We had a festive fall weekend filled with Andrew's first Halloween party and his first hayride at a pumpkin patch/farm.
On Saturday night we "rowed our boat" through a flooding rain to the first annual Halloween party at our friends' house. When we got out of our car the sky really let loose and the rain came down in sheets. We had a ways to walk and managed to get quite soaked, except for Andrew who was well protected by Chris. The party was amazing and everyone looked fantastic. I forgot my camera in the chaos of trying to get out of the house, but a friend took our photo so hopefully I can get a copy of it. I did manage to remember to take a toddler photo before leaving out house, so I have him in most of his costume. He didn't want to wear the denim jacket with handmade felt appliqué that I worked on all week! (It's ok, maybe he'll wear on the 31st.) He was a punk rocker because, well, that's what I made him dress up as. He had the crazy pj's and he is obsessed with guitars, so I decided that would be an easy to wear costume. He isn't crazy about things on his head and all the toddler manufactured costumes seem to include head gear. Plus, he really hasn't got a clue about Halloween yet, so I figured it was my last year to pick his costume since he will probably decide what he wants to be here on out.
On Sunday we went to Solly Bros. Farm to pick out a pumpkin and take a hayride. We had gone there last year too, but earlier in October before the pumpkins were picked over. While we had no problem finding some pumpkins, I was surprised at how many rotten ones were on the ground and how there were no huge ones. The rain on Saturday made the pumpkin patch, and farm in general, very muddy. For once I actually thought ahead and had Andrew wear his rain boots so that he was protected. We took a hayride around the farm, through the apple orchard, past the Christmas trees still growing, and through the pumpkin patch. Andrew was fascinated by the tractor that pulled us in the hay wagon. Afterwards, we bought some apples and a pie, along with the requisite cider donut for the ride home.
I really like this farm that we visited and the little market they have. As we toured the farm via the hay wagon, I noticed that the surrounding property was covered with those housing developments the suburbs are famous for around here. I'm so glad there are at least a few local farmers still in business. I am hoping to go back around Christmas to pick up a wreath and then next spring/summer for berry picking with Andrew.
What I thought was just a sniffle from the wind or cold air on Sunday has turned into Andrew's first cold of the season. Thankfully he has been in a good mood...or should I say his normal two year old mood! He has a perpetual runny nose and a cough, but nothing serious. With the number of children he has been around in the past week I'm not surprised he picked up a bug. Hopefully he will be just fine for Halloween night so he can go trick or treating with his cousins and get us some candy! (Because he isn't allowed to eat candy yet!)
