the great pumpkin patch

the great pumpkin patch in arthur, illinois, in the heart of the Amish Country --

my first visit to this 63 acre patch and a week later, i am still raving about it. i think i had more fun than my own kids! truth be told, i feel fulfilled that i have taken my girls to a true midwestern, out in the cornfields, middle-of-nowhere, pumpkin patch instead of to the strip mall parking lot "patches" that we have found in our california city. i know, i know, some californians will argue with me that yes, there are some REAL pumpkin patches out there too, i agree -- but i want the color-changing leaves, mud puddles to jump over, country road to drive down, hot apple cider, and the cool crisp wind to accompany us to our pumpkin patch visit!

maddie searches for the best pumpkin - she found at least 15 until we put a limit on
just how many she could buy

mia is proud of her choice

izzy's first visit to a pumpkin patch - is she a lil' punkin or what?

lots of fun with all the kids - two childhood girlfriends and their little ones went along.

as i look into the history of the great pumpkin patch  i want to know where have i been? this is the 21st season of the pumpkin patch, and well, i am well over 21 and have never been here before? why? and who do i blame for that? my mom was asked that question just a few, ok 20, times during our visit! even martha stewart made a visit to this patch back in october of 2005 when she was just beginning her tv show.

the patch grows over 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds and has corn mazes, wagon rides, and a sweet shop with the most de-lish pumpkin ice cream (shipped in from indiana but it is made with real pumpkin  - i asked.) the kids had a fun time, and this mom was enjoying being a kid again herself. i am not sure how many times we will be able to return to illinois during the fall but when we do, this will be on the very top of our "to-do list."

some memorable photos...