an autumn tradition

'twas a circus theme this year

"lost" in the corn maze

the pumpkin patch!

Same song, new verse.

I know, you've seen it all before. And even before. And even, before that. But I just can't help myself. And so, in case you're feeling so inclined, here are a few shots from our recent trip to our favorite pumpkin patch - last weekend.

practically picture-perfect at the pumpkin patch

a gray day at the pumpkin patch

This weekend we enjoyed an annual visit to our favorite pumpkin patch. The weather was gray and soggy, but we were very thankful that it didn't actually rain while we were there. God was gracious to us, no doubt about it!

I'm going to spare you the Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza of last year, and just post all my photos in one fell swoop. Hope it's not too overwhelming!

Here are the boys and I, about to set off on a hay rack ride. Kyle was so tickled to learn that he and our driver/host share the same name. Picture a theatrical gasp, followed by a dropped jaw. The Other Kyle saw it and said "Same name, huh?" He smiled. "Well...I had it first."



Our annual photo:
Benjamin and Kyle were impressed by the tractors. Ben said "Kyle, that wheel is bigger than you are!"

Checking out the animals in their pens~
Time to choose pumpkins! Kyle was determined to be the master of his own wheelbarrow.

So of course, Owen needed to give it a whirl, too.
Some of those suckers are pretty heavy!

Owen, picking a pumpkin. Or not. Ben ended up choosing for him: a small, charming white one.
That's all, folks!

fresh roasted pumpkin

I recently took a whack at my first pumpkin.

Truly. I received one from the CSA one week, and considering that it was organic, I decided to use it for food purposes, as opposed to a purely decorative one.

So I did some research. In the process, I came across this website. I found it extremely helpful, and, in light of the fact that I had a "small pumpkin" and had very little interest in removing the pumpkin's shell with a knife (I had hacked away at a round squash not too long ago, and it was less than enjoyable), I decided to go with the method the website used on pumpkin #2.

So I cut it open, removed the seeds and pulp, and cut it into wedges.



I then roasted the wedges at 350* F. It didn't take nearly the 2 hours suggested, though. In fact, I wish I had taken it out a bit earlier.


Still, the peel came off beautifully. I then pureed the pumpkin flesh in my food processor.

Please excuse the poor quality of this photo. My camera and I were having a serious disagreement. This is the best of my efforts, if you can believe it.

I used it in a loaf of pumpkin bread. This was my first attempt at using fresh pumpkin, and I think it's safe to say that I learned a lot. But I will no longer be intimidate by the classic and charming vegetable!

at the pumpkin patch: batch 3

Here are the last few pictures of our visit to the pumpkin patch. Enjoy!

Benjamin worked hard gathering pumpkins. In fact, he gathered so many that we asked him to put quite a few back--he went over the limit. But he still had fun gathering them!

Using those strong muscles!

Enjoying our lunch...

Owen & Grandma Isom sharing a cuddle.

at the pumpkin patch: batch 2

Here's a fun picture we take every year. This year is Owen's debut!

Jeff's mom, Corrine, was able to join us this year! It was wonderful to have her along: we all really enjoy her company.

Owen was pretty fascinated by the pumpkins, it was the most playful he was the whole time.

at the pumpkin patch: batch 1

We made it to our favorite pumpkin patch again this year! It's always a lot of fun there, and this time around was no exception. I'm planning to post quite a few pictures, so bear with me. There will only be three installments, I promise! ;)

Here is our family, getting ready for a hayrack ride. There is a little tour, and they teach us how to grow a pumpkin. The boys really enjoyed it.

Here's Jeff and Owen enjoying some cuddle time.

Kyle was so excited about taking a pony ride!

And for Ben, it's just another notch on his belt. Ah, experience...