Pumpkin Patch!

We went to the pumpkin patch today! In what's quickly become our annual tradition, we made our way out to Bates Nut Farm (not Nate's Butt Farm, which is far funnier) in Valley Center. They have the best pumpkin patch for miles around, along with pony rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, tractor hayrides, horse-drawn wagons, and a large section of booths run by local crafters. Oh, and it's a working nut farm, which means they also have a huge store with a huge variety of nuts and candy and Christmas goodies. It's pretty close to the happiest place on Earth!

Anyway, we met my parents there this year. It's actually right in between our houses, and it was fun to have four more hands to help manage our two rambunctious kiddos (especially Maya, who is the crazier of the two!). Nikos had been talking about the trip for days, making plans about what he wanted to do. He wanted to pet the baby animals first, then go on a tractor ride, then look at the BIG pumpkins. This was his plan.

So we got there, met up with my parents, and headed to the petting zoo. I went in with the kids and my dad. Maya went bananas-- she chased little chickens around, touched goats, and didn't get too disturbed when some of the larger animals bumped against her. Nikos did better this year, but quickly decided that some of the animals were scary and that he needed to be held. He did enjoy looking at the animals, and proceeded to talk about them all afternoon ("The pig was my favorite!"), but he was a little shy about the whole experience.

Later, he announced that he wanted to ride on a pony. Sure, no problem! Except that he changed his mind, decided it was too scary, and Maya ended up going instead. This just illustrates the key difference in their personalities, doesn't it? They get along well, love each other, and they do have a lot in common. But oh my gosh! Nikos tends to overanalyze things, and fears the worst. He is so shy, and reluctant to try anything new. Meanwhile, Maya is completely outgoing and unafraid. I'm actually hoping that having such a wild younger sister might help Nikos come out of his shell a little bit. And it wouldn't be a terrible thing if some of her brother's cautiosness rubbed off on her, too!

At any rate, they both had a blast, and promptly crashed when we got them home and into their beds. How about some photos? :)




Finally, three years' worth of wheelbarrow pics! I just think it's fun to compare how things have changed since October, 2008! :)