PUMPKIN PATCH

We missed going to the pumpkin patch last year - for a very good reason. We were getting ready to travel to China to get Malia! So, this year, we wanted to make sure we made it out there - and with Malia! We typically like to do this outing with lots of family, but due to conflicting schedules and uncooperative weather, it was just the four of us on this night.

At first, Malia didn't quite know what to make of all these orange things she saw.

But, Daddy and Spencer were there to help!








Yes, I know I said there were four of us. But, just to clarify, that face in the tree is not me!

Petting the goats and donkeys are a fun part of our pumpkin patch trip. Unfotunately, the donkeys were being stubborn - go figure! So, we only have pictures of the kids petting the goats.

Hay rides are a must at the pumpkin patch! Here are Spencer and Malia waiting on the wagon. Malia was more interested in kicking the hay bales than she was smiling for the camera.

After the hay ride, it was time to play in the hay stack maze that, much to Malia's delight, included a slide.

Then it was off to hand pick our pumpkins! Now, what parent doesn't love to get a picture of their child - or children - sitting amongst the pumpkins smiling widely and showing the pure excitement of the season? I certainly have loved these types of photos in the past. However, this year, Spencer was too cool to sit and Malia was ... well, shall we say a little uncooperative.

However, we got an even better expression from Malia ...... pure joy. She loved playing "Boo!" around the tree and just giggled and giggled.




Only briefly did she sit and take a rest.

And, Spencer was more comfortable with a more mature pose amongst the pumpkins. I think it turned out great!

The kids then each picked out a pumpkin. And, finally, it was time for Rick to pick out our third pumpkin for the front porch.

While Spencer and Rick were in the gift shop paying for the pumpkins, Malia found the "apples" as she called them.


And then, with "apple" in hand, she took one quick seat in this little chair before we left.