Not Quite the Pumpkin Patch

I *heart* fall. It's my favorite time of year, hands down. I love the leaves, I love the pumpkins, I love the football, I love the sweatshirts, I love the apple cider--ALL OF IT. And with a week of vacation scheduled for the second half of October, I have been anticipating a trip to the apple orchard / pumpkin patch with my guys for months.

{Cue the Little-Did-I-Know music}

Unfortunately, I didn't get the best of weather for my week off; it's rained four of the five days I've been home with the guys. But did I let my dreams of pumpkins and cider and all things autumnal crash and burn? Well, maybe just a touch (we did spend a couple of those days in our PJs). Until yesterday, when we trekked up to Mansfield to visit my folks and enjoy the season.

With PaPa & PooPoo, during the only glint of sunshine we got.

Cheese, with a side of gourds.

After getting loaded up at Apple Hill with apples, apple cider, and apple donuts (HEAVEN), we headed over to Wayne's Country Market to play in the kids' barn, complete with straw maze, zip line, and huge sliding boards--all under a large tent and protected from the drizzle. Aiden had a BLAST.

Cameo appearance by Mom.

Aiden went down the slide(s) at least 20 times.

And Mr. Nolan? He was just content to sit in the straw.

Too preoccupied to look up at Mom for a photo.

They also got to hang out with rather large scarecrow. :)

All in all, it was a great, if not slightly damp & chilly, day, and we can't wait to do it again next year--hopefully with a bit more sunshine.