Some of those traditions were big events, like Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house…and some were seemingly small things, like a homemade country breakfast on Sunday mornings. No matter the weather, or the stresses of everyday life, there were certain things I could count on.
Unfortunately, changes in some family dynamics and the physical distance that now separates us mean that I don’t get to enjoy many of the traditions that marked my childhood.
While there is a certain sadness in that, the flip side is that we have the opportunity to create our own traditions with our girls, ones that I hope will serve as the framework for some wonderful childhood memories of their own.
I’ve written about a few traditions already, like strawberry cake on Valentine’s Day and celebrating the girls’ ½ birthdays. One of the more picturesque traditions we’ve started is an October trip to the local pumpkin patch.
I had never actually been to a pumpkin patch until a few years ago, and – although we didn’t yet have children – I immediately started looking forward to the day we would be able to bring our future kiddos to take part in the festivities…a good old-fashioned hay ride, a visit to the petting zoo, a hike through the apple trees, pictures made amid piles o’ pumpkins…to be capped off by some homemade apple cider.
We made our first family visit to the pumpkin patch last year, when the girls were about 9 months old. They weren’t old enough to enjoy a lot of the activities, but they were wide-eyed at the sight of so many big orange “balls” (at least I’m guessing that’s what they thought!).
This year, the girls got the full experience…the hay ride, the petting zoo, the pumpkins…and they even shared an apple cider slushie with Mommy.
We all had a blast!
I’ve said it a lot of late…and I’m sure I’ll just keep saying it even more…but I just love being a family of four!
6 comments:
Yes! Once you get over the initial year-long shock of having twins, it is the best, right?
What a fun day...I love your traditions. I may steal a few for myself!
We haven't been yet, but I am determined that we WILL make it to the pumpkin patch this year! Great pictures!
We do this tradition as well, and we love it! We are going this weekend, as a matter of fact to our local patch. Can't wait.
The girls will look forward to this tradition every year! Cute pictures!
So much fun! We also started that same tradition with our kids last fall and had so much fun going back this year. I had never done that kind of thing as a kid. I know we carved pumpkins every year, but have no memories of where we got them and whether I chose one or if my mom just brought one home for me.
Last year, I tried to get Tiny and Buba to help in scooping out the pumpkin "guts" and seeds, but they had almost no interest. They didn't even want to play in the gooey mess that I had scooped out for them. I have a feeling it will be very different this year. I'll find out soon enough. :o)
So fun! And I hear you on missing out on traditions with family, so instead creating your own!
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