Pumpkin Patch Time

Last year, we discovered a great farm in Benson that is not too commercialized (does not have any bounce houses) and has some farm animals and is free! Smith's Nursery staff are so nice, they even brought out some blankets for the bottom of the wagon so the kids wouldn't get cold/wet!  Last Saturday, October 7th, we headed out early to select our pumpkins. 

Mason had croup, so we bundled up the kiddos and loaded them in the pumpkin wagon!

Maddie selected the largest pumpkin she could find -- of course!!

Mason and Frank headed over to the animal area. There is a resident donkey named Raisin. 
She was the healthiest donkey I've ever seen.  Mason watched her eating her veggies.

And an old billy goat...actually, there were about four goats, but this one cracked me up! 
He walked onto the goat bridge and just plopped down.

Maddie posing with another goat....far enough away that it wouldn't nibble on her skirt!

Out in the pumpkin patch!  Mason had kitty in tow.
Kitty goes everywhere with us now.  It's an old beanie baby but Mason is very attached to it.

Goofing around.

You really want me to pick this thing up?  Help please!

After picking pumpkins, we headed to the country store and bought some chicken feed and catfish food.  First stop, chicken coop...

Next up, catfish pond.  Mason was so excited...he was jabbering and yelling.  We aren't sure what he was saying, but he LOVED the catfish. We kept pointing out the whiskers on them...

Frank got this shot of them gulping the food....Yuck! 
I'm not a fan. I would never eat something I can't stand to look at.....just me I guess.

After we left the farm, with fresh eggs, hoop cheese and dairy milk (smile), we headed home...but decided to stop for an early lunch at Cracker Barrel.  So funny, we had to ask the server for a "special" bowl of rice with gravy for Mason.  He loves rice and asks for it at every meal.....He ate the whole bowl and then picked out the pieces that were left over....and then crashed on the way home...with kitty of course!

Maddie was still going strong, and asked for a lollipop from the country store.....one week later, she still hasn't finished it.

We rested and ran errands for the rest of the day.  On Sunday, we invited Maddie's friend Salem and her family over for pizza and s'mores.  It was a special surprise for the girls.  As you can see, they hated them!  LOL!  Finally, a good use for our fire pit!  They played in the yard long after it became dark.  We are lovin' this fall weather!