Pumpkins!


This afternoon we went to the local farm stand, five minutes from our home, to pick out pumpkins. A few weeks ago, we had driven by en route to the grandparents' house, and were stunned by the mobscene of their annual fall festival. Little did I know that this festival continues all throughout October and is host to numbers of school and community groups throughout the week!

So, when we arrived, we were met by the same mobscene as we had seen on the weekend. Still, we braved the crowds and nippy, windy weather to pick out our pumpkins. I like to have at least one good-sized one that I can carve, then several smaller ones for the children with which to do whatever they wish. Here you see three of the larger ones we chose with mums in the background and our St. Francis statue in front.

The farm stand had a pretty nifty setup to cater to children. There were lots of cartoon figures that had painted pumpkin heads in the area where the pumpkin piles are. Around the back of the barn there was a "Pioneer Village" with a covered wagon, a couple of tipis, more pumpkin head figures, and several animals in cages. The kids enjoyed seeing turkeys, chickens, roosters, a donkey, horse, sheep, and some young peacocks. Because it was so windy, we didn't linger very long...besides, I had forgotten the camera for some fall photos ops!

This Sunday we will be taking a family walk in the woods that are on the great-grandparents' farm. It should be fun, especially as we are seeing native trees with new eyes. Besides the easily identified oaks and maples, we now know how to identify walnuts, buckeyes, hickories, and pawpaws. I'd be really tickled if we found some pawpaws growing in the woods! Hopefully I'll remember to charge and take the camera along.