Needless to say, our pumpkin patch dreams on Crossley Farms didn’t quite pan out this year. We do have a handful of vines growing with a few good pumpkins popping up as we speak. But, we got them in around the start of August and they’re definitely not ready for carving. So, instead of pursuing our own patch for this year’s Halloween decor, we ventured out to Cider Hill near Bonner Springs, Kansas, to explore their patch and orchard with the kids.
Elin’s very first pumpkin picking experience went about as expected. She stared at the big orange blobs throughout the patch with blatant confusion. Even when we handed her one in the stroller, it got a few arm taps, but ultimately turned into a footstool while we wheeled about the farm.
Isai, on the other hand, was quick to put his dozers to work in the dirt. He really didn’t care – at all – that there were pumpkins involved. He did, though, completely change his tune when we made it to the orchard. Dude is obsessed with apples and we had to find him one that wasn’t too overripe so that he could start snacking immediately.
Our time in the patch and orchard was quick, but fun. We had a wonderful time before naps were necessary and, even then, we agreed that we’re finally getting the hang of this “countdown to meltdowns” lifestyle.
2018 
2021
As always, we loved getting to hang out on another farm and support another local homestead. Seeing the magic that others create only gives us higher hopes for what we can build on our own farm in the future. Plus, there are really no better ways to celebrate the arrival of Fall.