It is getting closer to Halloween and that means it is time to pick out pumpkins for Jack O'lanterns! We had a nice long drive out to the pumpkin patch. R4 kept pointing out all the animals he saw, including the cows with pierced earrings (tags) on! We rode a tractor-pulled hayride waaaay out to the farthest field then the hunt began. The pumpkins were humongous. I think the kids managed to pick the biggest of the lot.
After we got the pumpkins the younger ones played in the maze and jumped on the hay bales. We decided to go to the cider mill for apple cider donuts and sarsaparilla. It was so crowded we were afraid R1 would get his foot stepped on in the store so we left quickly and ate in the van.
Ever since the kids were little we have had a fall leaf gathering trip to a really picturesque park with a pond, bridge, gazebo, and rose garden. We decided we had time left to drive over to it and pick up leaves. It was a long drive and the younger pair got bored. Once we got to the park they perked up and ran off putting leaves in their bags. (Later they will make them into crafts for their art class.) The older pair, however, were more interested in playing chase and pelting their Dad with fallen gum balls. They are getting a bit old for this now. Bummer.
This is a nice picture of the pumpkin patch. The trees look really nice in the background too. I’ve only ever bought pumpkins in a grocery store.