So Long Randy

Ever since we moved to Atlanta in August of 2000, we have visited this make shift pumpkin patch on the side of the road. It started out with just some pumpkins and a huge pumpkin shaped air-jumper. I think maybe they even had boiled peanuts back then. We’d get bundled up, head out, pick out a pumpkin, and let the kids bounce away for a $1.00 a head.

Oct 2009

In the early years, we never thought to bring a camera; but the more I got into scrapping, the less likely it was my camera wasn’t with me, so the kids learned too well how to strike a pose. This has become one of my favorite shots – even though the kids somehow managed to choose a different head this year. They swapped up on me without me realizing it, but Lee’s always chosen Frankenstein. Appropriate, don’t ya think?

Pony rides, a blow up haunted house, and a rabbit petting corral were peppered in slowly. I could never understand what rabbits had to do with Halloween or autumn, but somebody apparently thought it was a good idea. It just made me feel sorry for the poor bunnies being chased down by unsupervised toddlers with a crazed look in their eye.

The put-your-head-in-the-hole doohas have also multiplied exponentially; perhaps they took cues from the rabbits. Yes, I’m aware the doohas probably have a legitimate name and that doohas isn’t a valid word; never-the-less, this dooha was a new addition this year and I thought it was photo worthy.

Face painting and Halloween props wormed their way in just a few years back. Every now and then a super cool prop appears. I wanted to take this one back home with us, but there just wasn’t enough room in the car for him.

This year’s new addition was the funnel cake shack. That’s so right up our alley, it’s like Randy could read our minds. Had I not just gorged myself on fried chicken fingers and onion petals from Folks just 30 minutes prior, I would have indulged. But even I have my grease limits.

Over the years Randy’s gotten too big for his britches, just like my boys. I really wish I had a picture of the first time we visited to compare – perhaps I can find one in my undeveloped film one day.

With the cost of his pumpkins, I’m not sure why we committed to Randy for so many years. The pumpkin jumper drew us in and tradition kept us coming back. But pumpkin jumper coolness aside – I think I was insane to pay these prices.

Gone are the days when the kids want to go through the tiny haunted house to be scared. They no longer want to jump in the super gigantic pumpkin on the side of the road. No face painting or rabbit petting. No – anything.

So this year, we lay a family tradition to rest. So long Randy, it’s been nice knowing ya.