The Pumpkin Patch

Every October since 2014, three moms, Sandye Fertman, Rachel Teichman, and Sara Saber, and their kids, have met up at a local pumpkin patch.

It all began when Sandye’s middle child, Isabel, was just a toddler. The new friends decided to meet at the pumpkin patch at St. Philip’s United Methodist Church in Meyerland to celebrate her second birthday. 

It was a simple, laid-back get-together. The kids had a great time and so did the moms. It was not over-the-top, no one had to do dishes afterward – it was easy. They decided to keep it going. Every year, on Isabel's birthday, they would meet on the quaint church grounds, surrounded by the vibrant orange pumpkins, and fall air.

They were all friends through Beth Yeshurun Day School, where their children attended preschool. Sandye’s kids are Maxwell, now 14, and Isabel, who turns 12 this month; Rachel’s kids are Nina, now 15, Eli, 13, and Ezra, 6; and Sara’s kids are Nathan, now 12, and Julia, 13. 

As time marched on, the kids grew out of toddling around the patch and instead decided to throw a ball around or play games like tag. The family’s schedules filled up with more after-school activities, but the group did not let the tradition break. Each year, they have made it a point to meet at the patch for cake and to sing happy birthday to Isabel. 

Sandye sends out a text at the beginning of October to check everyone’s schedules. They pick a Friday in October close to Isabel’s birthday, Oct. 24. Sandye says, even if it is a short meet-up, they make it work. “It is so nice that they still make an effort to come,” said Sandye. 

Isabel is now a sixth grader at Trafton Academy. She says all her lifelong friends, even though they are no longer all at the same school, meeting each year makes her feel special. This month, she will also have her Bat Mitzvah where she will celebrate with them as well. Sandye plans to continue the pumpkin patch birthday tradition even though it is an exceptionally busy month. 

Tradition means a lot to these friends. Sandye was Rachel’s first friend she made in Houston after moving here in 2013 from California. “It was so special to me to be included right away in what would quickly become such a fun tradition,” said Rachel. “Every year I wonder if Isabel will still want to do this, and I am always so glad that she still does.” 

Rachel says hanging out at the pumpkin patch brings a nostalgic feeling from their early days. “It is especially fun for us moms to hang out and talk, while the kids played and looked for pumpkins,” said Rachel. “When they were in preschool, we had a weekly ‘lunch bunch’ at our houses, and we would hang out while the kids played and ate lunch, so it was reminiscent of that.”  

As the years have passed, the moms’ friendships and their kids’ have grown stronger, and this tradition has served as a steadfast reminder of the enduring bonds. The importance of keeping up with this tradition has also become evident as the years rolled on. Life is busy, with each of them navigating work, family, and personal responsibilities. Yet, no matter how hectic their lives became, they made it a point to come together at the pumpkin patch.  

As the kids grow older, the pumpkin patch tradition takes on new layers of meaning. It is no longer just a birthday celebration; it is a way to celebrate the bittersweet passing of time. A chance to get together and reminisce about the past year, share stories, and provide a sense of community.

The pumpkin patch itself has evolved with new decorations. Each visit, always with a group photo, allows them to see how much Isabel and all the kids have grown and show just how fleeting childhood can be. 

Over the years, they have become familiar faces at the St. Philip's pumpkin patch. “When we walk up, the church members say, ‘Oh, here comes the birthday girl,’” said Sandye. That part always makes them feel happy and brings a smile to their faces.

In an ever-changing world, the tradition of celebrating Isabel's birthday together at the same pumpkin patch remains a source of joy for these three families. Traditions that stick are the ones that carry memories that last a lifetime. 

FEELS LIKE FALL There are lots of pumpkin patches and fall festivals going on around town this month. Nature Discovery Center hosts its Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival (pictured) Oct 14-15, including festival games, crafts and activities, and more. (Photo: Nature Discovery Center)

Pumpkin Patches

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just embracing the fall season, visiting a pumpkin patch is fun to do with friends and family. Here are a few around town (please check individual websites for hours and more details): 

Blessington Farms
Through Nov. 19 
510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476
General admission: $28.64. Pumpkins are sold per pound.
Farm Funland includes a range of family-friendly activities such as a hay ride, sand mountain, trolley swing, duck races, animals to visit. 

Dewberry Farm
Through Nov. 12
FM 362 & Morrison Road, Brookshire, TX 77423
General admission: $34.95
Fall Festival includes pumpkins, activities, animals, Houston Astros-themed corn maze. 

Froberg’s Farm  Through Nov. 5
3601 West Hwy 6., Alvin, TX 77511
General admission: $12 (ages 3+). Pumpkins available for an additional cost. Some activities require tokens ($1/each or 15 for $12)
Fall Festival includes a corn maze, flower garden, plastic duck races, emoji cannon, bee coaster, Berry Fun Land playground.

Memorial Drive United Methodist Church  12955 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079
Free to the public; pumpkin prices vary

Nature Discovery Center
7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401 
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival: Oct. 14-15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Festival games, crafts and activities, foods, exhibitors. Admission is free; games, concessions, pumpkins have a cost.

Old MacDonald’s Farm
3203 FM 1960 E, Humble, TX 77338
Pumpkin Patch: Through Oct. 31 
General admission: $18.65/person. Free pumpkin for each child’s paid admission.
Activities include train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, playgrounds, duck pond, sand mountain, tetherball.

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm  October weekends only 
7632 Spring Cypress Rd., Spring, TX 77379
Entry fee: $10/person (ages 2+); pumpkins and attraction tickets sold separately 
Attractions include train rides, hay rides, petting zoo, inflatable activities.

St. Philip’s United Methodist Church
5501 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096
Free to the public; pumpkin prices vary
Opens Oct. 9, 2023 

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
3471 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77027
Free to the public; pumpkin prices vary