Pumpkin Patch Magic: From Stella's First Steps to Cherry's Sweet Dreams (and Why We Keep Coming Back!)

Okay, you guys. Fall is officially here, and you know what that means for the Beeston crew? It means it's time for our annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch! This is seriously one of my absolute favorite traditions, and every year it just feels a little bit more special. This year was no exception, especially since it was our sweet little Cherry bear's very first time experiencing all the fall magic. And yes, she pretty much slept through the entire thing :,) but honestly, that's just peak baby Cherry, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It was still so precious, and I just knew we had to go and make those memories.

I mean, can you even believe how fast time flies? I was swiping through old photos, and I found a picture of Stella at this exact same pumpkin patch when she was just a tiny little thing, barely walking. And now, here we are, with three girls, and a new baby experiencing it all for the first time. It just makes my heart feel so full, like it could burst. I swear, sometimes I just want to freeze time, you know? But then I see them growing and learning and experiencing new things, and it's just the best thing ever. It’s this weird mix of wanting them to stay little forever and also being so excited to see who they’re becoming. That’s motherhood in a nutshell, I guess hahah.

The Tradition Starts Early (Even if They're Napping!)

For me, starting these traditions early was always important. Even when Stella and Ozzy were super little, I wanted them to have those core memories of fall, of going to the pumpkin patch, picking out the perfect pumpkin, running through the corn maze (or trying to, hahah). It’s not about the perfect photo op, although I do love a good fall picture, ngl. It’s about the feeling. It’s about the crisp air, the smell of hay and pumpkins, the sound of their little giggles. It’s about being together, making memories that we’ll all look back on and smile about. Even if Cherry was snoozing in her carrier, she was there. She was part of it. And honestly, that’s all that matters to me. She’ll have plenty of years to pick out her own pumpkins, but this first one, even if she was asleep, is still so special to me. It’s a milestone, a little checkmark in her baby book, and I’m so glad we went. I just love that we get to share these moments as a family. Tanner is always such a good sport too, he gets into it just as much as the girls do, which makes it even better. He’s my hype man for all the traditions, and I love him for that.

Finding Our Perfect Patch

We’ve been going to the same pumpkin patch for years now, and I think that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s not just any pumpkin patch; it’s our pumpkin patch. We know the layout, we know the best spots for pictures, we know where to find the cutest little pumpkins. It feels familiar, like coming home. And seeing it through their eyes, year after year, is just incredible. I remember Stella being so tiny and just mesmerized by all the pumpkins. Then Ozzy came along, and she was always the one who wanted to pick up every single pumpkin, no matter how big, and try to carry it herself. Now with Cherry, it’s a whole new chapter. It’s like watching a movie on repeat, but every time there’s a new character and new reactions. It’s the best kind of rerun, you know? If you can find a local spot that you love and make it your go-to, I highly recommend it. It just adds another layer of warmth to the tradition. It becomes a part of your family story, and that’s pretty cool, tbh.

Embracing the Chaos (and the Naps!)

Let’s be real, going anywhere with three little ones, especially a baby, is always a little bit chaotic. There’s always someone who needs a snack, someone who needs to go potty, someone who’s suddenly tired. I used to stress so much about everything being perfect, about getting the perfect shot, about making sure everyone was happy 100% of the time. But over the years, I’ve learned to just let go. To embrace the mess, the meltdowns, the unexpected naps. Like Cherry sleeping through her first pumpkin patch! Part of me was like, “Oh no, she’s missing it!” But then I looked at her sweet, peaceful face, tucked away in her carrier, and I just thought, “This is perfect.” She’s comfortable, she’s warm, and she’s with us. That’s what matters. It’s a memory, even if she won’t remember it. I’ll remember it. And that’s enough for me. Sometimes the most imperfect moments are the most perfect ones, aren’t they? It’s a lesson I’m still learning, but one I’m so grateful for. And honestly, it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable for everyone, especially for me. Less stress, more joy, that’s the goal these days.

Making Memories, One Pumpkin at a Time

I feel like these little traditions are what build the foundation of our family. They’re the stories we’ll tell, the photos we’ll look back on, the feelings we’ll cherish. It’s not about spending a ton of money or doing something extravagant. It’s about showing up, being present, and making time for each other. Whether it’s a pumpkin patch trip, baking cookies, or just having a family movie night, those are the moments that truly count. And watching Stella and Ozzy get so excited about picking out their pumpkins, running around, seeing their faces light up – that’s pure magic. They’re getting older now, and they’re starting to really understand and anticipate these traditions, and that’s a whole new level of joy for me. They’re already talking about what kind of pumpkins they want to carve this year, and it just warms my heart so much. I love seeing their personalities shine through in these moments. Stella is always so thoughtful about her choice, while Ozzy just goes for the biggest, most unique one she can find hahah. It’s just the best.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a fall tradition with your family, or if you’re already doing it, just know that it’s worth every single moment. Even the sleepy ones, even the chaotic ones. These are the memories that will last a lifetime. And I’m just so grateful that I get to experience all of this with my amazing husband and our three beautiful girls. Every season, every milestone, every little moment is a gift. And I’m just trying to soak it all in, bc I know it goes by way too fast. I’m already looking forward to next year’s pumpkin patch trip, wondering what new adventures and memories we’ll make. Maybe Cherry will be running around with Stella and Ozzy by then, who knows! But one thing’s for sure, we’ll be there, making magic, one pumpkin at a time. :,) Love you all so much, thank you for being here and sharing in our journey!