Old Fall traditions: Visiting the Pumpkin Farm

 OLD Fall Traditions: Trip to the Pumpkin Farm

You've heard me complain this year about having small pumpkins and

 one in a tree from our garden that is still hanging there.

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 The tree pumpkin is just beginning to blush a bit.

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 But this one is as GREEN as it can be.

So we were Off to a Pumpkin Farm,

 Didier Farms in Lincolnshire, Illinois--just two suburbs away. 

Unlike many farms in the Chicagoland area, Didiers doesn't charge for the experience

 of walking a pumpkin farm and they also don't price gouge.

 They do sell tickets for some rides, games, and experiences, which you don't have to do.

We paid about the same for our pumpkins at the grocery store or even Walmart.

It's -little kid- friendly, charming, family run and also has plenty of things to do for all ages. 

We went Friday on a weekday and took the Grandbaby (our first and only right now)with, 

she is almost three now.

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First order of business was to find the right wagon. Walking backwards pulling a wagon was a new experience for her and she was very careful...it was a very long walk, backwards though. 

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I loved all the wagons stacked up on end. Really brought back memories of our childhoods.

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 Outside the first Farm building were these great drying racks full of corn. I've given up on hanging corn outside...our squirrels are too acrobatic and they will climb up the screen door to get at corn.

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1. Didier's also has a garden center during the year, their Kale and Mum display was gorgeous.

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Cute cutouts for photo opportunities are sprinkled around the grounds. 

The witch house was adorable and perfect kid size. Now to search for a pumpkin.

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 I don't know how many acres the farm is...but searching is not an issue. MORE than enough pumpkins for everyone in Illinois it seems. Of course we have one rule----you can only pick a pumpkin you can lift.

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Grandbaby got very exceited with these monsters...and had to test her ability to maneuver a HUGE pumpkin...which she did manage to roll toward the wagon. I think it weighed twice her weight. LOL.

She gave up and pulled her empty wagon down the lane.

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 Granny (that's me) was enthralled with the bumpy pumpkins, 

but I had picked one up the day before.

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 As we walked down the lane we got to more manageable sized pumpkins.

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I just loved all the shades of orange.

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 One warty gourd and two pumpkins later, the wagon began to get very heavy.

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 Taking a break for a photo op, of course she had to drive Grampa in the tractor.

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Pony rides were out...as 

"They smell nasty Grandma."They really didn't smell bad, just farm-fresh, lol.

 We all took refuge in the Indian Village, in full size Teepees.

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These lodge poles were tied simply with rope. Very historically accurate and very sturdy in the blustery winds we had that day.

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"Grampa, this one, this one!"

"One more pumpkin Grandma, I can get this one!"

 She did have a little help---but wrestled this to the wagon.

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Such a serious endeavor getting the big pumpkin in the wagon, with Grampa's help.

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Everything had to be arranged just so.

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She even walked forward having mastered pulling the wagon.

After paying and having applecider donuts and milk, it was time to take our booty home.

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Nice Pumpkin...pat, pat....

Being Grandparents is just too much darn FUN!

And Always, Thanks for stopping by, 

Linking at these great parties:

All Things Halloween

Amaze Me Monday
Tweak It Tuesday
Show and Share no.282 
Make it Pretty Monday 
Tuesdays at our Home 
Share Your Cup Thursday
Fall Halloween Decorating
Tuesdays at Home 
Happy Fall Link Party
Over the Moon Party

  Sandi