At this point in the season, we’d already visited many farms and done many fall activities (to an embarrassing degree). Not knowing what to do on our day off during the final autumn days, we decided to return to Ferme l’Éco des Champs. After all, it was open daily and had accommodating hours.
It was the ideal place to go. I knew that it would be a long enough drive to be a road trip, and the kids would be able to spend time outdoors and get all the fresh air, as well as interact with and appreciate the farm animals, and life in all its simplicity and resilience. Moreover, this farm that’s so well-loved by its owner, really is a spiritual retreat for visitors.
We visited during their peak autumn season and were greeted by a very autumn-y scenery. Pumpkins from all walks of life adorned the entrance with such welcoming brightness. We were also greeted by all the hungry chickens, to be sure. They followed us as soon as they saw us on the farm, as if they could sense that our little gnome had food on him — he did.
The outing was particularly memorable. We fed the chickens, which Keaton enjoyed immensely. I, too, found it deeply healing. I never even thought I’d like chickens — until now, that is, especially after having seen how social and cute they can be. In fact, all the animals on the farm were friendly and social, except for the alpacas, really. They looked like haughty cats judging me — unimpressed.
Being amongst all the animals was a calming and therapeutic experience — this is why I love this farm so much. Getting up close to the animals was a very personal experience, and they were all so well-loved and taken care of (the owner is a human gem). Gaia was also curious herself. She especially enjoyed observing the piggies.
Beaver Pond
After attending a family-friendly Halloween event at the Diefenbunker Museum — Keaton was dressed up as Marshall from Paw Patrol and Gaia was a round, squishy pumpkin — we spent the remaining part of the day walking around Beaver Pond in Kanata, which is where we had our family photos taken.
The sight of yellow and orange leaves was golden. I love that Keaton enjoyed walking around with us and exploring the scenery. Gaia, on the other hand, also enjoyed the moment with her one fry in hand. These are the simple family moments that I live for.
Geobern Farm – The James
The final farm we visited was the Geobern Farm – The James. This farm was as cute-as-a-button, especially their play barn that really was a magical place for kids to be. Heck, even as an adult I found myself swooning at all the children’s activities. There was a colouring table, a ball pit, a costume station, a sensory table, and a reading bench, to name a few.
The barn was beautifully decorated with Halloween characters, too. The details and thoughts that went in to making this place a festive and welcoming space for kids and families, were so impressive. Keaton especially loved the corn sensory table with tractors, while Gaia enjoyed playing with the barn house toy which featured farm animals. She was also so social on the wagon ride!
After these visits, it was Halloween not too long after, of course. Keaton was Marshall from Paw Patrol — he was so darn adorable with his hat and hanging ears and tail — and Gaia was the roundest moochable pumpkin on this earth. While the former chose this year’s costume, the latter was stuck with my choice. Since I was a pumpkin as a kid, I’d reasoned that she’d be one on her first Halloween, too. Even she found her pumpkin costume cozy and fit for cuddles.
While Keaton missed having his best friend trick-or-treating with him this year — she’d gone back to her country, sadly — he did have a new addition: his baby sister to join him. We went trick-or-treating in my parents’ neighbourhood, and I was surprised at how many candies Keaton had gotten. So much for a miniature size human. Gaia had fun going through his stash, too (it’s sensory play for her).
We’d visited Millers’ Farm and Market many times before, especially during the summer months to pick strawberries or buy produce in their market shed and visit their playground, but this was the first time we visited the farm during their annual fall festivities. My heart somersaulted, because friends, this place was an enchanting pumpkin oasis unlike any I’ve seen so far — it’s as if the farm itself wore the colour orange!
It was difficult upon arrival, though. Keaton was devilishly cranky and upset that we’d opened the package of his fruit bar the wrong way, and no matter how hard we tried to rectify the situation nothing worked. He kept crying and screaming the gates of hell open. At that point in time, which felt like an eternity, my heart and mind were in complete disarray.
Somehow, after hugs and reassurance and our clumsy attempt at bringing him to the car to calm down, he started settling down — somewhat. He accepted the fruit bar as is, and was even looking forward to using the camera tripod to take photos. The excitement of the wagon ride also saved us (thank goodness).
We were lucky, because although the farm normally offered wagon rides on weekends only, when we visited on that particular weekday they offered them as well (weekdays were already bustling with eager visitors at that point).
We hopped on a wagon ride to their pumpkin patch (Keaton was appeased by his fruit bar by then). The pumpkin patch was huge of course, with orange and white pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. This time, we picked white pumpkins as we already had a collection of orange ones at home (probably being eaten by squirrels, too, while we were away).
The only odd and unpleasant part about the experience was just how hot it was. It felt like a hot summer day, rather than a chilly autumn one. Who knew I’d be in a dress and sandals sweating like a sumo wrestler in a pumpkin patch in October in Canada?
Gaia picking up twigs and playing with the ground, as per usual
This scene and angle was particularly dreamy and idyllic. Look at the endless field of pumpkins! I could imagine how perfect it would be for professional photoshoots. While I’m not on social media myself, I could also see how these photos would be eye candy on Instagram.
