Halloween’s A Comin’
It’s that time people! 
Halloween in Shady Pines is a big deal. Around our small Southern town folks get gussied up in costumes.
They decorate their houses and stores and come up with all sorts of pumpkin drinks and recipes.
But first things first. Before that ghoulishly fun night of candy hunting gets here there’s something you’ve got to do.
It’s best done with friends and family.
Can you guess what it is? You got it. Let’s go to the Pumpkin Patch.
I’m Scoop, the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette and I’m going there now. My assignment is to discover why so many folks say this is their favorite thing to do each year.
One thing I can tell ya, it doesn’t matter if you’re a toddler or a teen like me. A pumpkin patch is fun for everyone. So let’s Skeedaddle!
Good To Be Outside
We picked a beautiful day to be on the hunt for an orange orb. Hey, look. This working farm is so big you don’t have to worry about bumping into people. And think about this. Running around looking for the perfect pumpkin is good exercise isn’t it?
Okay, now that I’m here where should I start? I’ve gotta find people to interview for my story.
Oh, good. Here’s a mom with two youngsters. 
“If your kids don’t explore the outdoors very often, this is a great way for them to discover nature. Seeing how pumpkins grow out of the ground and are attached to vines is very educational. It helps them understand that pumpkins don’t just show up at the grocery store automatically.”
You know there’s something else that’s good about a pumpkin patch. Around every corner you can make all sorts of discoveries.
The Unexpected Finds
For instance, take a look at this photo I took. 
Do you see the colors of that butterfly next to the pumpkin? Being out on the farm you can be amazed at Mother Nature. I think this kind of stuff is really cool!
I met another mom who told me, “From the second we arrived, my children ran off with smiles, but quickly, they realized how much work it was to be in a field of pumpkins. Even running took work since the vines were everywhere, waiting to trip little, toddler-sized running feet.”
It turns out that not only is this a great way to spend time with the family, there are lessons to be learned. There aren’t a whole bunch of people working the farms these days. 
So a lot of kids don’t realize it takes hard work to be a farmer.
One young girl I met was getting a little taste of that. Just trying to push a wheelbarrow with a big ‘ole pumpkin was something she hadn’t done 
before.
She said she didn’t know pumpkins grew from tiny seeds. She also didn’t realize that they come in so many shapes, sizes and colors. “It’s kinda like people, isn’t it?“ she asked.
I have to admit, I’d never thought of that before. One couple I met said they love coming out here each October. But this year it was especially important to them. “We know so many farms and other small businesses are struggling right now. It was important to us to come out and support them.”
Pumpkin Carving and Fun Recipes
That’s reason enought for me to go home with some pumpkins of my own. I don’t know about you, but our family usually has a pumpkin carving contest. Last year my dad won. It’s 
time for me to take the title back!
The other reason I need to pick up some pumpkins is to inspire my mom. Around Halloween she likes to scare up some pumpkin dishes for us. I’m talking about everything from pumpkin pies to pumpkin pancakes. Here are some recipes for you to try: PUMPKIN RECIPES
There’s one more thing I want to mention.
These pumpkin patch visits make for some great family photos. Everywhere I look I’m seeing parents taking all sorts of shots.
Oh, No! Look at the time. I’ve got to get back to the Gazette office. My editor, Zulah Talmadge, is probably wondering why I’ve been gone so long. But this is just so darn much fun. Hope you’ve enjoyed it!
– Scoop Out
Love this. It reminds me of the sweet memories I recently made with my grandchildren visiting the pumpkin patch.
So glad you liked it!
I really like these Shady Pines stories. They make me feel good
Very cute post. And perfect timing. we’re going pumpkin hunting this weekend
This is great. What a fun post
Happy to see another story from Shady Pines! Enjoyed the subtle lessons visiting the pumpkin patch 🎃
So glad you enjoyed it!
I want to live in Shady Pines.
This was really good. I’m going to send it to my granddaughter
My favorite time of year for sure. Will have to try some of those recipes since I love all things pumpkin!
It is a great time of year. Hope you like them!
Thanks to Shady Pines for reminding us of important lessons learned in simple pleasures
I’ve missed Shady Pines happenings. Glad to enjoy time in a pumpkin patch with them 🎃
Oh. So glad you had fun with the pumpkin patch visit!
As always you give us so many differing angles on one activity – well done
It’s the Shady Pines way. Happy you liked it!
This brings back memories of going to the pumpkin patch with my kids. Now the closest I get to pumpkins is when I go to Trader Joe to buy all the pumpkin based treats!
Not the same, right? So glad you enjoyed the visit to the Shady Pines Patch!
Glad to see this Shady Pines post. We need more positive messaging for kids!!!!
Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes just like people. That’s a good one for children to hear
I’ve been going to pumpkin patches all my life. This was a fun trip
I love the hidden lessons in this post. Well done