A Fall Tradition with our New Addition

Eight years ago, JC and I began our journey together on our first date at the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois.  Since then we've experienced moves, job changes, the addition of a puppy and now a baby.  Even though we've experienced many changes, one thing we always make sure to experience every fall is the Great Pumpkin Patch.

Great Pumpkin Patch, 2011.

Each year the Great Pumpkin Patch creates interesting new fall decorations with pumpkins, gourdes, bales of hay and plants.  Animals scurry around pens dotted throughout the grounds, and, of course, orange pumpkins cover acres of land.  Thousands of people travel to Arthur to take part in the fall fun at the Great Pumpkin Patch.

This year, one new person took part in the fall fun -- our new little girl, Anderson.  Since the Great Pumpkin Patch is so special to JC and I we wanted to make sure to take Anderson this year to celebrate our new, expanded family. 

Our family's first trip to the Great Pumpkin Patch.

Even though she slept through the majority of our visit, we still enjoyed looking at all of the fall displays and picking out pumpkins for carving. 

Our new little person has completely changed every aspect of our lives.  Because of this, I have a new-found appreciation for "family friendly" things.  Here are a few of those things at the Great Pumpkin Patch:

-Animals!  Anderson will be a "city" girl, unlike her Mom and Dad.  She won't have horses, or other animals, living across the street from her house.  Pigs, llamas, and chickens are just some of the farm animals that children get to see.
-Children have their own designated play areas with mazes, small trails and other displays to stimulate their interests.
-Food and drink!  Once Anderson starts eating adult food, she will be able to taste some fall treats that are especially good at the Great Pumpkin Patch.  Pumpkin ice cream and apple cider slushies' are just a few that will fulfill the sweet tooth.
-Sitting areas to rest and visit with family.
-Already picked pumpkins.
-Plenty of cut-out displays and other great photo locations to capture family memories.  Below is some pictures from a new display, "How Tall this Fall."  Miss Anderson doesn't measure up to much this year -- but I know next year will be another story. 

Sleeping through her measurements for "How Tall this Fall."

Happy Fall!