Even if I’d never done this when I was young and found it quite silly, now that I’m older, I do find it quite endearing seeing young ladies and their friends come all dressed up, ready to take those perfect photos. I wish I’d done some of it when I was younger (except I was busy contemplating life and spending copious amounts of time in public libraries in complete hibernation).
As a mom now, I love scanning for opportunities to take photos of our family, especially of the kids. Funnily enough, Keaton successfully snapped a few good photos of the four of us. We weren’t just all present in the photos, but we were also all smiling (somewhat), which, to me, was the biggest achievement.
I have Keaton to thank for our successful family photos. He was the one who’d insisted on bringing the camera tripod to the farm (he’s been into taking photos with my phone recently). Crazy that we had it but just never used it, until our little guy had developed an inkling towards photography.
As my husband was strapping the kids in the car, I had to slither away to the entrance one last time to soak in all the pumpkin vibes, which were the highlight of my day. I couldn’t get enough of this quintessential autumn scene.
Our current autumn and Halloween-esque backyard. Forgive the half-eaten pumpkins and shrivelling mums.
My husband’s first pumpkin carving of the season! Something I adore about him is his penchant for ideas and spontaneous creativity. Out of nowhere tonight I heard him rummaging for a knife and bowl, only to scurry quickly to the yard right after. Then he showed me this.
Last night, we attended Pumpkins After Dark, a Halloween-themed walk-through event at Wesley Clover Parks that features over ten thousand hand-carved pumpkins. This event spans from September 29 to October 31, 2023, so there’s plenty of time and opportunities for Halloween enthusiasts to visit.
Because this event takes place over the course of a month, it really is ideal for those like myself who prefer a leisurely stroll devoid of intense crowds. In fact, when we visited last night, a summery Sunday evening, there wasn’t a crowd at all (it helped that the displays were vastly spread out).
Tent of funky displays
These pumpkins had all been hand-carved, and the details are just out-of-this-world impressive!
My brother would’ve loved these. They’re made out of pumpkins. How cool is that?!
The dinosaur display, or “Jurassic Zone,” was Keaton’s favourite part. He even argued it was Jurassic Park, not Zone. This was the part where he demanded for his daddy to take him off his shoulders, and excitedly ran off.
The Avengers
Batman and Superman!
Fictional and non-fictional boxing legends. (Again, all made out of pumpkins!)
Dreamy tunnel of pumpkins and lights
Singing pumpkins!
This little tunnel of singing pumpkins and dancing lights was so much fun. The entertainment factor was very well done!
As we continued, we saw so many more cool displays made out of pumpkins, featuring the Ouija board, Michael Jackson, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter, Cinderella, and many more!
Keaton, although a bit scared at times, enjoyed it, especially the dinosaur exhibit. He also loved running towards the displays with lively music. (Perhaps he’s a little party animal, too, who loves going out at night.) Gaia, on the other hand, sweetly and quietly observed her surroundings from the comfort and warmth of her blanket and stroller throughout the evening.
As for my husband and I, it felt like a date night even with the kids present. We seldom go out at night in general because we have young kids (lame excuse, I know). But last night, this spontaneous outing was one of the best decisions and family events we’d made and experienced. It also helped immensely that the walk-through was leisurely and Keaton followed suit without any battles whatsoever (win!).
Everything contributed to a successful, memorable evening: an impressive and entertaining Halloween event, a warm evening with a light autumn breeze (featuring a big orange full moon), kids that were low maintenance, and finally, feeling that we’re actually living life as parents and as a family.
I think this marked our last time strawberry-picking at Rideau Pines Farm, and the moment was magical and just right. We arrived an hour prior to closing time, just as the sun was starting to set.
While we didn’t get to fill our basket this time around as strawberries were very sparse, we were still very lucky to have made it out this late in the season. In fact, they’re one of the only — if not the only — farms that had strawberries available for picking going into fall.
These strawberries are the sweetest I’ve ever had, even the bright red and white-tinted ones. Imagine the deep reds — they’re like candy!
Cannamore Orchard
Keaton excited to go pumpkin picking with his wagon
A longer walk, but we found BIG pumpkins at the farther patch
The addition of a toy shed this year
Gaia enjoyed playing with the farm house toys
Cannamore Orchard holds a special place in my heart, because last year, my parents came along with us — they’d visited many farms with us when I was pregnant — and my mom got stuck in the cow train ride, which made for the most epic laugh of the season. This year, though, we returned with only our family of four (Gaia being the new addition).
Since it was a weekday, they didn’t have their Family Fun Weekend activities running — those happen only on weekends — but we did get to access the whole farm. We went to their pumpkin patch and found some really big pumpkins. Then, we went to the kids’ play area. This year, they’d even added a toy shed — a cute addition.
While it was soul-rejuvenating and peaceful because we were the only ones on the farm — so quiet and serene, in fact, that my husband and I were almost sleep-induced on the spot — I did miss having families around. I know Keaton did, too, because he loves playing with other kids.
