More Than Just a Pumpkin Patch

Made our annual trip to get pumpkins yesterday...this was the first year we went to Thistleberry Farms with Chad/Amber and family and my parents.  I was amazed at the activities they had for kids.  I guess I had always just been used to a hayride out to a pumpkin patch and maybe picking some apples.  But, this place was nice.  Crowded, but had plenty to do and see.  We got the kids a wristband to enjoy most of the activities and bought a couple of Corn Cannon shots for the bigger "kids."  We enjoyed looking at all the animals first and headed out to the Corn Cannon.  Tyler ended up getting two free spicy chicken sandwiches for hitting the Chick Fil A sign dead on!  In fact, a special needs fella was watching behind him and wanted to try.  Tyler was so kind to give him his last ticket to try and get a shot.  The most touching part...the young man asked Tyler to help him!  Tyler tried a few times, but they just couldn't seem to get it...according to the guy operating the Cannon, each corn is shaped different and has to be shot differentlly.  I think Tyler made a pal that day, he followed us around quite a bit just watching and talking to us.

The kids enjoyed the cow train, the big jumping pillow, pedal cars, the giant tube slide and Gabi took her shot at the kids corral (a maze much like she has seen on Survivor). We grabbed a quick drink - gatorades and waters since it was over 80 degrees and headed to the U Pick Pumpkin part of the farm.  At first the kids were not too excited about the type of pumpkins but Ben convinced us all that you just had to actually look for a good one!  We ended up finding many good ones and one I especially liked that looks almost antiqueish.  Unique.  The kiddos ended the visit with pony rides thanks to maw maw and paw paw and we went to Chad/Amber's house for our annual fall dinner visit together...chili with bread bowls and of course, all the fixins, donuts and cider for dessert!  A great time for us as a family.