East Lyme ― Local resident Leah Pappalardo lifted her 5-month-old daughter Isla into a pumpkin Monday as she attempted to take a fall-themed photo at McCook Point Park & Beach in Niantic.

Pappalardo, who works as a teacher, had the day off for Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day. When she noticed how nice the weather was, she said she made a plan to take fall-themed baby photos on the beach to share with family and friends.

“I don’t know how the other moms did this,” she said when Isla didn’t fit in the pumpkin. “I’m lucky she’s so good-tempered and puts up with my silly ideas.”