I remember handing Keaton his lunch box and opening snacks for him last year, as he was running around and having a blast amid a crowd of kids on a busy weekend day. This year, seeing Gaia with us, already nine months old with five big teeth and playing with toys here, feels like time had just flown by.
I love spotting all their Halloween art displays; they’re so darn cute and fun!
Mackenzie King Estate, Gatineau Park
Side of the Main Building of Mackenzie King’s Moorside Cottage
Garden at Moorside Cottage
William Lyon Mackenzie King is Canada’s 10th and longest-serving Prime Minister, and this Estate in Gatineau Park was his home and pride (now bequeathed to all Canadians to enjoy). It’s amazing how you could see and feel the legacy left behind by him; the gardens and ruins depict his dearest ambitions and romantic nature.
When we visited the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park last year, it had already been mid-October, so the sight was very autumnal with all the classic oranges, yellows, and reds. As we visited in September this time, much of the sight was still a summery green, not to mention the odd hot temperature.
So many hiking trails abound
Even if the bright autumn colours are an exciting sight to behold in Gatineau Park — it draws an impressive amount of visitors annually — I appreciate the earthy greens just as much. Forests and nature by and large are my home.
I know that autumn is actually a few weeks away, but in my heart of hearts, as soon as September 1st hits, it’s already autumn. For me, it’s a feeling of change, rather than a mark on a calendar or a change in temperature or colours.
Autumn is my favourite season, not only for its natural beauty, but especially for the essence and wisdom the season brings. It shows us the fleeting cycles of life and moments; it reminds us that there’s a time to do and be busy, and a time to stop and retreat; and it teaches us that in the end, there must be balance in nature and in the universe, just as there must be balance in our individual psyches and selves. As an introspective person, I appreciate how autumn ultimately leads me back home to myself.
Lately, I’ve been finding bliss in decorating our home and in doing little art projects with my husband. As insanely busy parents with very little time and rest, going out on dates has become a faraway dream. Nevertheless, I really love our quiet moments at home together when the kids are asleep. Actually, I prefer these more than anything. Presence is the ultimate sublime gift.
Paintable projects from Dollarama
My spoooky haunted house
My husband’s dancing skeletons
The other day, my husband had found some paintable Halloween-themed art projects at Dollarama. We painted them together the same night, and I had a great deal of fun. No skill or expertise was involved — just enthusiasm, will, and concentration.
It was a simple little project, but I was still proud of our work, because when I look at our Halloween art boards, I feel that I’d had the most peaceful time in a long time. And it didn’t take much. In fact, it was the most amazing date night, for only $4 or so a piece.
Pick-your-own produce at Rideau Pines Farm!
Luscious tomatoes in their tomato field
Strawberry field
The sweetest strawberries I’ve ever tasted!
Raspberries
My husband had a spontaneous week-long vacation, so another simple activity we’ve been enjoying are mini road trips. Since going on vacation and travelling isn’t feasible for us right now, we do mini vacations instead, which may consist of road trips to a nearby town, suburb, or city. And especially to farms.
I think we spend most of our time at farms. I’m not sure if it’s my tickling dream of living in the countryside and being self-sufficient — I’m aware that it’s difficult and that hard work, resources, and dedication are involved — or if farms are simply my happy getaway place. Whatever the case, I’m happiest there, and the kids as well.
Since Keaton loves tractors and construction vehicles, farms have always been a good source of education for him (of course he’s swayed by their play structures and toys, too). He’s also been appreciating picking his own fruits and veggies there. In fact, he’d always get so excited when we’d tell him our plan of the day was to go to a farm.
Recently, we’d spontaneously stumbled upon a farm — Rideau Pines Farm — that offered a variety of pick-your-own options. They had both fruits and veggies to pick! I was in absolute awe, as I didn’t know there was a farm where we could pick our own produce. It tends to be the case that pick-your-own farms offer specific seasonal fruits only.
Rideau Pines Farm was heaven-sent. They had a myriad of produce to pick: garlic, kale, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, currants, peppers, you name it. The day we went they offered pick-your-own tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and raspberries. Friends, their strawberries were the sweetest babes on this earth! Did they spray sugar water?
Despite the random downpours — I’d managed to pick only a few raspberries before we had to go — and violent gangs of mosquitos, I was in my happy place. Not only was everything healthy, but there was something deeply spiritual for my soul to be picking my own food from its source — it had felt like I was one with nature rather than a mere consumer.
Pumpkin patch at Fallowfield Tree Farm
Gaia was fascinated by the black cover and all the overlapping dirt and leaves
Keaton was really adamant about picking this lil pumpkin
We also did something naughty: we went to a pumpkin patch! It’s still early in the season, and most farms don’t open their pumpkin patches until mid- or late-September, but Fallowfield Tree Farm was very kind to have welcomed us with such warmth when we gave them a dingle.
