Pumpkin Patch

 Our balmy fall has stuck around, so there's been EVEN MORE fun outside-

                           

While it was entertaining to try a change of scenery for last year's pumpkin run, we went back to the tried & true with Grandma's Pumpkin Patch in Healdsburg.  We started our day with a Louisiana-style breakfast at the Parrish Cafe (Yay, beignets!) - then it was time to pick out pumpkins.

You might think that 1 pumpkin per kid would be sufficient.

You would be wrong.

Because Mommy needs a pumpkin, too, and someone would be more than happy to pick one out for her.  And then we need a little pumpkin.  And because we have two hands, we need a little pumpkin for our other hand.

And it's always fun to ride in the pumpkin cart and drive the tractors.

After a morning among the pumpkins, the grown-ups get their reward - stops at Michel Schlumberger for a tasting & lunch on the sunny patio,

and Preston to refill our wine jugs.  (Brennan and Lucie like the cats, and discovering where pomegranates come from)

Now that we sort of have our school routine down, Brennan has gone back to swim classes at the YMCA.  Sometimes Lucie tags along and gets to swim with Mommy while Bren has his lesson, if Mommy has her act together.  One sunny Wednesday, Mommy unbelievably had her act together well enough to pack up the swim gear and 1) get the kids to their respective schools; 2) volunteer for kindergarten library time; 3) get to her doctor's appointment on time; 4) get a flu shot after the appointment; 5) pick up Lucie before nap time sets in at preschool; 6) get Brennan to a right-after-school doctor appointment for his flu shot; and 7) be done with all of this in time for swim class.  Which, of course, was cancelled.  So we went to Ocean Beach.

And had a fantastic time!