Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Great Pumpkin Farm

Our October field trip was to a nearby "Agri-business" that is a pick your own farm with extra family attractions.We negotiated the best price possible ( 7 dollars each including a pumpkin, under 3 free) and then our homeschool group voted to supplement each person's admission with 3 dollars. We thought that 4 dollars was reasonable for each to pay and 60 folks from our group came out!

 After an educational tour about apples and pumpkins, we headed out on a hay ride to pick a pumpkin from the very large patch.
This apple sluice was interesting.

Each of the kids got a cup of feed for the goats to eat.
This farm was located on many acres and the petting zoo had a lot to see.
One of the most unusual features of this place which many of the kids remembered from coming here three years ago is it's huge jumping pillow.This could hold lots of kids.It was inflated with air like a moon bounce.
 There were three different types of mazes. This one had ropes that you couldn't cross to get to the lookout tower in the center of it.
This farm was located in a scenic valley and they offered many different things to do that were fun. It was obvious that they understood that there is money to be made  from folks who want to get out and spend some time in the country.
The outdoor amusements were simple and plentiful.
There were swings,
and a pumpkin-chucking dinosaur used on the week-ends.

The corn-crib was set up like a giant playpen for toddlers. It was full of corn kernels.Netting covered the sides to keep out the birds.
Another area of the farm held giant wooden toys to climb into and play in.

Pretty Fall sights were a delight to the eyes.Someone described these as "Cinderella Pumpkins" and I could immediately picture her carriage made out of these flatter, squishier looking pumpkins.
 Although our homeschool year has been much more difficult than in years past as far as getting the daily work accomplished, we have certainly been on some nice field trips!There is probably a relationship there! It has definitely been a pleasure experiencing so many of the beautiful things that this area has to offer, while getting to know our fellow parishioners in a relaxed setting. I am very grateful for the opportunity.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Bridal Party Hair Flair

I decided to call the hair salon that is a beauty school that I frequently pass to see what they would charge to do an up-do for the bride.When I found out that it would be only 20 dollars, I made an appointment for myself and the entire bridal party!
Sweetpea had already had her hair washed and rolled on sponge curlers at home, but was able to sit under the dryer to get it finished. The girls at the shop offered her a jelly donut.
Each gal had something unique done to her hair.
It was a quaint shop and we had fun getting pampered.
The bride got an up-do and had her veil placed in her hair where it stayed for the rest of the day and evening.

These girls got lots of beautiful ringlets put into their hair. The  students sprayed the "do's" to last and they did. W hen we were all done, we  tipped the budding beauticians and skedaddled home to get dressed and made up in an hour and a half! That cut it a bit too close- but it all worked out fine as you can see!

Here is the bride updating her status just before leaving for the church!