The Pumpkin Patch

The kids and I spent Saturday afternoon at a pumpkin patch.  I did some research to find a laid-back, farm-style pumpkin patch instead of one just out to make a buck.  We found a great one, and the kids really, really enjoyed their afternoon.  We were there over two hours, enjoying the beautiful day, taking a hayride, and seeing the animals.  For these Arizona kids who hadn't been to a pumpkin patch (or didn't remember it from being too little), this was perfect.

 This was a working farm, so they had a lot of animals to enjoy.

 Love this picture with the pumpkins

 We had some friends join us and were so glad they could come and spend the afternoon with us.

 This pony was super sweet and loved kids.

 Luke LOVED the turkey.

Madison with friend, Lexi.

 Alex wasn't sure about the hayride at first, but he didn't protest much because he saw how excited Madison and Luke seemed.  Very quickly, he realized it was a fun time.

Luke has been looking foward to this for days.  He came into my bedroom at 6:45 Saturday morning, completely dressed in his soccer uniform, telling me he was ready for his game and the pumpkin patch. He knew he had a game first and then this.  I think his excitement was evident at his game where he scored two goals.

 Tasting the hay

Definitely enjoying himself now

 The kids loved that there were bees on the property too.  We had to buy some honey to sample it  :)

Our crew-Our friends' dad and Edward are in the same battalion, so they are going through the same thing we are.

 Silly girls

 The four of us

 The three of them

There was a fantastic play area the kids all enjoyed.

Vegetable stand

Back to check on Tom Turkey before heading out

 Luke had to say good-bye to his pony pal.

 The kids asked if I would take a picture of the donkeys because they wanted Daddy to know we saw donkeys here, much like he might see in Afghanistan.

Our pumpkins!  The kids had to follow the same rule I did growing up, "You can buy a pumpkin as big as you can carry."  Little did I know how strong and determined my kids were.