ROAD TRIPPIN’ : SCHAAKE’S PUMPKIN PATCH

We’ve had Halloween fever ever since acquiring Mya’s costume (check out her sneak preview), so we’d been planning a family adventure to the pumpkin patch. With weekends quickly filling up with activities, we decided an impromptu Monday evening road trip was in order. We had heard about a few good area spots, but the ones we knew of were either closed during the week or too far for a weeknight trip. Luckily, we came across Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch, a splendid family farm outside of Lawrence, KS.

First up, a short hay-rack ride to the 30-acre pumpkin patch where we had our pick (off the vine) of a huge variety of pumpkins in all sizes, shapes, and colors.

Mya wasn’t quite as excited as we thought she’d be trekking through the pumpkin vines, but she still enjoyed hunting for her “baby” pumpkin (everything’s cooler when it’s tiny, right?). We think after decorating and taking part in all of the Halloween activities this year, she’ll have even more fun next year.

Somehow, we settled on two green pumpkins. Not sure how we got out of there without the classic orange, but for some reason those two (bottom left, below) were calling our names. I’m sure we’ll end up with one before all is said and done, but tonight Mya settled for just using them as a resting spot.

After the great pumpkin hunt, we tried our hand at a hay-bale maze. We found ourselves back at the entrance before we made too much progress, so we swallowed our pride and surrendered to the maze. All was not lost though, as Mya got a few trips down the slide that we found in a dead-end.

The landing zone for the pumpkin slingshot (weekends only, unfortunately) had some fun decorations. The hay Minion was our favorite and especially fitting since Mya has recently taken a liking to Despicable Me (move over, Tinkerbell).

And, we couldn’t resist the family photo op with Franken-dad, Dracu-ma, and ElviraMya.

Time flew by and we pushed until closing time, but it was time to call it a day and head home with our green gourds (okay, they’re actually squash but that doesn’t sound as good).

We were pleased with our quick trip over to Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch. It was a great family-atmosphere with plenty to do for kids of all ages. Ashley was excited to get some additions to our fall decor, and my childish excitement for a great fall holiday was renewed once again.

What’re your family’s fun fall traditions?