Most of October but unseasonably mild this year, but the day we scheduled a field trip to the pumpkin patch with FLEET was a typical wet, gray Seattle day.
But, we live here, so we're used to it. Throw on some rain boots, grab a sweatshirt, and we're good to go.
Aubree opted out of joining us in favor of another activity with friends. Something about being "too old" to enjoy the activities at the pumpkin patch. Or maybe she was afraid she wouldn't fit in the barrels anymore?
Nice Bryce was willing to squish Nellie in with him.
Thane enjoyed partnering up with Venna.
Graham and Liliana are both pretty adorable.
We had a great time at all the different stations with our friends.
This picture of Ben and Graham is pretty much perfection.
Nellie is big enough now to participate in all the activities without much assistance.
It always cracks me up when the kids are turned loose to choose their own pumpkins. Nellie chose her "cute little" pumpkin quickly, but was distressed at how heavy it was when she tried to carry it.
Bryce knew ahead of time just what kind and size of pumpkin he wanted.
Thane was the last kid to choose a pumpkin because he kept changing his mind, but was thrilled with his final choice.
Graham set out on a quest to find the "perfect" pumpkin. It took him a while, but he was ultimately successful.
Our FLEET group consisted of about 25 kids, ranging in age from newborn to 13, and their moms. Our poor tour guide, being used to school groups of kids all the same age, did not quite know how to handle a home school group. She kept stopping to count how many kids we had, lecturing the big kids on being gentle and careful around the little kids, getting frustrated that the kids didn't stay in a line, and stumbling over whether or not to address her teaching to the big kids or the little kids.
As parents, we wanted to encourage her to lighten up. Each parent would take care of their own children, no need to fret and count. Our big kids are used to having little kids around all the time. In fact, many of those little kids are probably siblings and they'll be helping them to navigate the activities. No need to constantly remind these kids. Lines? It's true, home school kids aren't used to being asked to stand in a line. They're also not used to having their time governed by whistles and bells. It will require extra patience when implementing these unfamiliar techniques. As for teaching, teach to the older kids. The parents will fill in the gaps for the younger kids as necessary. These kids are used to being taught at a variety of levels.
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