Saying goodbye to a family tradition...

After church today, we got in the van and drove up to Granger (a little town north of us). Each year about this time, we go to the Granger Pumpkin Patch. It's a large farm with tons of stuff for the family to do. Things like:

1. Those cute cutouts that you can take photos with. You know the ones. The bodies of are painted onto a large piece of plywood but the faces are missing. There are big ole cutout circles you stick your face through. The Flintstones. A farmer and his clan. Aliens. You get the idea.
2. Haybale maze for the little ones. Low enough for the kids to run through the maze and not be able to "peek" but short enough for parents to watch from the outside and help guide them through, if they need any assistance.
3. A petting zoo. Baby goats, bunnies, cow, you name it.
4. Small country store that sells cider, hot cocoa, jams and preserves, and sugar cookies and pumpkin goodies.
4. Tractor rides that take you out to...
5. The big corn maze and...
6. The pumpkin patch.

Well, we got all the way out to the location of the farm only to find it's no longer there. I mean, the farm is there. However, the owners have either sold the property or decided NOT to grow pumpkins and open it to the public. The corn maze is no longer there (replaced with acres of tall sunflowers - mostly dried and spent). Neither are the pumpkins. The entrance to the area that was the parking lot has been closed off with a barbed wire fence. It was very sad. We've been going there for at least 4 years now (maybe 5). Even though it's a bit of a drive, it's the best pumpkin patch around. Lots to do and see and snack on. It is no more. Heavy sigh!

So we drove home and stopped at the grocery store to see their pumpkins. Okay, we'd always let the kids pick one each at Granger but then buy the BIG ones locally (less cost per pound). Geesh! Even Walmart and Freddie's are sitting around 20 cents per pound right now. I did talk with a good friend later and she said WinCo had them at 9 cents per pound. Guess that's where we're headed next.

Regardless, it's quite disheartening to know that we won't be able to go to Granger anymore. The kids were so excited when we told them this morning...and oh-so-sad when they saw that Granger (as they knew it) is no longer there. Guess we'll have to head to the local patch next season. Close but not quite the same feeling.

"Gotta Do It" challenge: Guess I better scrap those photos from last year using a different spin. Traditions. Usually meant to last a lifetime. Sometimes cut short. Don't let yours escape your memory. Document them so you and your family can enjoy them for a lifetime.