Cut n Gut 2013

For years now, and by years, I mean at least 10, we have been carving pumpkins with the Hammers. Honestly since before they were "the Hammers" and we were "the Hunters"!  It has become one of our greatest, easiest, most looked forward to traditions. Every year has been different. One year it was cutting pumpkins on the floor of Chris and Kayla's apartment while pregnant with Julie. One year waiting for the kids to go to bed before bringing in the pumpkins. One year sitting around Chris and Kay's living room watching Charlie Brown.  Always with pumpkin seeds roasting in the oven, of course.

Each year is great in it's own way, and this year was no exception.

Sadie made a cameo at the very beginning. We cut her pumpkin open, she took out one seed, deemed it "yuck!" and asked for Elmo. She was occupied by Elmo and watching us the rest of the night and had no further interest in pumpkins.

Andy was so happy to finally get to cut open his big ol' pumpkin!  He really wanted to make a pumpkin with shark teeth! He spent the first 20 minutes attempting to convince Chris to copy his pumpkin design. Because all pumpkins need big scary teeth!

Julie was so excited to work on her pumpkin. She didn't have a plan like Andy did. But she was also a little more independent and did a lot of the work herself.

 "Hmmmm, now what am I going to do with this thing?????"

 Not sure if she enjoyed this part, but she did it.

Look at the concentration here! Andy even has his tongue sticking out!

 Cool shot by Uncle Monster!

The whole carved lot. It was a great year. Starting on the upper left was Julie, Andy, Kayla, Chris. Bottom left to right is mine and Johns.

 Julie and Andy holding Kayla and Chris' pumpkins. We have some talented, creative friends!

 Spooky Julie Head!

 Creepy Andy Face!

 
 It wasn't all hard work and carving. We did take some delicious pumpkin spice coffee breaks. And of course we munched on the pumpkin seeds the second they came out of the oven! I enjoy that part more than the actual carving. Mmmmm, pumpkin seeds.

Once again, a successful holiday tradition in the bag!