Honeysuckle Pumpkins

October 8, 2011

We continued our annual journeys to the pumpkin patch this year.  We had a great day and beautiful weather.  Max looks forward to the trip each year and always starts asking about the patch when fall decorations appear.  Last year Mary Kate didn't care too much about the festivities, but this year she was just as excited as Bubby.  She didn't know where we were going, but she was bouncing off the walls just because her brother was thrilled.  We had an unexpected blessing when we arrived at the patch; several of our friends were there for the day.  max loved seeing his buddies and playing with them on the many areas of the farm.

As always, it takes Mary Kate a little while to warm up when she is thrust into a new environment.  She was not ready to smile when I started snapping pictures upon arrival to the front gate.  Once we ventured through the corn maze into the pumpkins, she quickly perked up.  Max is always so impressed with the field of pumpkins.

Jay took the kids on the pedal carts around the track.  They kicked up a lot of dust!

Max always enjoys the "corn popper" to bounce.  It is a huge piece of vinyl that has it's edges secured under the sand and an air blower stuck under the edge.  The air keeps the "popper" inflated and up in the air.  Then the kids take turns bouncing on it like a bounce house. 

One of this year's new additions to the farm was the Mining Camp.  Max has never mined for gemstones so his Daddy was an easy "sure" when he asked.  Jay purchased our bag of dirt and we all got set up.  Max was impressed with all the gems he found in his bag as the water ran over the dirt.  He bagged them up and we continue to go through them at home with the identification card.

After lunch, we spent some time in the giant corn box (no sandbox, just corn).  Max loves rolling around in the corn, but it was a little much for Mary Kate.  She immediately began crying and reaching for me when Jay took her in the box.

The kids look so big in the picture of the hay ride.  Again, Mary Kate is not so sure and refusing to smile, but Max is all about it.  Finally, I got a little smile when Daddy held Mary Kate safe and tight on the ride.

Towards the end of the day, we visited all the farm animals down the hill.  Mary Kate lit up once we entered the animal area.  She was laughing and hollering at the animals.  Each time one approached the fence she giggled and tried to reach them for a quick pet.  I think the funniest part of the day was at the chicken coop.  Mary Kate shoe lace was coming loose and the chicken noticed.  It craned its neck through the wire and grabbed hold.  Kate laughed and cackled at the chicken.  She then started putting her foot up to the fence so the chicken would snatch it again.  Of course, Max picked up on the excitement and untied his shoe to participate in the fun.  Wow, it was another great day filled with fun and laughter.  I can't decided who looks forward to the pumpkin patch more . . the kids . . . or me!