Saturday, October 9, 2010

Pumpkin Farm

Today we visited Biringer Pumpkin Farm. It's a place I've been going to for many years with my family (probably almost 35 years, to be honest). It was a cloudy day, but we hearty northwesterners braved the drizzle for some outdoor harvest fun.


Here are my parents, lovingly called "Bapa" and "Marmie," with Maya and Sam.


Maya and Sam loved all the fun things to do and see at the farm. One of Sam's favorite things is a tractor, so the two goofs posed in front of this one, all smiles.


Amy, Colby, and Parker joined us this year. Last year, all three of them came as well, only Parker was still growing in his mama's belly. It was wonderful to have his adorable face in our pictures this year.


Here is a picture of the four of us. I loved this spot because I think the texture of the wood's grain behind us is especially interesting. It's a rare moment when our whole family is in one picture (since I'm the one normally behind the camera). We loved this time together today.


Sam found a REAL tractor to drive (although as you can tell, it's not actually moving) which totally made his day.


I took this shot myself while riding the wagon out to the pumpkin patch. I love that Sam has deep blue eyes while Maya's are a chocolate brown. I don't think I could even tell you which color I prefer--both are so beautiful to me.


Here, my sweet kindergarten girl pauses to flash me her million-dollar smile.


The kids each take their time picking out the perfect pumpkin.


And at the end of the morning, Marmie and Bapa pose with their three grandchildren to commemorate this day. We have a picture of my siblings and me with my grandparents in almost the exact same spot at Biringer Farm (probably 20 years ago). I love this shot best because of its imperfection--it tells a story of that moment.

One of the biggest blessings about living back in the Pacific Northwest is the chance to spend time with my family on a regular basis. Mornings like this one, where we gathered for a few hours to enjoy this beautiful and festive setting, remind me what a gift it is to live close to people you love. If somehow we could pick up the Russell family and move them to Everett, our hearts would be teeming with the love of family.

Happy Fall, everyone. Happy season of falling leaves, pumpkins, apple cider, spice cake (I have the best recipe), and time together with the rain falling outside.