Bauman Farms Pumpkin Patch

Ahhhh. We're home from the annual Salem Home Educators field trip to Bauman Farms Pumpkin Patch. I'm wet and dirty and cold, but oh, such a good time was had!

I packed warm PJs for each of the boys so before we left they could ditch their muddy clothes and boots and snuggle into their car seats, all warm and dry. Unfortunately, it's less likely that I would get away with stripping down in the parking lot, so it's muddy clothes for me until we get home and settled.

Here are the highlights:

We got to watch how apple cider is made. The best part was drinking the sample with our friend, Cayman!

After that, we moved on to the farm animals. They have goats, chickens, llamas, ponies, cows, geese, bunnies and piglets. We spent quite a bit of time with the animals, as usual. This was Levi's first time up close and personal with such friendly animals and he was a bit apprehensive. The goats liked to chew his hair, so I had to keep a good eye on the lot of them. Notice that his hood is up.

Solomon loved this kid - she was so snugly!

When it was Levi's turn to feed the goats he finally softened to them and let them lick the pellets off his hands. He wasn't really impressed by the slimy residue left on his palms, however.

Then we got on a tractor pulled wagon and were ferried out to the pumpkin patch to choose our pumpkins.

"Which one should I pick?" he says. "One that you can carry by yourself!" I say. Because Mommy has learned. Picture me tracking down a wheelbarrow to get "Any pumpkin you want, Sweetie!" back to the van.

Then it was time to play and goof off with friends. They have all sorts of hay mazes, including one that's a huge pirate ship and one that's pitch black inside. Zip lines, play equipment, and anything you could think of that could be made out of hay bales. It's a really neat place.

Cayman & Malachi = BFF!

Solomon & Zion = BFF

....and the fruits of our day! The cat thinks he's part of the display :)

PS - In case you noticed a little missing somebody, Zephan had a fun day hanging out with Goga in the dry, warm house. We're planning on visiting another pumpkin patch with him, but this one is closer to home, more compact, has less mud and we'll be going when it's not raining! Much more enjoyable for toting a small one!