Over the years, pumpkin picking has changed for us. When we just had Aaron, we went to a large farm about an hour away and had our pumpkin patch experience there. When Emma came around, we found a smaller and closer farm and enjoyed many years there until they unexpectedly closed. We found many small transplant farms on-line (pre-picked pumpkins in a line), then last year, we found an actual patch that we got to have a great experience at.
This year, very last minute, we realized if we didn't push some things around, pumpkin patch time wasn't going to happen. Emma's school had gone on their field trip a few weeks ago and the weather was terrible. I felt like she got cheated, and with so little time to make a decision and get there before sunset, we headed back. Before we even pulled in, I could tell we were going to have such a better experience.
My girl and her doll are a pretty typical duo. This was her first doll from many year ago and the carrier is actually mine from when I was a kid. Sometimes I am frustrated that my girl seems to need to always have something with her, but this day, I am thankful for the constant doll that came along for the ride.
Pumpkin picking is so personal. While we all began to wonder, none of us were looking for the same type of pumpkin. My husband's top priority is a strong stem, while my care is for the general roundness and smoothness of the pumpkin. And of course, my kids fall somewhere in between.
How a pool of corn can entertain kids so easily (and adults?) is beyond me, but it sure does. I liken it to how kids can be more happy with the big empty box than the actual toy.
There was pumpkin shooting for the big kid - because who doesn't love that - and funnel cake for the bellies. Yum.
We polished off our afternoon with some goat feeding, face painting, a photo opp, and one last swing.
At the end, I leaned my head on my husband's shoulder and we were both so thankful we said yes to this one. Amidst the busy, an afternoon on the farm was such a sweet retreat for us. Maybe next year, I'll remember to block out the weekend at least a month out. But probably not.
Until next time,