Every October, I have two local activities that are at the top of my list. I can’t go without seeing a performance of The Ghastly Dreadfuls, which is the Center for Puppetry Arts’ adult Halloween show. It’s a cabaret-style performance with singing, dancing, and lots of puppets — and it’s always just what I need to get into the spooky Halloween spirit. I scored a ticket from one of my old coworkers so that I could go to the staff preview, which is my favorite way to see the show. I got to visit with tons of old puppet friends, and they make the best audience because everyone knows the cast. It’s a fantastic, fun, well-done show, and if you’re in Atlanta this month, it’s a must-do!

My other fall favorite is visiting the Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We made a daytime field trip out of it with my mom this year, and Leighton loved checking out the new childrens’ play area. She hugged a kid she met, walked up and down and all around the wooden play area, and wanted to take home the giant mums. There were so many impressive pieces; a few of our faves are below. We ended our little field trip with lunch at Tom + Chee, where Leighton had her first grilled cheese! She loved it… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. 

This year, we also added a new activity — Boo at the Zoo! My mom and I took Leighton last weekend while Craig was at the Auburn game, and we had the best time! I was shocked at how many people were already there by 10am, but thankfully the zoo is big enough that it didn’t feel too packed at all. We brought L’s wagon to tote all of our stuff (and her when she’d allow it), which was such a big help. Leighton dressed up in her hula girl costume, and it was a huge hit all over the zoo! She got a few pieces of candy, which she held onto with a firm grip, and she gave lots of high-fives to Zoo volunteers and staff who were giving out the candy. We spent most of our time in the childrens’ area, which we didn’t make it to last time. We rode the train and the carousel, petted goats and a pig, and met a lot of walk-around characters at a special party tent they had set up for the event. I can’t wait to go back next year!