Apparently the thing to do around here if you have young children is go to a pumpkin patch each fall. I had no idea such patches even existed when we moved back to the U.S. with kids three years ago, but now I know that one's child will not have had the opportunity to fully and properly develop unless they go to a pumpkin patch each year. Jonathan's kindergarten class is going in a few weeks, and yesterday Anna and I went with our local ECFE group.
It was actually quite fun, especially since the day was one of those picture-perfect fall days that are made even more perfect by being around apples and pumpkins.
First, though, was the hour-long bus ride. Here is Anna (R) with her good friend Emma (L) and another girl, both of which are a year older than Anna.
The first event at the
orchard was a hayride to check out the whole place and to pick out/up a pumpkin to take home (because we don't have enough in our garden. Oh wait, yes, we do). That each child gets to take one home is evidently one of the big selling points - in addition to the play areas - of these patches.
Then we were let loose to explore and play in all the areas. First (and longest), the bouncy house!
Then a loooong (and rather scary) homemade slide on gunny sacks. Anna thought maybe she could go solo, but it wasn't to be - I ended up going with her each time.
Then some more playing.
A barrel ride.
There was also a corn maze, some climbing structures, story time, and a host of other activities we didn't get to. The place was surrounded by an apple orchard and Sara and I each picked one (is that allowed?) - the crispest, honeyist apple I've ever eaten!
Then we ate our bag lunches and came back home. It really was a nice day.
Once back home, Anna immediately began again her quest to find "something new and exciting" to do (Grandma Schrock, you really can't come too soon!). Here she wanted me to take pictures of her with her pets (Spot, Piggy, and Fetch) around the yard. So here we go...
The hat, by the way, was made by Oma this week!
[It's kind of hard on her that Jonathan is away all day.]
Still there?
1 comment:
Ah yes... the pumpkin patch visit. Add it to the list of things you are "supposed"to do with your preschoolers in North America. I have no memory of it as a child, but seems like a popular thing around here too. Side note--- the field trip that I want is to come have lunch with you all in the fields during harvest season. I'm assuming that terere is broken out a couple times a day too.
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