Fabulous Fall Weekend

Sometimes, visiting just one pumpkin patch isn't nearly enough.

While I'm not super-big on traditions, every year we've gone to Stoney Ridge for their Harvest Festival -- or whatever they call it. The kids are just now big enough to really revel in all the great activities: hay rides, the "jumping" house, the "train" ride, pumpkin patch, hot apple cider, etc.

They are also just barely tall enough for all the "photo op" billboards. Awesome.

And to walk on their own!! Even better.

This ride has to be a favorite of mine and I must have let it show just a bit too much. The man driving the "train" begged me to get in the last car (there were only about four kids on this trip). You can probably imagine my response. My biggest concern: I would be stuck in that train for the rest of the day. To which that wonderful man said, "Are you kiddin' me? I've had people in here 10 times bigger than you!" Love him. Should have taken his picture.

I have a picture of the girls in the same spot from two years ago. I need to dig it up. Things were not nearly as joyful, I can tell you that much.

We love you Stoney Ridge! See you next Fall! Now we've got plans to go the...

Zoo!

I mean, TWO days in a row of beautiful Fall weather??? How can you say no? And, how can you say no to ...

the Italian bike rentals? More seriously good times.

Now, this next picture, I would like to apologize for up front. I know... you all have seen thousands of pictures of animals from the Zoo. And/or have been there, done that. But this was simply awesome.

A water buffalo! RIGHT NEXT TO THE FENCE! And such a skimpy fence! MAN, this thing is MASSIVE. And so darn cute. Smooch. OK, maybe not. But worth a photo.

My kids, however, still seem to prefer posing next to fake animals. Yea... so glad we have that membership. But, truly, another fantastic day, fake animals and all.

:)