Red Bluff Farm's Pumpkin Festival

We couldn't resist making a trip to Folsom, LA today to visit Red Bluff Farm. Every year they have a pumpkin festival on the Saturdays leading up to Halloween. I thought the very first Saturday might be less crowded, so we headed across the causeway this morning feeling optimistic. Upon arrival, we found that we couldn't even park in the designated parking lot (which is a field might I add) because everyone else had the same idea. We ended up parking in a church parking lot next door. Needless to say, it was very crowded!

There were pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. It was a beautiful day and we took full advantage.

The first thing we did was look around at the pumpkins lining the dirt roads leading around the farm. Benjamin wasn't quite sure what to think, but chose a pumpkin that was perfect for sitting.

All five of my little pumpkins!

Carston and Jackson enjoying the sunshine.

The kids sat on bales of hay in the shade to enjoy a drink. They were really thirsty during the hour long drive to the farm and I promised them a juice box upon arrival.

It took them no time at all to down their juice. Luckily, I brought water bottles as well. You might notice that Jackson sucked a bottle to his lips yesterday that left him a lovely purplish mark above his lip. Oh well, he is cute even with his purple mustache.

After our beverage break, we watched the farmer milk some cows and then got a chance to bottle feed the calves. Each of the kids got a quick turn.

Then we got to see some baby animals. Here the kids are petting a baby chick.


Carston wanted to take one home........maybe someday.

This baby piglet was adorable.

After petting the baby goat, Benjamin stood and looked at him for a long time.

Once we had seen all of the baby animals, I asked the kids to pose for a picture in the barn. They all pretended to look at me as I snapped a few pictures. They totally had me fooled:)!

We found this tractor outside the barn and the kids couldn't resist trying it out. They loved climbing up to the seat (with my help) and pretending to drive.

Benjamin was impressed by the size of the wheels.

Peyton was thrilled to have this seat to herself.

Carston kept shifting gears and was sure he could actually drive this baby.

Jackson couldn't stop smiling during his turn.
They all looked so small perched atop this mammoth tractor.

Then we headed down the dirt road to visit the rest of the animals. Here are the cows being visited by some of the roosters from next door.

Apparently the chickens like the food given to the cows. Go figure! I think Benjamin would have tried it out as well if the chickens hadn't scared him away a few times.

Jackson spent the next ten minutes chasing any chicken he could find. He loves chasing animals just for fun, he doesn't actually try to catch them.

The pigs were our next stop. The kids petted them through the fence. They named one of the pigs Wilbur. Wilbur even had his own Charlotte! You can see the boys pointing up at the gigantic spider in its web above the pigs. It was a beautiful spider, although I had no desire to get any closer to it. I am not a big fan of spiders in general.

Next to the chicken coop, there was a smaller area for young chickens. They were a funny bunch, rushing around together in a group.

Benjamin loved looking at all the animals. He crouched down for a better look.

We couldn't get the horses to come near the fence, but Grant quickly discovered that he easily fit through the fence and could walk to the horses on his own if he wanted. I was a little alarmed at how easily he got through and quickly got him back out. He gives me plenty of opportunities for adventure!

After visiting all of the animals, Jackson and Peyton worked together to scrape the corn kernels off of the cob.

We finished our visit by relaxing on a shaded bench to eat a snack near where they had a live band playing. Everyone was a little tired by the time we reached this customary picture spot. A kind lady took a picture of me with the kids, but I didn't like how it turned out so we'll have to settle for this picture taken of the kids while they tell me they are looking at the camera!

We bought a pumpkin on our way out. Benjamin investigated thoroughly before we made our final decision! I loved the wooden booths they had set up selling herbs, homemade jams and jellies, candles and soaps etc. Nothing beats a day on the farm at harvest time!
We missed having Daddy with us for our farm adventure (I especially missed him as I chased the kids around). I didn't dare attempt the hay ride by myself, so we skipped it. Only two more weeks until he comes home. We are half way there!