Olivia's Pick 5 October 2009

It's the Great Pumpkin Patch Season, Mamas! And this weekend we burst onto the scene with uninhibited enthusiasm (despite Mama's broken toe). A corn maze, a hay ride and fresh cider are all hallmarks of our favorite pumpkin patch, Jones Family Farms in Shelton, CT.

Looking for a pumpkin patch, hayride or corn maze near you? Check out Pumpkin Patches and More. Scroll down for a list of states, click your state and then scroll down for area autumn adventures.

Happy pumpkin hunting!

Olivia's Pick--12 October 2008

This weekend, we revelled in cool, cloudless days that can only mean autumn in the northeast. Blessed with such weather, we experimented with having some "free fun." We packed our weekend with outdoor adventures that didn't cost a dime.

We took in some sun on the swings at our lovely beachside playground. We visited a nearby farm and "baa-ed" at the sheep and "moo-ed" at the cows, and even made friends with the affectionate barn cat. We invited over some friends to share dinner and were treated to a scooter stunt show, while the littler ones pushed wagons and collected leaves. Olivia assembled a beautiful bouquet of Maple and Dogwood leaves just for her Papa.I

t was a lovely weekend and Olivia had more than her share of fun. As for us parents, we were reminded of something Olivia knows intrinsically: The best fun, the richest experiences don't cost a penny. And the memories are priceless.

Olivia's Pick--5 October 2008

In a moment of respite from the rain and wind this weekend, we were blessed with a sunny afternoon. We took the opportunity to drive to a nearby farm for some good old-fashioned pumpkin picking. Olivia was in her glory! After struggling with a few "big ones" she decided the "small, tiny ones" were more easily managed. Together, we filled the wheelbarrow with our harvested treasures and went in search of further adventures.

We discovered a wonderful hayride over the picturesque grounds. We lost ourselves in an authentic corn maze. And we giggled at the cute, but decidedly "stinky," pigs. Finally, we purchased a bag of the freshest and most delicious apples we've had all year.

Olivia's joy over experiencing autumn on a real farm was infectious. And as we were piling into the car, sharing an apple, she said "Can we do it again?"

Olivia's Pick--7 September 2008

Olivia has found a new favorite book. A soft, sweet story by Karma Wilson, beautifully illustrated by Jane Chapman. We picked up the book, Bear Feels Scared, as a further study in the emotions which were brought on by her in depth experience of Peter and the Wolf. My goal was to deal with the emotion of fear, which she was experiencing and expressing through the Prokofiev classic.

This book, Bear Feels Scared, is simply wonderful in this capacity. With illustrations you feel like you could crawl into--which Olivia tries to do saying "I want to get in the book!"--this sweet story of a bear lost in an autumn storm, and his animal friends who form a search party to find him is, quite simply, heart warming.

The best part--the entire reason I chose this particular book, for this particular reason--is that, at the end, the search party locates Bear. They warm him with hugs and lead him home.

At the end, cuddled in a heap, warm and cozy with those he loves the most, Bear feels safe.

Olivia's Pick--31 August 2008

This week marks the symbolic passing of summer and launches us, feet first, into the promise and adventure of autumn. I anticipate that, this autumn, some of Olivia's favorite picks will be:

-Heading to an apple orchard to pick some of her favorite snacks.

-Running through the pumpkin patch, choosing all the pumpkins--big and small--that we will use to decorate our yard.-

Taking our dog to the beach, once the summer people have gone home and we have our piece of shoreline back to ourselves again.

-Going trick-or-treating for the very first time!

-Running and playing in the brisk autumn air, smiling through ruddy cheeks.

-Warming up with warm apple cider, from a nearby farm.