Fall Fun

This past weekend was too beautiful to stay inside!  Unseasonably mild temperatures and the autumn colors hitting their peak made for an amazing Fall weekend!  After researching the various events in the area, we learned that the Christmas tree farm we've gone to for the past few years recently began hosting Fall festivities as well.  When we got there, we were amazed at the selection of activities that were available - we could have spent an entire day there and still not done everything!  The feature attraction was an elaborate corn maze, with the theme, "Alcatraz - No One Escapes the Rock!"  They also had a corn crib, pumpkin sling shot, corn cannon, pedal cars, hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and campfire sites for rent.  Despite an early diaper diaster that threatened to derail our plans for the day, we had a wonderful time enjoying the outdoors and spending time together as a family.           


 

Ryan fearlessly led us through the corn maze.  I'm not sure he had a sound strategy for getting us out, but we sure had fun exploring the different paths through the maze (some paths more than once!). 

 



It was a little daunting to discover water stations, Port-A-Pots, and an observation tower to help those who are hopelessly lost, overwhelmed, or panicked.  If only these photos were time stamped so you could appreciate the desperation we felt when we returned to the same spot almost a half an hour later!  Fearing a coup, Ryan agreed to let Daddy navigate the rest of the way.   

Oh, you can't imagine all of the nooks and crannies where I have found corn kernels! 

Daddy explains the mechanics of the sling shot.  For the first few attempts, Ryan loaded the apple (not sure why it's called a pumpkin shot?!) while Daddy aimed and launched it at the target.

The boys pose before their apple assault!

Ryan shouts out orders to Gunner Daddy for the final launch.

The corn cannon, which also shot apples instead of corn cobs, was a big hit as well ('hit' meaning Ryan and Daddy enjoyed it, not that they 'hit' any of the targets!).  

You can't tell from the picture, but the way Mike was driving, Ryan should have been wearing a helmet and protective gear.  Apparently, Mike thought it was bumper pedal cars.

 

Gavin watched and cheered for his favorite race pedal car team from the safety of the sidelines.

Another example of monkey see, monkey do!  Ryan and Gavin take to the kiddie track.  Ryan made a couple of loops, but Gavin stayed in the pit area. 

 

Ryan enjoyed the petting zoo, particularly the goats, who as you can see, were pretty fearless climbers.  He fell in love with this baby goat, which was for sale.  Despite his best efforts, he could not talk us into getting him one.  We did suggest he ask his grandparents to build a pen in their backyards to house a pet goat!

Gavin was excited to find that he was bigger than most of the pumpkins this year!