We were very lucky. In fact, when we’d driven by the their fields the day prior, I was just telling my husband how this very pumpkin patch was already looking plump and invitational, and what a bummer it would’ve been if they’d kept it hidden and inaccessible until their grand opening day like other farms.
Lo and behold, this lovely farm didn’t withhold the love. They were the most easygoing, kindred, heartwarming folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. It’s funny how the universe works. The day prior, I’d looked at the pumpkin patch longingly as we drove by, and the day after, there we were, spontaneously picking pumpkins.
Bonnie was a gem. She had the bouncy castle ready for Keaton by the time we’d finished our time at the pumpkin patch. We had no clue that she was preparing this treat for us. He was her special little guest of the day. We were all her special guests — she’d sent us home with corn, too. My motherly heart almost exploded with gratitude. I couldn’t thank her enough.
Something I’ve been very grateful for as well is our backyard, which I’ve recently transformed into a little oasis. I love the string lights; they make the space cozy and magical. This is thanks to my husband who’d spent time making it just right for me (even in the heavy downpour).
This year, I’ve added mums and pumpkins again. I hope my mums don’t die on me, and that squirrels won’t eat my pumpkins like last year (we’d added white vinegar around them, so, fingers crossed). The addition of scarecrows and Halloween characters also set the tone for an autumn-y and Halloween-y vibe.
There’s a bit of all of us in our yard: there’s the punching bag that belongs to my husband, the mums and flowers that belong to me, and the playhouse and general toys that belong to Keaton. As for Gaia, the trees are very much her muse. I love that it tells a story of us all.
Every year, for Halloween, we try to take Keaton to some Halloween-themed festivities. Whereas last year, we took him to a nearby local park for some Halloween pumpkin-carving and bake sale fun, featuring costumes, this year, we took him to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum for their Barnyard Halloween event. We were so happy to hear Keaton exclaim with joy when he realized we’d arrived at this farm.
It felt very heartwarming to be back here, where we used to take our son routinely, back when we used to live nearby. We didn’t have a car back then, but luckily for us, walking here with a stroller was manageable, be it during the warm or cold winter months. Now, we had the pleasure of returning — this time with a car of our own. How different and more easy life is. The freedom of movement and comfort is something that I can’t fail to appreciate on a daily basis.
The event was packed with families and little ones, many of which were dressed in their costumes. It was such a cute sight to behold. This year, Keaton was a dragon, or what others might mistakingly take for a dinosaur. (Sometimes, I, too, would think he’s a dino.) Our little dragon had a lot of fun amongst kids his age. He enjoyed his beloved playground and seeing the farm animals again. He particularly liked the piggies this time around, and of course, his quail buddies never ceased to captivate him. Again, he’d spent the most time observing the quails.
We also got to enjoy some games at the barn dance location, as well as pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. I’m a sucker for little pumpkins — they were all kids size! How stinkin’ adorable. As if they were made for little hands. Keaton refused to enter the scary barn, so my husband and I took turns visiting it. The set-up was really spooky and well-curated.
Finally, it was October 31st, trick-or-treating. This year, Keaton went with his new pal, Amelie. He was a dragon and she was Skye from Paw Patrol. It was Amelie’s first trick-or-treating experience ever (she’d recently arrived with her mom and grandma from abroad). It was so fun for Keaton to have a friend with him, whom he adores deeply, and to share this experience with her. It also warms my heart that we were able to give Amelie and her mom and grandma a new experience and memory. They enjoyed it so much! Grandma had a blast — she was so youthful in her laughter and smiles.
My husband and I also had a wonderful time as parents. There’s something endearing and lively about observing our kid trick-or-treating and being excited and experiencing the simple wonders of life. We’re thankful for a local experience, wonderful friends, and for the physical and mental freedom and privilege of movement and joy — even if it’s our birthright — because it’s not always a given, depending on one’s life circumstances. I think about it often, to keep perspective in life. I’m also thankful to my dear husband who’s such a dedicated father, who guided the kids around and kept the fun alive, and who’s always there for Keaton when it mattered, and every day and all moments in between.
When I look back on old Halloween pictures from last year, I noticed just how much Keaton’s grown in one year. Last Halloween, he was baby Batman — we were the Batman family — and he was so much smaller. I even recall him crying when we went trick-or-treating at the very first house, only to get excited afterwards because he finally understood he was getting candies and chocolates. Now, one year later, his physique and personality have evolved immensely; and what a treat it is to be able to witness that.
PS. Keaton would say “tank-oon,” instead of “thank you” when he went trick-or-treating. We noticed it’s been his version of “thank you” lately. It’s so hilarious because he seems to have made up a hybrid of “thank you” between English and Khmer. Brilliant, actually.
This past long weekend was intimate and fun-filled. My sister (Auntie Mel Mel) came to visit us for Thanksgiving, and especially to see her dear nephew. It had been a while and Keaton missed his auntie. He seemed to instinctively know right away when we asked him a few days prior who was visiting.
Being almost eight months pregnant and preparing all the food was tiring, to be sure, as I’d spent the whole day in the kitchen. But my husband was helpful in taking our son to the park to give me the space needed to get things done. I don’t think I sat down that day with all the cooking and cleaning, which later prompted a short syncope episode.
