painting their little orange treasures and finding a place to display them.  Now we're ready to tackle the next bit of fall fun on our list!