2nd Annual Peter Pumpkin Patch, at Spring Hill Farms

If I thought that last year Finn was the perfect age for this countryside outing to the Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Farms, I was wrong. This year when we went, we had the kind of afternoon that makes a parent think, "Ah. So this is why we go through so much to have these kids around!" There is nothing quite as grand as seeing your little boy exude so much happiness. It is pretty priceless.  We planned to go with some friends of ours who also have two little boys.  Little boy heaven, I tell ya.

Oscar enjoyed observing, as usual, but mostly just made the farm that much more cute. 

He wore his tractor outfit, of course.

Just like last year, Finn was unstoppable, but this time he could do more with his interest and excitement.  This year's air temperature was also more tolerable (ideal, really) and we weren't quite as worried about heat stroke with his laps around the farm.  

We couldn't even lure him away from his business to eat some homemade pumpkin ice cream (mmmm...SO good)!  It took about 45 minutes to steer him over that direction so we could make the purchase, and then we had to follow him around with an ice cream spoon so he could enjoy it (and to fuel his little motor). Even with our best attempts at on-the-go fueling, once back in the car, the boy's brain could hardly function for lack of glucose.  

Finn loved getting to pet the baby cows.

Adorable!

Finn made the rounds a few separate times to visit the calves.

 He also got to see pigs, donkeys and a cat.  The little pigs were hilarious, running around their pen at lightening speed.  I had no idea pigs could run so fast!  Finn and Devin were pretty taken with those little piggies. 

Of course the half dozen+ old tractors and farm machines they had out to climb on and "drive" were a huge hit with Finn.

We had an especially hard time tearing Finn and Devin away from this combine harvester, as this is a machine Finn knows about from one of his books.

Little Cooper had a go at it too, but Finn wouldn't let him near the driver's seat. Oh, no.

There was a giant tower of hay bales in the center of the farm.  Finn climbed up this thing every time we passed by.

The pic below reminded me so much of this one from last year.  Look at the difference a year makes!  Finn had yet to have his first hair cut!

Finn and Devin tore through the hay maze, having giggling fits all along the way, while scheming to 

be rid of me.

.

They also climbed up on top of the hay bale wall for a good view, contemplating their heaven on earth.

The hay maze was yet another feature from which it took some serious effort to remove them.

The hay ride, pulled by a big tractor, was built up with great anticipation, as we had to wait for the driver to get off of his break.  We boarded and re-boarded the trailer several times waiting for the ride.  When the driver finally made his way back, Finn followed him, bellowing excitedly, " Da driver's back!"

Sitting patiently for the hay ride to begin

It was the sweetest thing to watch Finn's face break out into a huge grin as the tractor's motor started and we started driving around the farm.

Hay ride did not disappoint. That is one happy kid.

Oscar woke up in time to enjoy the ride too.

But he just spent a lot the time smiling at me.  I think he wanted to eat his dinner.

It was truly gorgeous out.  Just really the perfect day for our farm trip.

While fun, this ride was still serious business for our boy.  He had a lot to study out here at the farm.

What a great afternoon.  Not only did we have fun, we found the perfect pumpkin, and got to bring home some of the farm's butter and cheese, as well as some "funny pumpkins" (decorative gourds).  Finn was disappointed to say goodbye.

And Oscar just kept smiling at me.

Luckily Finn cheered up when we stopped in town and he got to ride a Kentucky derby champion!

This was the point that Oscar stopped smiling.

I love that we have another Fall tradition that is so fun for my boys. It has only been a week since we went, and Finn has asked to go to the "Punkin Sarm" a few times. He also pretends to drive me there when we load up onto his "sast (fast) truck" (aka his bed).

We never did get around to carving that pumpkin.  It's just as well, I suppose.  It was too perfect to cut, anyway.