Pumpkin Patch 2011

Yesterday we made the requisite visit to the pumpkin patch with our PEPs group.  We were undaunted by the prospect of a rainy morning.

"Tut tut it looks like rain."

We headed out to Oxbow Farm (off Highway 203 in between Carnation and Duvall).  I liked the idea that it was an educational center.  They have a stand at the Ballard Farmer's Market and provide the produce for a lot of local restaurants.

Cutest baby on the farm.

Of course we rode the tractor.

The kids took a spin through the spiral gourd tunnels in the living playground.

Another thing I appreciated about this farm was that it was an actual pumpkin patch with vines on the ground.  I've been to other  patches where a bunch of pumpkins have just been dropped in an open space of mud.  It was also a lot less commercial.  Maybe it was because it's a smaller farm or because it was raining, but there were maybe two or three other families besides our group at the farm.  We had our run of the place.

As evidenced by Linus' hair, we proceeded to get very wet.

Linus doesn't like to smile for the camera so much these days, but he does like to make his "scary face."

Jackson

Lily

We left the patch with lots of gourds (thanks Linus) and 2 large pumpkins.  The whole group (9 adults, 5 toddlers, and 3 babies) then headed over to Claim Jumper for lunch.  It was pretty sweet.  They gave us our own private dining area.  The kids were all super well behaved.  Eileen had fun playing with baby Connor.  Kate was an awesome super mom and took all the kids outside to play at the fountain.  It was a great morning. 

I love these kids so much.  Recently it had felt like they are really growing as friends and are always excited to see one another.  I couldn't have picked a better group myself if I tried.  I can't wait until the kids are a little older and we tackle a corn maze.

Driving out to the country was lovely.  The drizzle and slight mist combined with the autumn leaves of the woods was serene.  It almost made me feel like packing up our bags and moving out to a large plot in Duvall.  Almost.  I can't give up our neighborhood with little shops and restaurants and the ability to have groceries delivered.  I think I see renting a cabin in the woods in the near future.  Anyone want to join us?  I can promise lots of cocoa, hot cider, smores, and board games...