Pumpkin Patch

When we lived in State College, we had the most magical falls that included the BEST pumpkin patch.  We would wear a sweater or light coat, put a hat on James, grab a pumpkin coffee on the way and go for the morning.  The leaves would be turning, and it is still one of our favorite memories.  Since moving to Houston we have tried a different pumpkin patch each year trying to find something that resembles the one in State College.  Most are dusty, crowded, commercialized and HOT!  While the sweaters and coffee have been replaced with shorts, tank tops and ice cream, we may have come as close as we ever will to duplicating SC.  

James didn't have soccer this weekend, and two other friends joined us Saturday morning at Blessington Farms (about 30 minutes west of Houston).  Jordan's wife Ashleigh is sick (may have caught my stomach bug), and Elizabeth's husband Matt had to work.  These are sweet, dear friends, and we all had a great time.  Anna (Matt and Elizabeth's daughter) and Luke are in the same class, and we just adore sweet Ella (Jordan and Ashleigh's girl).

Natalie wanting to go slide rather than take a pic

The weather was typical Houston: HOT, HOT, HOT!  I'm talking 90 degrees.  Brad and I refused to wear shorts to a pumpkin patch, but we regretted it soon after arriving.  We all had a blast!  I think the big slide was the biggest hit for everyone.  In fact, at one point we couldn't find Natalie, and I knew just where to find her.  She was going up and down the slide--perfectly happy and without a care in the world.

James humored me and agreed to take a picture with his coordinating pumpkin shirt.  HOWEVER, he brought an extra shirt to change into as soon as I was satisfied with the picture.  He said it looked like a pj shirt, and while I agree, there was a lot of back and forth trying to convince him to wear it.  

James loved the hamster wheel, but Natalie wasn't much help.

 

I loved the scene that surrounded this train ride.  Brad had a little difficulty getting his long legs into the car.

tight fit!  

Jordan and Ella, Elizabeth and Anna

We took a break for corn dogs, which may or may not have been a good idea.  As I mentioned, it was 90 degrees, and as soon as Natalie finished her last bite, she went back to sliding.  Well, as she was getting into the car to leave, she threw up.  She felt fine after (and never got sick again), but I think we learned our lesson: maybe fried food isn't the best.  But let's be serious, it's hard to pass up a corn dog.

Heat, sweat and sick child aside, we had a fantastic time!