It's just a pumpkin

Yes, we did the pumpkin patch thing. The kids love it or so we (their parents) like to think they do. Honestly, my oldest son talks more about "the old red tractor at the pumpkin patch" more than anything else. If I could just get one of those things in my backyard, I would never have to go anywhere ever again. But that wouldn't be much fun, now would it?   However, after reading this post a few months ago by a favorite blogger, it made me think twice about what events or "memories" meant the most to me.  I couldn't agree more with her opinion, but after careful consideration, our annual pumpkin patch visit is not one I'm willing to give up...just yet. 

You know, I never carved a pumpkin until I was in my late twenties?  I learned how to roast the seeds and all that good stuff from a friend who had grown up doing this fall tradition and  I remember thinking to myself, "Why didn't mom ever do this with us as kids?  It's fun!"  Well, I can guarantee that as a single mom, it was too much for her to do by herself, dragging three young kids to some rural pumpkin farm or even carving a store bought pumpkin with three kids wanting to help.  Sure we did lots of other stuff as a family but the pumpkin thing was something she choose not to do and I don't blame her one bit.  (She sure enjoys taking the grand kids though!)

For me, our visit to the pumpkin patch symbolizes the culmination of  fall with Thanksgiving being the grand finale. I actually really enjoy admiring all the unique characteristics of each pumpkin and watching my son pick what he thinks is "the perfect pumpkin."   The pumpkin patch doesn't cause me stress because there's no start time that we're committed to make, there's not a huge financial investment made upfront, the kids can run around and play and if they start having a meltdown, we go home.  It's just a pumpkin.  If we luck out with a cute picture, great.  If  not,  no big deal.  Its just a pumpkin.  Some years we get around to the carving and roasting part, some we don't.  It's just a pumpkin.  And quite frankly, how many more years do you think these sweet children are gonna indulge us in this simple pleasure?

There are no fonder memories than those created in your own home.  However, suburban living just isn't cut out for pumpkin farming.  Maybe next year I can try my hand at planting some pumpkins here. I've heard pumpkins are actually very difficult to grow but how hard can it be?  It's just a pumpkin.  For now we'll be supporting local farms with our annual visits which is a "very good thing."  What family traditions or events do you cherish most?  I'd love to hear from my fellow peaches!