It was a lovely meal. I did pretty good, which I’m proud of. It made me joyous to see my family — mom, dad, my sister, my husband, my son — all gathered at the table and enjoying food and time together. I was particularly happy to see my sister eating a few hearty plates, especially because she’d been on a strict diet for many years due to debilitating health reasons. To see her indulge after successfully improving her health was heartwarming.
I’d baked a pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake for dessert, which I think was one of the best of its kind I’ve baked so far. Though, aesthetically, this time around it didn’t turn out so cute. I also tried piping some decorative black icing on top to give the cake a Halloween touch, but I made it even worse. I had to cover up the black tracks somehow, so I sprinkled an unforgiving amount of orange sprinkles on top, whilst using red icing blobs as the glue. Not the cutest cake, but very scrumptious nonetheless.
I’ve also been craving pie from Rockaberry in Montreal, so my sister kindly ordered one and brought it with her on her trip here. Their infamous blueberry crumb cheese pie is my favourite, but this time I opted for their pumpkin pie to honour the season. It was also an emotional decision because it reminded me of my husband and I’s marriage weekend, where we’d ordered pumpkin pie to celebrate. I’ve been missing Montreal a lot these days, more so Verdun where my husband and I shared our first milestones. We’d often order cakes from Rockaberry, and seeing their cake again on our table served as a sweet reminder.
My sister was here for the long weekend, so of course, a farm visit had been arranged. We went back to Saunders Farm, which we’d visited this past summer with Nana, my mother-in-law. This was the first visit for my sister and parents. My husband and I knew we wanted to go back; after all, they’re wildly known for their spooky Halloween activities.
Since it was a daytime visit, the activities were family-friendly. I could tell my sister enjoyed the visit, especially sharing the experience with her nephew. My parents, too, had fun. It’s not often that they get to spend time with their daughters and grandkids, doing activities, all at once. Keaton also got to enjoy the Halloween festivities, without them being too much of a scary experience for him. He especially enjoyed the usual play structures and jumbo jumpers.
We went into one of the haunted houses, which, my husband being the Halloween fanatic that he is, ushered us to try. The staging and the decorative and musical elements were impressive. I was especially proud of Keaton and my elderly parents for making it through. Though, Keaton did hold on tight to his auntie the whole time, and my mom also led my dad by the hand the whole way — to keep him alive, that is, because he was so distracted taking videos that he might not have seen where he was going. I’m surprised I didn’t pee myself, either. As a pregnant woman with serious urinary incontinence, I really should’ve worn adult diapers. Elderly people, a toddler, a pregnant woman… I’m sure we looked like a funny bunch.
After that haunted house, my husband and I went to the witch’s coven on our own, as everyone else had had enough scares for the day. Despite all the witchcraft and satanic ritual imageries, I must say that the walk-through was rather romantic. I loved the autumn feels and sceneries. The haunted hayride was also so much fun. The line-up was long and it was especially brutal in the sharp cold, but it was worth it. We all got a good scare on the wagon. Keaton just cuddled next to daddy whilst holding his big lollipop. I’m even convinced that because of the speed and bumps of the hayride, my baby probably really did do a u-turn inside my belly (she was breech). Who would’ve known!
This past weekend, we ventured to the Gatineau, Quebec side for a farm adventure. Having grown up in Ottawa but spent much of my childhood crossing the bridge with my parents, driving there again — with my own family this time around — after decades, was very reminiscent of old times. I loved the drive there. There’s something relaxing about the Aylmer side of Gatineau. All the nature and trees… it was incredibly scenic and calming.
When we arrived at Potager Eardley, I noted just how busy it was. It was buzzing with human bees. There was beauty in the farm’s simplicity, which I appreciated. There was just enough to keep kids and families entertained and smiling. There was a simple playground, some farm animals, and the shop where one could purchase fresh fruits and veggies, fall decorations, and baked goods as well as coffee. We ordered a waffle with fruits and whipped cream for Keaton, which he — and ultimately, we — enjoyed greatly.
An activity that we did was apple picking. We embarked on the tractor wagon to the apple orchard, and upon arrival, I noted how the apples just adorned the trees like fall ornaments. There was an abundance of apples. While we all enjoyed apple picking, the experience was really dedicated to my mom, who finds the utmost joy in the activity. As soon as she hopped off the wagon, she was off on her own solo adventure filling her bag. It was a funny and cute sight to see her enjoy something so much. (It’s rare to see my mom do anything fun or for herself, so these moments are very meaningful.)
Mom’s bag was filled with Gala apples (her pick), and oh boy, were they ever crisp, juicy, and scrumptious! I don’t think I’ve ever had a Gala apple that fresh. Keaton also enjoyed an apple or two whilst running around the orchard and being playful. It was so sweet to see him hanging by Mama’s side while she was picking apples. He adores her so much, as well as his Kong-Kong. Following our apple picking adventure, we ventured back to the farm to embark on another adventure: pumpkin picking at the pumpkin patch, at the farm’s second location.
