Fall Fun

Last weekend, we visited a new-to-us pumpkin patch. The McWilliams Pumpkin Patch is about an hour away. The boys had not had a nap, so I figured it would be a quick trip. Turns out, the boys loved it!

They had TONS of activities for kids of all ages - even our young ones.

There was a hay bale maze with pens with farm animals scattered throughout. Sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, etc. Micah enjoyed meeting them all.

Jeremiah is starting to get a little more comfortable on his own.

He still prefers animals from afar though.

We got to ride in a covered wagon around the field of pumpkins.

Some headshots of the boys.

Jeremiah enjoyed the corn tunnels,

the corn bin,

the giant slide,

the kiddie train, (this was the first time Jeremiah rode one without one of us)

the tractor tire swing,

the culvert swing,

and the full size train. (Really a tractor, but really well made - a toddler didn't know the difference!)

The owner of the farm drove the train around part of his farm and stopped to tell about different animals. Perfect for a train and animal lover!

When it was time to leave, Jeremiah kept saying no and signing play. There were still many activities we didn't do: giant tricycles and pedal cars on a circle track, zip line, putt putt golf, Straw Mountain (think McDonald's Play Place in a barn), walnut launcher, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, miniature pony rides...maybe next year!

We told Jeremiah he could take a pumpkin home. He couldn't carry the one he wanted, so we suggested a small one.

We started to carve a pumpkin the week before the pumpkin patch visit, and Jeremiah didn't want anything to do with the guts. So we told him he could paint a little one instead. He was thrilled with the idea!

No chance of getting both Jeremiah and Micah to smile and look at the camera at the same time. You'll have to use your imagination.

 Here's our best effort of a family photo! As they say, "Happy fall, ya'll!"

It's a circus!

This time, I'm referring to an actual circus, not just our regular day!

It happened a month ago, but since it was the boys' first time visiting the circus, I'll still share.

We were able to watch the elephants' bath time in the afternoon. The three elephants were all over the age of 30.

This is Jeremiah doing the "elephant sound." That's how he holds his trunk.

There were several outdoor activities to do while waiting for the circus to start. Petting zoo, bounce house, train, pony rides. Each costing $500. Luckily, they're still young enough that "watching" is just as great.

I was able to buy tickets in advance (on the way there) at the grocery store for several dollars cheaper. The boys got in for free. (Another advantage of them being young.)

It was a one-ring circus that came to our small town for two shows on a Thursday night. While waiting, an older gentleman asked Jeremiah if he was excited to see the monkeys and giraffe. It was a great show, but no monkeys or giraffe. They did have dogs, horses, and elephants. Perfect for a two year old. Apparently, underwhelming for the over 65 crowd.

To a child, this probably looks like the gateway to a fantasy land. To a parent, this is a one-way ticket to a sauna where your wallets are magically emptied. (Again, counting my blessings that the boys are too young to know that peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy, balloons, and elephant rides are better enjoyed up close rather than from afar.)

Did I mention that it's hot in a giant enclosed tent on a summer day?

 

Jeremiah loved it! He still talks about the circus and has a new love for elephants. I better start saving my pennies hundreds before they come next year!