Pumpkin Patch

I love love love fall.

I love the leaves changing colors, hayrides, S'mores, pumpkins, spiced apple candles, stew, the smell of a fire burning, tights, sweatshirts, turning the heat on in the car with the windows down...

I think if I ever had to miss a year of taking a hayride to pick a pumpkin I may die. It would be my last dying request.

Last week we picked the perfect fall day to pick our pumpkins. We weren't sure how we'd pull off the babies on the hayride but assumed we'd each wear one. On the way to the farm we decided we'd leave them in their carriers and I'm glad we did.

I cannot stand the way I look in these pictures (nothing like pointing out a flaw). It was windy and my face looks foreign to me. After having each of our babies I never felt I looked myself for months afterward. Then, one day I'd wake up and look in the mirror and see the old me. Well the old me has not returned but I like having a picture with my girls even if they don't recognize who has her arms around them.

I love the excitement of just stepping off the hayride in search of the perfect pumpkin. The thrill is in the air.

Lilly searched and searched for the perfect pumpkin. This was not it.

Mommy and Ella liked this warty one.

I'm not sure why but Ella became totally overwhelmed. She is very funny and spunky but also shy and sensitive. Andy ended up taking her to the far end of the pumpkin patch and helping her find a small pumpkin.

This is my favorite picture because of the genuine joy on Andy's face.

Lilly tried to carry the pumpkin back to the hayride...

...but Farmer Tom stopped and helped her. He is awesome.

The boys chilled amongst the pumpkins and vines. Luke was sleepy but Gabe was happy as could be.

Every time I walked back over to check on the boys Gabe smiled at me.

Ella recovered and we made our way back to eat some warm apple cider donuts.

Then reality set in and we spent 45 minutes feeding and changing babies.
But we still had a wonderful time!

I can't wait for Halloween.