We were about to leave when Keaton wanted to stay back and play at the hay bales. There were plenty of kids there, and that’s where he met his new friend, David, who was a bit older than he was. At this point, being pregnant and tired, I’d waited in the car with my mom, while my husband and dad stayed out with Keaton. According to my husband, Keaton had had a blast running around with the older boy, who was so smitten with him he’d call him, “baby, baby!” I’m not sure what it is — perhaps it’s his charisma and confidence — but older children tend to gravitate towards Keaton, and vice versa. For some reason, they just love playing with him. It’s so endearing to watch.
Finally, we drove to the farm’s pumpkin patch, which was located only five minutes from the main farm by car. As we were driving into the parking lot, I was astonished by all the orange pumpkins I saw from afar. I must’ve screeched with excitement many times over. I was so excited to grab a wagon and run off to the fields. It was the most magical autumn sight I’d ever witnessed my whole life.
I’ve always wanted to go to a pumpkin patch ever since I was young. I just never had the opportunity, because without a car and without those around me who could venture far, it just wasn’t feasible. Finally, years later, I found myself at one; and it was the most dreamy pumpkin patch I could’ve ever imagined. There were thousands of pumpkins — an endless sight to behold — that were scattered geometrically to perfection in their chaos.
So far, I’ve been disappointed by the pumpkin patches at farms I’ve visited in Ottawa. The pumpkins in the pumpkin patches were either scarce, or there was just a display of pumpkins that were pre-picked and laid out in the fields. But this one was real; it really was where pumpkins had been harvested and grown. I may be a serious geek, but I definitely swooned over this pumpkin patch. One could be a mother and still be a big kid at heart, right?
Kong-Ma and Keaton also enjoyed the experience. Mom had picked a few lovely pumpkins, and Keaton and I both chose our own, as well. As we were leaving, my husband also bought a few drinks for Keaton that were in a cute pumpkin bottle. It was apple cider, which I wasn’t aware of. I could see now why Keaton drank both bottles, and why so many people rave over it. I don’t think I’ve ever had apple cider; but when I tasted it, it was so fresh and heavenly. We should’ve bought the jugs!
We’ve got a whole collection of pumpkins that we’ve been collecting from all the farms we’ve visited so far. I love how they add colour and vibrancy to the home. Though, I can’t say for now that we’ll stop there. Maybe our whole house will become a pumpkin patch itself.
For now, we’ve been keeping the pumpkins inside the house. We’d left Keaton’s pumpkins and gourds outside in our backyard once, alongside our mums — it was his wish — but the squirrels and chipmunks ate them! (Keaton’s reaction was hilarious. He was so distraught.) In fact, one day a squirrel came knocking at our door, mayhaps looking for Keaton, whom it knew owns all the good stuff.
My husband and I’s five-year anniversary, and two-year wedding anniversary, is fast approaching. Because we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving next weekend with my sister and parents — Canadian Thanksgiving happens earlier than its American counterpart — we decided to celebrate our anniversary earlier, and to do a very simple activity: a romantic walk along the Mer Bleue Bog Trail.
As a couple, we rarely have the time to do activities together in the midst of our busy lives. In fact, since Keaton was born — we’re also expecting a second child — we rarely went on a date or had time to ourselves. Thus, we really appreciate simple moments where we can simply be and exist alongside each other, and be present.
The Mer Bleue Bog Trail was a perfect pick for us that day. We ventured in the early morning, so it was still relatively calm and quiet, with very few visitors. We enjoyed the silence most of all, and hearing the trees and plants dancing with the wind’s shake and prod.
We’d stopped here for a short while. While it was a chilly morning, the sun shining directly at us provided us with a natural warm blanket on our skin. This is where I began to cry. It had been years since I last spent time in nature, by myself in solitude or with my dear husband. These were years where I’d felt the most distanced from nature, and ultimately, from myself. Now, I wasn’t with my son, who needed my mind, heart, and soul at every moment. I could finally feel myself feel and think.
Being in this moment allowed me to feel calm and safe. It was a conducive environment to concoct an emotional me. All that had been repressed had no choice but to surface. My husband held me as he encouraged me to let my emotions run their course. I can’t hide from myself when I’m in nature. Nature isn’t easily fooled. It’s a wise teacher. It sees, it invites, it opens, it heals.
I don’t think I’ve seen so many beautiful birds at once. There were blue jays, little black and white chubby birds that would sit on one’s hand (I’m not sure what they’re called), snakes, and numerous chipmunks — at least that my eyes were able to detect. It was my first time seeing a snake in person. It was a baby garter snake. I’d heard rustling in the leaves and thought it was a little chipmunk or frog, only to realize it was a snake! (I’m deathly afraid of snakes, but this little guy was actually, dare I say, cute.)
Our date lasted perhaps an hour or so — we then took off to grab some Montreal style smoked meat that my husband had been craving — but it was the most wholesome date we could’ve asked for. We came home to ourselves and to each other, and ultimately, to our son.
