Pumpkin Patch 2016

 Pumpkin Patch 2016

Our local produce, nursery, and compost company recently acquired an old commercial dairy property in the Kent Valley. This is their second year hosting a pumpkin patch and our first year braving the crowds. 

 We are not a big-crowd family *** as indicated by Huck's super excited face

But we needed pumpkins and we are excited to support our local small business. 

There were the standard pumpkin patch attractions such as animals in pens, rubber ducky races, a couple mazes, a corn pit, and a overcrowded little-kid slide. And it was very, very crowded. 

And noisy. Lots of little kids screaming and parents yelling and noise ... just lots of noise. 

Huck wouldn't join Della in the corn pit ... much to scary. 

 Huck was interested in the tractor ride. Three wood hay trailers pulled behind a green john deer. 

Also filled to capacity. Here Della is upset that she has to sit next to a stranger. 

Here she's much happier to be on mama's lap eating popcorn. 

Huck could care less. He simply enjoyed the ride. 

After braving the masses we braved the mud. 

Lots and Lots of mud. 

As a result of mamas gardening hobby, both the kiddos are well versed in wheelbarrow riding. 

I'm still disappointed that I didn't have my camera ready for the moment just prior to this picture ...

the once in a lifetime moment where both kids used unprompted teamwork in an attempt to lift that muddy pumpkin. It was adorable ... 

and only lasted a split second ... 

and probably won't ever happen again. 

I did snag an awkward picture of them both eating corn, 

at the same time, 

off the same corn cob. 

Equally cute. 

The buttery salty hot corn was a hit. 

 We did manage to achieve our primary goal and brought home two large pumpkins. 

We really haven't focused on carving in the past few years so this was somewhat a new experience. 

Della was unimpressed by the process of gutting the pumpkin. 

Huck was very interested in the carving tools. 

Overall it was a nice creative activity. 

We'll most likely do it again next year. 

Hopefully I'll be able to grow my own pumpkins and avoid the crowds. 

 Would you believe I forgot to take a picture of the finished jack-o-lanterns. 

They were really great. 

Like, Martha Stewart fabulous. 

Really. 

There's always next year.