Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Last Saturday after another soccer game in the morning, we decided it would be a good day for a trip to the pumpkin patch/corn maze/farm.  Most of the ones in our area all offer pretty similar stuff so we have enjoyed trying out different ones every year for the past few years.  This year, Eddie suggested we try Rural Hill's Amazing Maize Maze which is just a little north of us in Huntersville, NC.  The road back to the farm was very curvy, and I thought for a second I was in the mountains.  I was also riding in the back of our minivan because we had Grandma and Aunt Naomi and baby Grady riding with us.  I am happy to say I survived the ride.  This particular corn maze is actually on property owned by our county, but a private business handles the activities.  The corn maze was apparently sponsored by a local law firm this year.  This was probably the biggest maze we've ever attempted, and we had a large group with all our children (and two strollers).  We were warned that the maze would take approximately two to two and a half hours to complete although some people have taken much longer if they get lost.  This maze involves finding mailboxes with pieces of a puzzle you have to complete to create a map to help find your way out.  The corn maze was laid out in a farm scene with a windmill, a barn, a fence, etc.  It was pretty neat, and we got out in a decent time and claimed all of our puzzle pieces to create our picture of the maze scene.  We also enjoyed the other activities the farm had to offer and enjoyed getting some fall pictures of the kids too.

First, Brody heads off into the little hay bale maze.  I am proud to say I finally made it out of this maze while making only right turns.  Haha!  

Yes, Brody made quite a few left turns. 

Big brother tried to help him. 

Big brother found a little red tractor.  As you can see, Brody was on his way to check it out. 

Evan showing little brother how to drive the tractor. 

Brody's turn.  Nope, he hasn't got the hang of pedaling yet. 

Lookin' like a cute little farmer!

Sweet boy

He was like "we have got to get one of these!"

Toddler problems - he can only go backwards. 

Little farmer

And this is the method of driving that he prefers. 

Cate took advantage of Brody's willingness to push. 

"Faster Brody!"

Cousins playing together. 

Sweet little farmer girl driving a tractor. 

The kids lead the way.  Yep, it was sort of like the blind leading the blind here. 

Brody was not loving his seat. 

"Wahhhhh, I don't want to do the corn maze!" Haha!

Evan enjoyed the important job of bearing our rescue flag in case we got lost.  We found our first mailbox. 

And after a couple of hours wondering through corn, we arrived at the finish line!

Even cousin Reade was present in this picture despite his spending over half the maze with his nose buried in an electronic device riding in comfort in his sister's stroller.  Yes, he's an addict!

The maze from the finish line bridge. 

Of course, we had to take some pumpkin pictures. 

Sweet boys. 

And one with cousin Grady. 

Sweet cousins

Pictures for Grandma

Love the way Grady is gazing up at Evan.  Cousin love!

Grady's 1st pumpkin patch visit

Evan enjoying a cool sweet treat after working up a sweat in the maze. 

Lanny too. 

And Emma. 

And Reade even put down the electronics for some sweets. 

Big brother shares some with little brother. 

So sweet!

Uncle Paul thought it would be a good idea to buy this girl a red snow cone.  Haha!

Clown face!

Brody driving the big tractor.  This one calls for a comparison. 

Evan driving a tractor at the pumpkin patch in 2009. 

Driving a tractor down on the farm. 

Waving like a country boy. 

Quite possibly my favorite picture of Brody ever. 

Sweet country boy. 

We "heart" tractors!

I don't know why Evan was sticking his tongue out. 

Brody found a scarecrow. 

We got lots of pictures of Brody while Evan ran off to play with his cousins. 

Evan did help his little brother through the little inflatable maze. 

Out comes Brody. 

And down the slide. 

Happy to see big brother waiting for him. 

Evan wanted to "catch" him. 

Then, Evan and his big cousins did the obstacle course. 

And Brody and cousin Cate enjoyed jumping together. 

Love this picture of my pretty little man. 

So photogenic

Brothers

Big brother is his hero!

Evan trying to get Brody to cooperate for pictures. 

Cuties

Sweet memories. 

It was a great day!