THE HAYS FAMILY: Pumpkin Patch

As a tradition, JJ, Brandi, and I (and our sweet hubbies) took the kiddos to a pumpkin patch. I guess if you do something 2 years in a row, it is considered a tradition, right? You can see our last year trip here. Anyway, a friend suggested we go to Holly Farms, so since Brandi was close to Fulton, that is where we headed.

It seems like these places are always in the middle of nowhere but they end up being so much fun...especially for 3 little boys who love dirt and being outside.

Let me just say that there is a lot more to do there than just pick a pumpkin. They have a playground, a GIANT slide, a train, a snack bar (BBQ nachos anyone??), some animals, a milking barn (which we did not visit), face painting, some cool games for older kids, bubbles, etc. Seriously, you could stay there all day! (of course that is if you have children who are less than 2 and do not need 3-4 hours of nap to function)

I'm pretty sure they would have just been fine at the park...they all 3 love to slide!

And, who would have thought a big pile of corn, a bunch of hay bails, and some worn out riding toys could be so entertaining.

And, this might be my favorite picture. Don't we have the best husbands? They are just standing there patiently (maybe, maybe not) with the kiddos diaper bags probably talking about what football games they are missing (or maybe they are talking about the ceiling since they are all looking up?). Either way, they are pretty awesome. I'm sorry I say that a lot, but they really are.

This picture is taken just before my 17 month old stood up, the tractor driver popped the clutch on the tractor and took off without warning, and scared my child to death. Thank you Leon for recommending I wear boots since my toes got run over trying to yank him out as quickly as I could. And thank you tractor driver for the warning.

He did apologize a million times and no one was hurt so we moved on...

This was more our speed. Take note: the "train cars" are not safe for a 17 month old.

Our group picture attempt. It only took 6 goofy acting parents and some goldfish bribes to get all three to sit there and not cry so a smile or look at the camera would be completely out of the question . They really were happy to be there, but they sure didn't want to sit still! (Plus as you can tell by the squints, it was BRIGHT)

I'm really not sure what B is doing here? Eating his cup?

We still aren't really sure that the ride was a great idea. We were under the impression that you took the ride to go get the pumpkins. However, we were wrong. You took the extremely bumpy ride (with 3 babies and a 8 month pregnant momma) out to learn about Native Americans and whatnot and came right back to where you started to pick your pumpkins. They aren't exactly a good age for learning about Native Americans but it would be cool for older kids.

You live and you learn. I am pretty sure wee seriously almost got to meet baby girl Kent!

Bishop was very excited about his pumpkin.

Had we known that the 45 minute "ride to the pumpkin patch" was not, in fact, a ride to get the pumpkins, we might have spent the whole time here.....

This slide was awesome both for the boys...AND for the mommas (not the pregnant one though...baby girl was traumatized enough already plus they had to go to a birthday party)