Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!!

We decided to take our second trip to the pumpkin patch today, this time with our friends and Jack's bestest buddy Kasey as well as Auntie Katie. We got there around 10, but realized the wagon rides don't start until 11. We kept the kids somewhat entertained by looking at all the animals, playing in the pumpkins, "picking apples" and running around. Jack again enjoyed the animals, this time being a little more brave and attempting to pet them. We also wanted to go pick some apples, but apparently apple picking is over and we were left with a bucket of apples to pick from. Jack still enjoyed putting the apples in the bag and we got quite a few for me to make an apple pie with....and apple crisp....and applesauce....you get the point.

We finally got to ride on the tractor after waiting quite a while in line and poor Kasey getting stung by a bee. He was a trooper and didn't even cry when it happened. Such a tough kid =) Jack of course loved every minute of the ride except for the waiting part. The first wagon we were on was being pulled by a John Deere tractor and Jack could not take his eyes off of it. He waved to the guy who was driving as we got on and had a hard time getting off because he wouldn't stop watching it. We then went and walked around the pumpkin patch playing with some vines and falling all over the place.

It was time to head home because by this time the boys were getting a little hungry and so were the adults. We took a little detour before heading home and went to see PaPa and Mammy's new house they are building. I got some fabulous pictures...see them below.

We are now headed off to Target and then over to PaPa and Mammy's for a Spaghetti dinner. Enjoy the beautiful weather...we all know it's too good to last!

Feeding the baby goats...
"Picking apples" from the apple bin...Watching the tractor...Mommy and jack on the wagon...Jack's still a little dazed from the tractorTrying to pick up a big pumpkin...Walking back to the wagon with Auntie Katie...
Playing with Kasey and some pumpkins...
Walking to daddy and PaPa...
Running down the driveway with Mammy...

Franklin County Fair

For the second year in a row we decided to head up to Malone to check out the Franklin County Fair. Mark went regularly as a child and enjoyed it far more than the Clinton County Fair so we thought Jack might also enjoy it. What's not to love about goats, cows, horses, poop, carnies and rednecks?

As soon as we arrived we went into the 4H building. Inside there is a giant "sandbox" of sorts with corn kernels in it along with some trucks and shovels. I decided to put Jack in the corn to see how he liked it. At first he wasn't too sure but he soon figured out he could throw the corn and that just made his day.




We then took a walk to see some horses, goats, cows and eventually some ducks, chickens and roosters. Jack seemed thoroughly amused by all of the animals except for the poultry kind. I think the roosters were a little too loud for him. He had quite the grip on my arm and when I put him down to take a picture of a peacock he would not let go.

Jack then enjoyed some pulled pork for dinner along with some poutine and an apple with caramel. That's right, I said an apple with caramel not a "caramel apple". Apparently up in Malone they like to slice their apples and put caramel on them... *tisk, tisk*, Malone, that is NOT how you make a caramel apple. Jack seemed none the wiser and enjoyed the apple anyways.

The main reason we went up tonight was because they had bull riding at the Grandstand. Mark thought this would be an interesting event for Jack to watch seeing as he has a true love for animals. I agreed, so next on our agenda was to head over to the Grandstand. We found a seat an hour before the show and Jack made friends with everyone around us, even a nice older gentleman named Bob whom he continued to tickle and say "HI" to. Bob was a trooper and even allowed Jack to hit him with spoons.

So the show begins and the MC announces that it is time for the children to come out into the ring. Children? I was very confused. He continues to announce that these children are all going to have the chance to ride a sheep. WHAT?? Are you serious??? These children's parents actually signed waivers for their child to ride a sheep for 6 seconds to win a prize. I have to say this is the most redneck thing I have ever heard of in my entire life. Seriously....these children were riding stomach down on the sheep, hanging on to their necks and attempting to not fall off. The first little boy to go out was probably about 3 years old, no joke, and of course fell off within 1 second of the sheep being released from the gate. Of course the little guy began to cry and if I can remember correctly, limped over to his mom and dad. Mark then preceded to ask me if I could see Jack doing that. I said "maybe at 8 or 9 years old, but never that young." Minutes later the MC came on and said this event was only for children 6 and under. ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME?!?!?! 6 years old riding a sheep like a bull. I am just beyond words by this point, sit back and pray that none of those kids get hurt and wonder why these little boys mommies are not running out there faster after their child falls straight on their head from falling off of a sheep. UGH



So besides my shock at the children riding sheep, it was all around a nice evening. Jack seemed to really enjoy himself and that's what matters the most. We left around 8:30 just before a storm came rolling in and around 8:45 our little monkey was passed out.

I leave you with a picture of Jack nice and comfy in his stroller walking around the fair....