Fall has to be my favorite time of year. The crisp, cool mornings. The changing color of the leaves and pumpkin picking. My father has been raising pumpkins forever. He loves to grow the big 500 pound ones, but he always grows lots of perfect carving pumpkins.
My Dad
Pumpkin picking has always been a family affair. We all come home and pick out our favorite ones. Then my dad piles them at the end of the driveway for people to “purchase.” Really, he leaves a bucket out there and lets people put money in it. He doesn’t make a lot, but it is enough to treat some of his favorite pumpkin helpers (my two cousins Maggie and Tillie) to dinner. My Dad just really loves to grow pumpkins and enjoys others enjoying them as well.
This year the pumpkin picking turned into a real festival. There was food, beer, and music. My dad also grows grapes for Cannon River Winery and the “festival” took place right in the vineyard. The name of my parents’ vineyard is Crazy Legs.
Crazy Legs Vineyard
My mom made a huge pot of chili (no not my recipe, it had to be vegan for my brother) with all the fixings. My brother’s band, The Dang Ol’ Tri’ole , played bluegrass for us all evening long.
Dang Ol’ Tri’ole in vineyard
My brother, Wes, is the one in the red plaid playing the wash board. They were great! Once everyone (over 21) had their mandatory beverage in hand, it was off to load up all the pumpkins. Our boys loved riding on the wagon moving the pumpkins around so they wouldn’t fall off.
The day was wonderfully perfect. After the sunset and the band put away their instruments, we lit the bonfire. I didn’t do an official count, but I guess nearly 50 people were there. Thank you to my aunt Jodi for taking these wonderful pictures!
Is fall one of your favorite seasons too? What fun things do you do with your family in the autumn time?
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