We started going to the Boerne Pumpkin Patch years before we moved here. The environment is relaxed, there’s a great selection of pumpkins, it supports a church youth program, and it’s right off Main St (there’s something to be said for an easily located ‘patch!). With all of this fabulous cool weather I decided to take my kids there for some afternoon fun. The mission: to enjoy the FUMC Pumpkin Patch, buy a few good ones for the front porch, and then relax outdoors while the kids decorate the pumpkin of their choice.
What I brought:
- paint (I had little tubs of Crayola washable paint in our art bin, so I just grabbed those…),
- paint brushes (to ease chaos, I allowed my kids to pick three colors only, so I brought one cheap foam brush per paint per kid… i.e. 6 paint brushes),
- disposable plates (for the paint) and bowls (to hold their stickers)
- stickers (my MIL always brings the kids these fun squishy-type holiday-themed stickers – they ended up doing more with the stickers than they did with the paint! Bonus: fine-motor skills practice!)
- washi tape (I’ve got several rolls of this fun, colorful tape sitting around and thought it would be one more fun addition to our decorating – and never forget about the dexterity practice…)
- blanket
- art smocks
- trash bag (grocery store size – for the… well, trash)
- trash bag (large size – for the car, in case the pumpkins were still wet when we left)
- snacks and water
- camera
What I forgot and wish I’d had:
- paper towels (duh, Maggie! Pre-schooler + paint = clean-up must have!)
- outdoor activity (a sweet kid let us borrow his frisbee, but next time I’ll bring a soccer ball and hoola-hoops)
Everything I brought was something I already had, both because I was trying to be frugal and because the thought of running through Wal-Mart for more decorating items (like puff glitter glue, sticky googly eyes, etc.) made me want to curl up in the fetal position. The point is, though, that the possibilities for pumpkin decor are endless. Got boys? Grab ooey-gooey globby items from the Halloween isle. Got girls? Glitter spray is always a good option. Got older kids? Give them colorful tacks and have them create a design (think Light Bright style) or have a “most creative” contest.
With everything but the kitchen sink in tow, we had a fabulous time at the Pumpkin Patch. My kids kept saying, “This is so fun!”, which was nice since, as most of you can relate, kids aren’t always quick with a verbal praise for mama’s big holiday plans. The volunteers running it were so nice (every kids gets a coveted sticker!), the scenery is perfect for those Must-Have ‘patch pictures, and the kids enjoy the large cut-outs and scarecrows. I hope you’ll enjoy all the space to run around and play, or having a picnic lunch, or spreading out to decorate a pumpkin, or even catch a nap in the shade (yeah right!).
