Dialogue: Adding a Pumpkin to the Patch

Adding a

to the Patch

WHEN I NEED a break from the kids, I often find myself browsing the shelves at our local HomeGoods or Target just enjoying the quiet. Recently, I grabbed some coffee and walked into a fall-themed paradise. Despite the still sweltering Phoenix heat, I had to contain my enthusiasm for the mass amounts of pumpkins and autumn décor embellishing the store shelves. September marks the beginning of my favorite time of year…cooler weather, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and lots of family traditions.

To kick-off our fall issue, we feature the Bennett Family, from Tucson, at one of their favorite fall places—the Marana Pumpkin Patch. It was an unusually cool and humid morning at the farm and while there were no pumpkins, tractors, or autumn treats yet (we had to use an image from the pumpkin patch to create the cover), it was exciting to envision what it will look like in October! The Bennetts shared a little about how they balance their schedules, parenting routines, and some of their favorite places to visit in Tucson. In addition, you’ll also find a roundup of some other Southern Arizona destinations to check out.

If you have a child with special needs then you’ll love the resources we’ve compiled like accessible playgrounds, information on respite care, special needs swim lessons, the Head Start program, and a local non-profit making fun experiences more inclusive.

This fall, our family is also excited to announce that we’re expecting our 4th baby, another boy, in March 2023! I’m so excited to share another pregnancy journey, favorite mom and baby products, and the adjustment to four kids in just six short months. If you’re a new or expecting parent, you’ll find lots of important information on safe sleep, baby proofing, preparing for a hospital delivery, and coping with loss in this issue.

Whether you’re looking forward to the transition to fall or clinging to the hot days of summer, I hope you find this magazine helpful as you plan your next few months. Make sure to also visit our website for info on all the pumpkin patches and fall festivals you can enjoy with your family this season!

Kate Reed, