Pumpkin Patch Troubles

Every year since Jack was 18 months old we have gone to the same pumpkin patch.  The first few years we were blessed with beautiful weather, very few people, and awesome pictures. The ones that you post on Facebook for everyone to see and then pat yourself on the back for having such a photogenic family. Oh, am I the only one who does that?  Anyway, today we were all set for our annual pumpkin patch trip. Because the last few years have become increasingly crowded and waiting in line for an hour to buy a pumpkin seems a bit silly, we decided to try a new place.  Everything was all set until this morning when we got up to pouring rain. We've done pumpkin patches in the rain before, but this was a cold, driving rain, that made all of us want to just stay in bed.  Unfortunately we had a 9:00 soccer game to contend with first.  When the game finished and we were all soaking wet and cold, I looked at Brandon and said, "want to go Safeway?".  Oh yes, he did. Probably the only time in his adult life he willingly went to Safeway.

Which is why our pumpkin patch photos are not on Facebook this year.  Because we got our pumpkins from a cardboard box at Safeway. Walking in Jack said to me, "Mom, tell dad how you used to get pumpkins when you were little.  At a grocery store!". As if this was something strange to do.  I don't know this might become our new tradition. The pumpkins were cheaper, there were no lines, and the most challenging part was trying to find the caramel to make caramel apples.  Otherwise, we were home by noon, I had a nap, made caramel apples, carved pumpkins, drank hot cider and made dinner.  Much better then spending the day fighting with everyone else in the city who decide to escape the crowds by going to an overpopulated pumpkin patch.  Much, much better.

Don't we look the happy bunch?

The obligatory 'pumpkin patch' shot. Complete with price of the pumpkins, in case you were curious.

Finn found his pumpkin!

Still searching, hoping they don't fall into the box.

Micah's pumpkin, Woo-Hoo!

And finally, Jack's.

They even have nice carts to use to carry your pumpkins around. No stalking/stealing some unsuspecting fool's cart at the pumpkin patch.

How 'bout them apples?

Finn thinking, "You want me to stick my hand where?"

And, yes, we give our boys knives. What, you don't think that is wise?

Almost done!

 Three happy boys, two not completely exhausted parents, one awesome trip to the 'pumpkin patch'.

Happy Halloween!