Off to the Pumpkin Patch

And so begin the fall/Halloween festivities! Last weekend we made the long but completely worthwhile drive out to Apple Annie's in Willcox to get apples and pumpkins. They have two separate locations -- an apple orchard and a produce farm where you can pick your own pumpkins. They're only about 15 minutes apart from each other and both require a visit. We've been going to Apple Annie's just about every year since we moved to Arizona. Technically, Ellie's first trip to Apple Annie's was back in 2010 in utero.

Last year, Ellie and I skipped out on the annual trip since I had a wicked headache after the Bisbee run and no husband to join in the fun. This year was so much better, and I think the best weather we've ever had out there. Joining us were two special visitors: Brian's sister Shelby and her fiance, Robert! They came down from Iowa to spend a week with us and amidst all the must-see Tucson attractions, it was perfect timing that they could come along to Apple Annie's.Our first stop was the apple orchard.We didn't get any apples (go figure) but we found plenty of delicious and juicy Asian pears! Ellie also enjoyed her first wagon ride and I know for a fact it won't be her last.

When she wasn't riding in the wagon, Ellie could be found wandering through the rows and rows of fruit trees.

She even helped pick a few pears.

After filling up our pail, Ellie contentedly sat in the wagon on the way back (my favorite picture of the day).

Taking advantage of the slightly cheesy apple tree family photo op. I just love her expression -- even she can't believe how corny it is! :)

Our growing girl. By the way, how is Ellie almost three feet tall?!?

After a stop in the bakery to pick up a some cider donuts and the best apple crumb pie in the world, we drove over to Apple Annie's produce farm to pick out our pumpkins! Another wagon ride was necessary, although I did catch Ellie trying to taste the dirt in the bottom of the wheelbarrow (ick!).

We found a primo spot to pick our pumpkins, farther than most people wanted to walk but not as far out as where the hayride folks were being dropped off to look for their pumpkins. In no time at all, Ellie was directing us to where the best pumpkins were.

All while getting quality time with Aunt Shelby.

It really didn't take very long to find four awesome pumpkins (two larger for carving and two smaller for the front porch) so we headed back, loot in tow.

After grabbing a quick bite of some yummy barbecue, we walked over to the huge field of sunflowers.

And checked out the big tractor. You can barely see it on the right edge of the picture but I thought it was too hilarious not to crop out Brian running over to make sure Ellie didn't fall off!

We had to get some pictures with the pumpkin display at the pumpkin stand. Ellie still wasn't too sure about sitting on her own on the hay bale at first (remember our trip to Agua Linda Farm last year?)... 

... but she came around pretty quick.

We also got a great family photo thanks to my sister-in-law!

Ellie napped for the majority of the ride home and we all gorged ourselves on apple pie and homemade cinnamon ice cream the next day. This year's trip to Apple Annie's was hands down my favorite!