The Great Pumpkin Patch

I get excited every year for apple picking, for sweater weather, for pumpkins to appear on front porches, for AUTUMN. This also means I'm a nut for a good pumpkin patch.
This year, our little family found the greatest Pumpkin Patch!  It was Lena's first time at one since she was born in late October last year. I think she loved it as much as her Mama. And of course, we took tons of pictures to document the adventure.

So sure of herself....

 



Most of my photos of her these days are of her walking away from me. She is so ready to take off and explore. I cant be in front, because there is never any telling where she will go. But she does go. Every time. And it's so exciting to watch her learn her way in the world.

 

Being outside is just about the greatest thing these days. So, being outside with hundreds of "balls" aka pumpkins AND other children?! Lena was in heaven. And Daddy and I were pretty impressed as well. There was so much to do.

 

 

Pumpkin head.

 

Kids were FLYING on these horse-tire swings.

 

A little petting zoo area. Ponies and goats were kept in fenced areas, but running around wild and free were ducks, chickens, bunnies and piglets. (Well, it was pretty hot, so they were not moving much at all, but they were not in cages or pins.) The smiling baby pig loved to have his chin rubbed.

 

A sweet trail through a sunflower patch. One of my favorite flowers.

 

 

 

There was a small hay bale maze that we made our way through. Across the street there was a huge corn maze, but we left that for the older kids.

 

 

It was such a hot day. It felt more like August than October, but all the pumpkins helped to remind us. A lot of sunscreen and water were used. We took a break from the sun and all shared a homemade watermelon popsicle.

 

She really was enjoying it..

 

Then we explored the gigantic pumpkins, the mini tractor race track, and Lena's very favorite: the Corn Pit. That's what I call it at least. Its a hay-bale pit filled with dry corn kernels, about two feet deep. The first time in it, she didn't move much. The second time she dove right in and was delighted with rolling around and watching the other children play. It did feel pretty neat. Like when you're little and you stick your hands into the bins filled with dried beans at the grocery store; so cool and smooth. Or was I the only one who did that?...Either way, the corn kernels were a winner because they were so cool while everything else was so hot.

 The pumpkins were nice and cool as well..

 

 Amazing colors. It was easy to take too many photos.

 

  Love this one with the smiles and the kernels flying in the background.

 

It was by far one of the best pumpkin patches we have been to. There was so much for a little one to do and picturesque views in every direction. The day was completely sweet and perfect. We just may try and go again before October ends.

 

Gina