I am not sure when the obsession began…
or how the expectations became so high…
but my obsession with pumpkin patches is strong!
When brother bear was SIX MONTHS OLD I was over the top excited to take him to a pumpkin patch. We loaded our new little family in the car and invited my parents along for the ride {a choice they will soon regret!}. I googled every pumpkin patch in the region {yes region – not just town or county} and we were off!
I was HORRIFIED by what we found. Most of these “patches” were fields where they shipped in boxes of pumpkins and placed them on the ground. That was IT! It was so incredibly awful. We drove over three hours to find this repeatedly. {there should be a law against such places!}
At last, at 20 minutes until 5pm, at the farthest location possible, we found ***THE*** place.
Wishing Star Farm – it was love at first sight!!
The owner at the time let us in for free since she was about to close {and I am pretty sure she thought we were crazy. Four adults with a six-month-old freaking out with excitement over a pumpkin patch with animals and activities for children – none of which my son could participate in}.
Animals (Even a camel!) *** Petting Zoo *** Pony Rides *** Corn Bins *** Bounce Area *** Barrel Train Rides
Nearly everything I wanted was there. The compromise I had to make was that the pumpkins were not grown on site. {it was hard for me to get over, but considering the alternatives for the last three hours I decided to give in – sloppy success over perfect failure}
This year we celebrated our sixth annual event extravaganza!
One of the best things about this local gem is my excitement to discover what they have added each year. This year was the addition of a straw maze that our children LOVED!
The other fun things include:
Tube Slide
Barrel Train and Hay Rides (without the itchy straw or hay ?)
Tire Swings
Straw Tower, Tractor Tires and a Race Track
Bounce {thing?!?}
Pony Rides
Corn Bins
Water Duck Races – hours of fun!
Petting zoo {a certain miniature donkey may or may not end up at our house…. don’t tell my husband!}
Photo Opportunity Areas {huge for this photography junkie}
{If you are as obsessed with capturing life’s moments – I love this **FREE** 7 day course made just for parents wanting to capture amazing pictures of their kids. The best part – Kyle makes it simple and easy to do!}
Food and of course – Pumpkins!
As parents we often have busy schedules and have to choose how we spend our time. Some people try explain to me that pumpkin patches do not make the “must do” list. {WHAT?!?!} While I may not understand (hehehe) – here is my advice:
If you will not enjoy yourself because it will be “one more thing” to do and you will simply check it off the to do list – don’t do it.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with your kids I highly recommend finding a REAL{(by MY standards} pumpkin patch in your area or Wishing Star Farm if you are in Southern Colorado.
At the end of the day, the main reason I love, LOVE, LOVE our annual trip to Wishing Star Farm is my ability to be completely present, relaxed and truly enjoy each moment and activity while we are there. This is something I strive for every day, but on pumpkin day I am reminded how easy it can be to be present in the moment and have FUN with my family!
PS – If you are having a difficult time being present – give this a try to free you up to have time for fun!
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