Pa's Pumpkin Patch

 We took the kids to Pa's Pumpkin Patch. It was our first year there. Held on the same grounds and hosted by the same group that does Snowy Pines Christmas Trees which is where we
 used to go hunting for our Christmas tree. Pa's is down on PCH by the Marina Shopping Center.

Our friends, Cakestina and her fellas met us down there for some pumpkin patch fun and Ruby's for dinner afterwards. We bought some tickets and it was so much fun watching JT and HeaBug roam/run through the pumpkins of all sizes and play games. They each road ponies (then HeaBug asked Mr. B for one of her own), jumped in the big pumpkin jumper, shot cork guns and threw darts. They slid down the giant inflatable slide and navigated their way through the house of mirrors.

JT is my Jr backup photog... It's how I snag pics of me with Mr. B. He's great at focusing and learning about shooting in aperture priority mode.

There is music playing throughout the patch and sometimes... when you hear the music... you must dance.

 My kiddos happily obliged for pictures. They're used to it by now and rarely fuss. HeaBug enjoys smiling for the camera and often asks me to take pictures of her doing something funny so she can see, or to take pictures of a toy that she's going to put away so that she won't miss it later... Silly girl.

 Man this guy is the best dad. Sure does help that he's so handsome too... He too has learned that it's better to just smile and patiently await the inevitable click. I caught him across the Pony Pen... looking all manly.

 JT rode so that his sister wouldn't have to ride alone. He's such a good sport. I think he really liked it but said he'd rather ride a horse that goes "really fast". HeaBug was over the moon to ride her pony. She decided when we left that she was going to have a Cowgirl Birthday... Her birthday is still 4 months away. Love my little planner.

Since he patiently rode the pony... he got to shoot something. Ah being a mom to a boy...

Mr. B... taking down some ducks

 He won me a teeny prize ;) HeaBug asked for it and Mr. B told her it was for his "Lady". She sighed, "That's so cute". My little romantic.

don'mess at Pa's Pumpkin Patch.

We found our winner. Such a fun night with these B's

Staymen Winesaps at Willowbrook Apple Farm

We have made quite the tradition of going to Willowbrook Apple Farm in the fall and picking our own Staymen Winesap Apples from their small orchard of 100 year old trees. 

I can't believe it's been a year since we went in 2011. This year is literally flying by...

 The orchard is perfect. It's shady, there are trees surrounding the main house. You can visit Comet the miniature horse, Blossom the pig, the chicken coop or Floppy the GIANT rabbit. The crop was abundant this year so apples were right in arms reach for little ones. They enjoy spying the perfect apple and then adding it to their bag.

This is our fourth year coming to Willowbrook. Click HERE to see our trip in 2010

Caramel Apples. So Tasty!

 When we first arrive, you can sample apples, caramel, honey, and cider all made on the property. Only a few people at a time are admitted so you never feel overwhelmed or crowded as you wander through Willowbrook. You choose which size bag you would like to fill and then listen to instructions on how to properly pick them. No pulling, just twisting them off the branch.

 Taking their picture in this grove lets me see how fast they grow. It's too fast. Most definitely. I love bringing them back here every year.

 Glad my little shutterbug is learning how to use my cameras. I normally only allow him to shoot on my back up (Canon Rebel Xt) but I had my "big" camera with me today. He noticed that it was much heavier and did a great job snapping pics of Me and Mr. B.

Backbends in the orchard.

 

He has my heart.

So do they. 

Just for giggles... Since I wasn't blogging efficiantly then... I went to my myspace (OMG who remembers myspace!?) and found these pics of our first time at Willowbrook.

 

Willowbrook in 2008