Halloween 2012 (Marin County, CA)

When Lyra heard that Daddy had to go to California for a couple weeks on business, she immediately booked a room with NanaOpa. "Nobody puts Baby Lyra in a corner," she told Daddy scornfully. And so it came to pass that Mommy, Daddy, and Lyra all flew to San Francisco on October 21st.

Nana and Opa planned an action-packed two weeks of activities for Lyra. Mommy of course was working from sunup to sundown and barely had enough energy to lift her glass for happy hour at the end of the day.

Lyra visits her second pumpkin farm of the season. This one has artwork. Interactive artwork.

And more colorful wheelbarrows.

And baby cows! Lyra readies her hands for a "gentle touch," which usually ends up with the calf licking her.

Nana and Lyra learn how to milk a cow. Really? Really!

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Back at the ranch, Lyra and Opa discuss what sort of face to draw on the pumpkin. Opa wants a happy face, but Lyra is thinking bigger. "How about a pumpkin with a perm, Opa? That would be super scary!"

Lyra tells Opa where and how to draw. She's pretty much the Sol LeWitt of pumpkin carving.

Lyra reaches in for some pumpkin seeds...

"Opa, my hand is covered in pumpkin goop!" 

Opa starts carving,as a watchful Nana keeps Lyra away from the sharp knife.

 Team Lyra is done! This fearsome jack o'lantern was named Paulie Pumpkin. Or Polly Pumpkin. Wait, is that a moustache? Let's go with Paulie.

Lyra sits for a spell with Paulie Pumpkin on the front stoop. All she needs is a mint julep and a straw boater.

Later that day, Lyra enjoys a harvest dinner with a ceramic pumpkin light. Nana shows Lyra how to spin her corn on the cob on the stick of butter for maximum adhesion.

 The next few days, Paulie and his little ceramic cousin shine for Lyra every morning and evening.

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Lyra's first real Halloween. She's wearing a monkey outfit, so naturally she brought Banana Monkey along to help her find candy. Pacheco Plaza, here we come!

There's something a bit off about this pumpkin patch, but Lyra can't quite put her finger on it. Or can she? 

Daddy returned from LA just in time for Lyra to show him all her trick-or-treating loot.

Daddy starts to worry how much candy Lyra has eaten already.

There's more candy in the bag, Daddy!!

Lyra, generous as always, shares her candy with Daddy. Daddy may or may not have taken advantage of a slight knowledge imbalance about whether the "prettiest" candies were also the most delicious.