Citizens Of Tomorrow...

 Madison Elizabeth...approximate age at the time of this photo, 4 years, 10 months

Caden Wesley...approximate age at the time of this photo, 2 years and 8 months old

The Pumpkin Patch...

 Bright and early last Friday morning, Madison's school, known as "Busy Beavers Preschool," went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch at Poppell Farms.  Finding the farm was a bit challenging, and we missed a couple of turn-offs.  Eventually, we found the place, and what did we see when we got there?  Lots of pumpkins, of course!

 The next thing we saw on our guided tour were catfish--some really large, and really hungry catfish!  The fish were not shy at all about coming to the edge of the water to claim their breakfast!

As our tour of the farm continued, we saw an assortment of farm animals, including pigs, cows, rabbits, goats, chickens, and more.  I was captivated by the "fan tailed" pigeons, who resembled birds with turkey tails!  I'd never seen one before.

 I also thought "Elvis" the donkey was interesting.  I hand fed him, and wondered why in the world these folks named their donkey "Elvis".  He stood patiently beside the food dispenser waiting for the next "hand out".

 Soon we boarded a very large hayride which took us to "The Pumpkin Patch".  It was the largest hayride I'd ever seen.  There were six or seven very long trailers linked together behind a very large tractor!
We listened to some "foot stomping" music on the way to the patch, and were invited to sing along with our hostess.  Once we arrived at the patch, each of us was allowed to pick out the pumpkin of our choice to take home with us, and pose for pictures beside a fall display located in the patch.  Sometimes Charlie Brown and friends can be seen standing among the pumpkins, but there was no sign of him or his friends on Friday!

 After choosing our pumpkins,then taking a few pictures, we rode the hayride back to the farm.  The children were then allowed free time to play on several pieces of fun equipment.  This contraption was Madison's favorite.  It was an air filled floor that the children could jump on.  It was a low-to-the-ground type of trampoline made to accommodate lots of kids at once!

There were lots of scenic places to have your picture taken.  I liked this spot, among several others, and asked Madison to pose for me.  She reluctantly posed ( for about the 13th time)  while wearing her new t-shirt from the farm's gift shop!

I enjoyed going along on Madison's school field trip, and it was my first visit to a pumpkin patch--ever!  I guess it just goes to show...you're never too old!

*For a better look, just click on the photos to enlarge them.

Spending Some Quality Time...

I had the chance to spend a little "quality time" with grandson, Caden, last week, while his mama packed for their trip.  It was a quiet morning with just him and me.

Caden is usually very busy and very quiet.  However, on this particular morning, he was very talkative, and I enjoyed listening to his chatter.  I don't get the opportunity to do that nearly enough.  He's usually off with Madison, or just playing quietly by himself.

Caden and I spent some time feeding and talking with my parakeet, "Tweety", then we spent lots of time playing in the floor together.  It's always a good day when I'm able to get down on the floor and play!  I think Caden was amused by this because I don't often do it.

We enjoyed playing with the new car wash/gas station that I found in my toy closet.  I'd bought the toy several months ago, but put it aside until Caden got older.  I was having a little trouble getting the toy assembled, and Caden quickly told me "my mama could do it!"  I got tickled when he said that. Ha!  He's right, she's quite handy--me?  Not so much!

Our morning ended after much "floor play", watching three episodes of "Chuck and Friends", and taking a tour of my husband's tractor equipment!  I've never seen a nearly three-year-old get so excited over a plow, a set of harrows, and a water tank!  Perhaps we have a future farmer among us.  Only time will tell...

As I prepared to take Caden home, I asked if he'd like to take the new toy car wash home with him.  Oddly enough, he refused to take it.  Instead he wanted to take the two mini tractors, of which he has duplicates at home.  Go figure!

*photo borrowed from Christina's FB page