Pumpkin Picking

Each year, it is our family tradition to pick pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch (we don't always go to the same one).
In previous years, the girls (particularly Madison) have not enjoyed carving pumpkins but instead have selected smaller pumpkins that we use to make pies for Thanksgiving.

This year, we returned to Beasley's Orchard to select our pie pumpkins.
Pops joined us for this rainy day adventure.

 Both girls were selective of their pumpkins

 Finding just the right one

 Loving their choices

This year we decided to attempt pumpkin carving (pictures to follow in another post)

Saturday was sunny and warm (well Fall warm) and we headed with the entire family to the Pumpkin Patch to select carving pumpkins

 I found this years pumpkin patch while driving home from our recent trip to Chicago. We loved the homemade sign and trustworthy farmers. Pumpkins from the field were only $3 (much more cost effective for a family budget)

 Out into the muddy field to find the perfect pumpkins

 There were many to choose from

 Lillian wanted help finding her perfect pumpkin pal (Grammie and I plus Cooper were happy to assist)

 Madi wrangled Pops to help with her selection

 Comparing their top 2 choices

 Out to look for more

 All the pumpkins were unique and ripe

 Lillian was trying to decide if she wanted a big or little pumpkin

 She found a little one for Cooper

 This could be the one...

 Checking all the sides

 Making pumpkin towers

 Not so sure any more... she did not like that it was dirty

 C is for Cooper (and cutie)

 Cooper liked picking his own pumpkin- a big one (that doubled as a seat)

 Lillian wanted Sisie to help find the best pumpkin. 2 heads are better then one

 Grammie's little pumpkin

 The best picks of all!

 Picking a Cooper

 Patch of Sparkles

 Daddy's little pumpkin

It was another fun afternoon of pumpkin memories.

Splash Island with the Grandparents

Since the hotel did not have a pool, the kids adventured to Splash Island with Grammie, Grampie, and Pops for an afternoon of swimming.

Pops and Madison headed for the slide

 While Grammie, Grampie and Lillian did laps in the lazy river
(Lillian likes to throw her purple hippo and swim to it- just like in swim lessons with Miss Amy)

 A big splash at the bottom for Madi

 Pops and Madison spent a few relaxing moments in the whirl pool

 while they waited for Grammie, Grampie and Lillian

 Then the grandpas and Madison swam over to the lap lanes

 to practice swimming.

 They didn't have to wait long for a lane to be free.

 Meanwhile, Lillian and Grammie went to play in Pirate Cove

 Lillian LOVED being sprayed by the water spouts

 Check out that smile!

 Madison enjoyed showing the Grandpas her swimming skills- here she is showing them her free style stroke (her relay team took 1st place in the 100 Free Medley at this months swim meet).

 Racing Grampie down the lane

 Lillian was quick to discover the kids slide and enjoyed several trips down the slide.

 She especially enjoyed making a big splash at the bottom.

 Grampie (a former swim team member) taught Madi the skills needed to complete flip turns.

 With just a bit a help, Madison caught on pretty quickly.

 Back to the slide

 Splash Landing

 Cooper and I enjoyed our spectator pass and watching his sisters have a great afternoon.

 After 2 hours, Cooper was getting a bit bored with only being able to watch :)

 A few more spins in the whirl pool

 playing attack of the squirting hippo

 Before a final chase around the lazy river.

 Lillian and Grammie trying to catch up to Madi

 and then it was time to go.Cooper was ready for a nap (and so was Lillian)

Time to dry off!