It has become a tradition that each October we head out to a pumpkin patch and pick out our halloween pumpkins. Each year we load up and have a great time at the farm/orchard we choose to pick from. And each year we bring the pumpkins home and . . . let them sit until well after halloween is over and then we throw them away. (Additional posts reflecting the pumpkin patch to come)

Well not this year. For the first time in our marriage (maybe only since we have had children) we carved our pumpkin (click the photo above for additional pictures). It began this morning with high hopes of roasted pumpkin seeds. The excitement was visible as Mom cut into the pumpkin and then pulled the top off. The enthusiasm quickly dies with the terrible order that emanated from within. It quickly became apparent to Mom that there would be no roasted pumpkin seed from this giant.

Mom and I took the rotten orange ball outside to empty the moldy intestines into the trash can. As we were out there I tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Mom that this pumpkin should be thrown out not carved. She simply reiterated the excitement the kids had at carving a pumpkin and I gave it.

We returned to the house and left the pumpkin to dry, in hopes that once a little air entered maybe the smell would leave.

Although it was not sweet smelling upon our return it was bearable. so the task of carving began. Roo quickly ran for pen and paper and drew a pumpkin and how he wanted ti carved. Boy grabbed a marker and marked up the big guy, then he grabbed a knife and started to carve away. Roo and Ren had a great time pulling the pieces that were carved out from the inside and Fish simply jumped up and down on the table with every new piece removed.

It was not as bad as I imagined it would be and we all had a grand time. Now Mr. P is sitting outside waiting for darkness to fall so he can be lit up and glow for all to see. (Stay tuned for additional pictures of this magnificent event.