The walk was so neat that we invited my parents to come along to the Bog with Keaton later in the afternoon. Alas, we found ourselves there a second time that day. What a treat in nature it was.
We had to wake up Keaton from his nap in the car, because at that point, my parents had already been on the go. They were having fun without us! Keaton quickly caught up, and when he saw his Kong-Ma from afar, he yelled for them to wait for him. It was so cute.
The whole walk along the boardwalk was surprisingly relaxing with our energetic toddler. He listened well and stayed alongside us, and was a very good sport. We were very proud of him. He also liked to narrate — and police — what he was observing. Such a funny little dude.
Yesterday’s visit to Proulx Farm, which was only a few steps from Orleans and a 30-minute drive east of downtown Ottawa.
Every year, the farm is transformed into an autumn- and Halloween-themed playground. It really is an enjoyable experience for families, couples, or individuals — everyone, really! There’s just so much to see and explore.
We appreciated how vast and open, yet how well-organized, the farm and its activity set-up was. The tractor wagon ride was our favourite activity. It was actually a long ride around the farm — not just a quick tour — that encouraged us to observe all the Halloween decorations and animated hay bales along the way. The hay bales were so impressive in their creativity. I loved the ox and the cow. We were also introduced to a haunted Halloween house, which, although Keaton was hesitant to enter at first, by the end of it, enjoyed so much, he exclaimed, “Oh, nice!”
We also loved that the tractor driver was able to drop us off at our desired activity. We got off at the pumpkin patch along with another family. They’d left right away, perhaps because the hike to the field was patchy and full of tall grass and dirt. So, we were on our own and enjoyed all the quiet and solitude in the world. There weren’t many pumpkins at the patch, unfortunately, but the experience was still a treat. Keaton chose one he liked. Shortly after, another tractor wagon came to pick us up along the way. (We never saw the other family after this experience, and I do wonder if they’d gone to the maze after the pumpkin patch… and if they indeed got lost and never made it out.)
There was also an abundance of activities for kids to enjoy at the farm: animal petting, mazes, bouncy castles, face painting, treehouses and playgrounds, you name it. Keaton didn’t want to get his face painted this time around. We were bummed because he was so cute when he was a tiger the very first time he got his face painted. (Oh well.) We also liked that there were many picnic tables to have snacks and lunch, and they also sold hot dogs and burgers.
We’d spent a whopping four plus hours at the farm — Keaton fell asleep hard in the car when we left — and prior to leaving, we grabbed some more pumpkins for the home. There were so many varieties of pumpkins of different shapes, colours, and sizes. Of course, it was bright and sunny and the leaves were still green, but if it’d been a cloudy, crispy sweater weather kind of day, with orange and red tones in the trees, it would’ve made for the perfect autumn scene.
I did a little something: I pulled out my fall decorations, as well as some Halloween ones, prior to September. It’s my happy time and place. It’s also been raining and much cooler these days, so the theme was quite fitting. Seeing the autumn details around the home makes me feel cozy and warm, and ready to embrace the changing season and cold sweater weather — and cuddle weather, too.
I’ve been loving our new fall- and Halloween-themed Snoopy mugs. Drinking coffee from them in the morning brings me an insurmountable amount of joy. Snoopy’s my all-time favourite comic strip character. He’s cute, he’s sassy, he’s a dreamer, he’s unapologetically resilient, he’s comical, he’s a cookie monster, he’s a romantic, he’s a shit-disturber. He’s wholesome.
Speaking of an autumn feel, we’ve been visiting many farms lately — we seem to be on a roll. The first one we visited was just at the end of August, when Keaton’s grandmother, Nana, visited. We went to Saunders Farm. There were plenty of activities and play structures for kids to entertain themselves with, as well as ample of space for them to run loose, which was a major plus for Keaton to release all his energy.
We all really enjoyed the tractor wagon ride. Keaton looked uncertain when he first sat down in the wagon, even if he was excited to go on it. It took a moment — as soon as the wagon started going — for him to find comfort and fun in the ride. He liked it so much that we did it twice! I, too, found the experience both fun and soothing. My husband said he hadn’t seen me smile this much in a long time. It’s true that I was very happy that day. A beautiful day with loved ones and my kid smiling, and experiencing a wagon ride that I’ve always wanted to try as a kid, was enough to set my heart ablaze with happiness.
But of course my parental bliss didn’t last long. Shortly after, our hearts sank at the farm’s infamous maze. Keaton had slipped away during our quest. Our little dude is so fast and wild, he slipped away from underneath the trees. It wasn’t out of mean-spiritedness or because he’s rambunctious; it’s because he just wanted to play and for us to chase him. He was having fun being playful; but for us parents and adults, our hearts skipped a beat when he ran off laughing. Luckily, Nana caught up with him quickly. Oh boy, do we ever consider leashing our little guy! Alas, that was our crazy adventure of the day.
