Fall Nesting: Pumpkin Patch and How I Carve Pumpkins {Day 8}

This past Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch. In previous years, we've gone too late and all the pumpkins were picked through. This week was the perfect time to go.

Josh and I always enjoy going to the pumpkin patch and I'm sure once we have a family it will be even better. This year we went with a couple good friends and had a great time!


A few suggestions when picking out a pumpkin:

• If you're looking for a carving pumpkin, make sure it is relatively stable when upright with a smooth carving surface.
• Make sure that the stem is still green. If it has already turned brown than it has already started to dry out and won't last as long.

Someday I want to get a bunch of the cool, really large pumpkins to put on the porch. It wasn't in the budget this year though.

We took Indy and our friends brought their miniature dachshund, Slinky, because dogs on a leash are welcome. I think Indy enjoyed the experience more than anyone else. He was fascinated by all the farm animals.

They also have a pumpkin launcher. It's a like a big boy slingshot with targets at various distances.

We came home and had our traditional meal of chili and cinnamon rolls. (Yum.)

And then the carving began . . .

Here's how I carve my pumpkin. I'm no expert, but I've had pretty good success with my "method." Sorry I didn't get pictures of all the steps. I got a little carried away. : )

1. Carefully, cut open the top with an opening big enough to scoop out the flesh.
2. Scoop out the flesh of the pumpkin. I usually try to thin out the carving side a bit too.
3. In years past I've drawn my own designs on paper, but this year I simplified the process by printing out a free pattern from Martha Stewart.
4. Tape the pattern to your pumpkin. Then poke small holes around the outline of your design. We have a small tool that came with a pumpkin carving kit, but you could use a pin.

5. When you remove the paper, you should still see the outline of your design.

6. Begin carving the smallest sections first and then work toward the bigger areas.
7. Once your done, stick a candle in it and enjoy!

If you look carefully, you can see that part of the design broke off. Oops. To fix it I anchored it back in using  a toothpick.