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Yesterday we decided to go with some friends to a nearby farm for a visit to the pumpkin patch. I was really nervous about going because the farm was about an hour away and we were planning on departing during Caroline's prime napping hours. If there's one thing I've learned in the 5 months I've been a mom, it's this: Never mess with naps! It makes the rest of your day and usually the night time a disaster.
So, it was with fingers crossed and a few Hail Marys that Paul and I embarked on this outing.
Right from the get go, Caroline was an angel. She slept the whole way to the farm, and once there, she didn't make a peep about how chilly it was and how her mother had seriously under-dressed her for the elements. Luckily Paul came to the rescue, using a spare set of socks as mittens and a blanket from the car for extra warmth.
Once out of the car and bogged down with what felt like a 20 pound diaper bag (you have to bring it, but hardly ever use it), we entered the farm and bought tickets for a hay ride out into the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch was the best part of the trip for me. After countless years of "hunting" for the perfect pumpkin in front of my local Kroger, I was so excited to actually pick a pumpkin off a vine. Paul surprised the group by leaping off the wagon and into the patch like a kid let loose in a candy store. He was off to find the "best" pumpkin, challenging the other men in the group to beat him. It shouldn't have been surprising that he could turn an innocent family outing into a competition. :) Caroline and I took our time and found an adorable mini pumpkin just for her. We left the field with her pumpkin and a hefty 13 pounder that Paul found.
The rest of time at the farm was spent shopping the little store they had on site, eating pulled pork sandwiches and funnel cakes, and feeding the goats. All in all, it was a great trip. Caroline seemed to have a really good time, and she even slept all the way home.