I loved the Halloween decorations at the gift shop. Oranges and blacks, gnomes and ghosts, pumpkins and scarecrows — I was already in the Halloween mood. I can’t wait to be back at this farm for pumpkin season. If summertime is already a sweet sight, imagine when the leaves start to transform into yellow, orange, red, and brown hues, and when the weather is more crisp and pumpkin season is here. This farm would transform into an oasis of autumn!
The next treat we had the pleasure of indulging in was apple-picking at an orchard. We took my parents with us, too. Because we were at the peak of apple-picking season, there were plenty of apples to pick from trees. It was a magical sight. The orchard blossomed with so many apples that I could easily picture how romantic it would be to have a wedding or family photoshoot there.
Of course, with a toddler — a strong-willed and spirited one — outings are never easy. Keaton fussed the entire time we were there because he wanted to see a tractor; he wasn’t entertained by the orchard. I felt my heart swell with hopelessness as I looked around and saw other parents calmly strolling around with their easygoing kids. I’d really hoped for a nice family moment; we rarely have these moments in our lives because our son has never been an easy one. Babies and toddlers who are able to just accompany their parents? Completely foreign to us. We can’t deny how it kills our souls sometimes. Yet, difficult as he is, we love our little dude just the same. He’s wildly aware and intelligent, and we’re very proud of who he is.
The other challenging part of our experience were the wasps. It’s wasp season so we’d been visited by many buzzing guests, who were attracted to our apples and to our very existence — alas, sweetness was everywhere. They even followed us all the way back to the parking lot and our car. It was like a comedic horror movie featuring our clumsy family of five, who were trying to escape a zombie raid. What an experience that day was. It had its flaws, but I was still very grateful for the moments we shared as a family.
It was an especially special day because it was my parents’ first outing with us — the first time they really got to do an activity in their lives. And I say this with a heavy heart. My mom really enjoyed the apple-picking experience; she picked the whole bag while we were losing our heads with our kiddo. My dad also enjoyed taking photos. As for Keaton, he, too, enjoyed climbing the ladder to pick the apples, as well as eating the orchard’s infamous churros. While they weren’t the best as people had claimed — perhaps we’d received a bad batch — the experience was worthwhile.
The next farm we went to was The Log Farm, which was conveniently located in the city centre compared to all the other farms. I felt guilty for having almost overlooked this farm. At first, it looked rather unassuming online; I didn’t think there would be much to see or do. Their advertisement was modest, too. But, I’m very glad that we decided to spontaneously visit it, because it turned out to be the best farm ever.
We really enjoyed the walk from the parking lot to the farm itself. We walked along a trail that took us through the woods, which felt like a hike in nature. I could see early on that my parents were enjoying the experience already. My mother, for an old lady, sure walked fast — as if excited to explore more.
I appreciated how low-key and humble the farm was. It was cozy, modest, well-loved and neat, and it didn’t boast. This farm was started by a family in the 1800’s; and until today, I could still feel the spirit of love, hard work, and dedication as I walked peacefully around the fields. A picturesque sight to behold, that’s for sure.
If the apple-picking experience was a fail for Keaton, then this farm the next day far more than made up for it. Our little fellow was insanely smitten with his visit here. There were doll houses for kids, swings, a sandbox with an abundance of truck and car toys, tractor vehicles to ride, sensory tables, and many more! Keaton enjoyed it so much he would’ve stayed here all day if he could.
There was also a tractor wagon ride, which he’d wildly sought for at the apple orchard. And here, he finally got it. It’s funny, though, because while he was so intent on riding the tractor wagon, as soon as he got on it, as with his experience at Saunders Farm, he became rather uncertain and shy. It took a few moments until he’d relax again. As for my parents, oh boy, did they ever smile and laugh! My mom made a new friend on the wagon ride: a beautiful baby girl, who kept smiling and waving back at her. The ride was lovely; we interacted quite a bit with other families. It felt communal. We all shared a sense of belonging.
There were also many cute animals on the farm: chickens, cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, you name it. The animals were beautiful and plump; they looked healthy and happy. Keaton asked to feed the goats. It was so adorable when he called out, “Sheeep! Heeere! Yum, yummm!” Of course there’s always that one sassy goat with attitude. The one in the photo is the one that grabbed the whole cone from Keaton’s hand. It was so funny.
We loved walking along scarecrow lane. Perhaps other visitors didn’t notice the hidden path, but we did; and because we were the only ones, it was ever so peaceful. We enjoyed looking for hidden scarecrows along the path. I could tell how much my parents enjoyed this farm and experience most of all. I hadn’t seen them smile and laugh, and let loose so much, in ages.
My parents are very old now, and because of old age, health and anxiety issues, and, recently, COVID-19, they’ve naturally been homebound for many years. In fact, they haven’t experienced much of the fun side of life since immigrating to Canada in 1980. Now, it’s our turn to drive them around and show them the world and life, just as they’d shown us as children. That being said, we’ll definitely be back at this farm, as well as explore other farms, for pumpkin season and for the holiday Christmas markets. A different feeling and vibe, I can’t wait.
toumemoir 