We made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch last weekend. We usually drive about 45 minutes out to Marble Falls, Texas and go to a real pumpkin farm. They have a hay maze and hay rides - a small petting zoo and plenty of pumpkins. They also have games for the kids and homemade ice cream (well it is, Texas and it is stil hot in October). In fact - even though it is cooler outside, it felt pretty hot out at the pumpkin patch. It was about 86 degrees with no wind and very little shade. We started this tradition of going to a real pumpkin farm when we lived in Maryland and Ethan was 1; we have done this every year sense. However....we have finally realized that Texas is not Maryland with the fall leaves and cool weather and that the pumpkin farm experience is just not quite the same out in the hot sun with a 45min. car ride to add to the whole thing. So... all that being said - next year we shall have our annual trip to the pumpkin patch at our local gardening center instead of in Marble Falls. In fact, they have a really nice gardening store around the corner from our house. They hold an annual fall pumpkin festival for kids, so next year we will try that - a little closer to home and more shade.
We still had a fun time - despite the weather and lack of shade. I know that Ethan enjoyed playing the games and the hay ride. Here are some pictures of William and Ethan playing one of the games and going on the hay ride.
Before I close, I wanted to mention that last weekend Ethan ran with his dad in the 2005 Pervasive Power Charge 1 mile fun run (while mom did the ten miler). Anyhow, ETHAN GOT SECOND PLACE IN HIS AGE CATEGORY FOR THE ONE MILE RUN!!! Way to go ETHAN!!!! Apparently, the first place winner was being pushed in a jogging stroller. The awards committee was a little disorganized and that probably should not have happened. We are very proud of our budding athlete. He got a medal and a patch for winning. Next year he will run the 10 miler with mom (just kidding!).