Howell's Pumpkin Patch

I am very excited for this post because it brings the long awaited debut of the Nelson family. The Nelson Family consists of parents Tom and Kim and their twins Taylor and Michael. They were our "family" while we lived in Des Moines, IA. I met Tom while working at Iowa State Bank. He invited Matt and I over to their house for an evening of food and games. We had a Blast and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Everytime Matt and I would leave their house we always felt so happy and uplifted. This family has a great outlook on life and are such strong, faithful people. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us and helping us grow into better people!!

So since I was so close to Iowa while out there in KC, I really wanted to meet up with the Nelsons so why not go to the coolest pumpkin patch I have ever been to. Maybe I love it so much because it is in a place that is magical to me (Iowa) but really I think it is so adorable. It is called Howell's Pumpkin Patch and they have a whole slew of things to do...so much that we didn't even get the chance to do it all.

Here we are in our group picture. Tom and Kim are the back right. Taylor is on mine and Carter's left and Michael is on our right. Then there is my mother-in-law Bonnie next to Taylor. There is also someone else making his debut on my blog. The guy on the back left is Ryan. He is Whitney's (my sister-in-law) boyfriend. This was my first time I got to meet him and he passed with flying colors.
The Nelsons spoiled Carter all day starting with a gift that he has hardly left alone since, a Thomas train engine.


There was an adorable horse tire swing there that we all took turns pushing Carter on it.



They had these great pushing bikes that Carter had a blast on.
Then of course the Tractors. These things were so heavy Carter needed the men with muscles to come help him out. And of course Tom put Carter on the red one. Tom is a HUGE Iowa State Fan and converted Matt and I while we were in Iowa.
Ryan taking his turn.


Carter wondering, "Hmm, what do I have here?"
Michael taking advantage of a great photo opportunity.
While in the area we also went to the Covered Bridges of Madison County festival.
Here is our last photo op by the bridge. In my hand I have a gift that Tom got for Matt. It is Cale Sanderson's signature who was an Olympic Medalist, a Mormon, and most importantly :) an Iowa State Cyclone.
It's so sad to say goodbye.
Michael is one of the sweetest boys I know. He loves to give hugs and hold hands. I think this is why Michael got one of the best hugs I have ever seen Carter give. P.S. I need to mention that not all these pictures were mine. The same with the below post. With so many great people taking pictures it's so fun to share them. So thanks to all those who donated their pictures to my blog.

And Thank You to the Nelsons for meeting up with us and sharing your wonderful selves with my family again. Hopefully, we will have plenty more opportunities to do more of this.