Apples 'n pumpkins 'n Potatoes, Oh my

Apples, Pumkins & Potatoes can only mean one thing...the annual trip to Keith's Orchard in Acushnet. We had to cancel our trip the previous two Saturdays for various reasons so were grateful we were finally going to the farm. I have been to Keith's almost every years since Levi was born, and it is a much anticipated event. Even Skip now remembers it, and looks forward to the tradition. For Harry of course, it was all new.

We were actually the first car in the parking lot which was nice, and for once even remembered to bring our wagon AND our cloth bags for holding all the goods. The plastic bags they give you ALWAYS break, and each year we say we'll bring our own- this year we did!

We first took the Hay Ride to the pumpkin patch, and again, since we were early, no lines to wait in. In fact there was only one other family with on the ride. With all the rain we' ve had the dirt road was full of holes and it made for one very bumpy ride. This of course was the highlight of the ride for Skip and Harry. Me, not so much!

The roads were not the only thing affected by the rainy summer we had as the pumpkin patch paled in comparison to all the other years we've been there! Sure lots of pumpkins, but not nearly as much "orange" as we're used to. This didn't stop the boys from picking out some pretty neat pumpkins - and probably took alot less time to choose since there was about half the selection there usually is. From the pumpkins we went to the cornfields and picked ourselves 3 dozen of the best tasting ears of corn-EVER. We've eaten every nite since then, and likely would never get tired of it. It is SO tender, SO sweet, So delicious! While the height of the corn stalks were MUCH shorter than usual (again, too much rain), they tasted even better than any other year.

Next it was a short popcorn break while Mike paid for the corn and pumpkins. It's much easier to put them in the van and save up the space in the wagon for the rest of our bounty. While waiting for Mike the boys sat and ate some freshly popped popcorn, and then we all checked out the sheep near the big barn. Rested, we headed for the apples! Harry was thrilled that we told him he could eat as many as he wanted as we picked, as long as he ate the WHOLE apple before starting a new one. His eyes were like saucers. He is very much a fruit kinda kid, so being told to eat his fill was music to his ears. I lost track after his third apple, but trust me when I tell you he had himself a little feast.

Next it was a short popcorn break while Mike paid for the corn and pumpkins. It's much easier to put them in the van and save up the space in the wagon for the rest of our bounty. While waiting for Mike the boys sat and ate some freshly popped popcorn, and then we all checked out the sheep near the big barn. Rested, we headed for the apples! Harry was thrilled that we told him he could eat as many as he wanted as we picked, as long as he ate the WHOLE apple before starting a new one. His eyes were like saucers. He is very much a fruit kinda kid, so being told to eat his fill was music to his ears. I lost track after his third apple, but trust me when I tell you he had himself a little feast.

After the apples it was time for lunch. Tradition has it we have hot dogs & applecrisp which is sold onsite, so that's what we did. I was surpised that Harry even attempted his, since he ate so many apples, but he at the whole thing, as well as some sliced apple/carmel/whipped cream dessert. The kid can pack it away! Skip had been asking for a candy apple for awhile and was disappointed to learn they were all out - go figure. He settled for the same thing Harry had.
Last stop was the Potato field. There is something about digging in the dirt with your bare hands, and coming up with a potato that just makes a little boys heart sing. They had so much fun there, and despite the fact we had about 20 lbs of potatoes, we had to drag them away. Tired, and dirty - very dirty - we payed for our goods and headed back to the van. Initially I thought the boys would pass out on the way, but a short way down the road we decided to stop at the Flyin' Cloud Orchard to check for candy apples. They had plenty of them, and some neat activities for the boys as well. Apples in hand, we left for home - tired, dirty, but content.

I first came to this Orchard more than 25 years ago, and for the last several years we've enjoyed it, but with a heavy heart, knowing our youngest son could not be there to enjoy the day. Having both boys together this year, the trip was perhaps one of the most special ones!

Don't even THINK about it, kiddo!

Hay Hut at Flyin' Cloud...

Sorry, couldn't resist...

I love this shot...by baby is a baby no more...

So many pumpkins, so little time.

A ruble for your thought.

Skip finally (for him - I can wait)has a loose tooth, so biting the apple straight on was difficult.

Can it get better for a kid? Permission to play in the dirt.

THIS is the Harry we all know and love...

Big boys for sure.

This will give you some idea about how dirty we got...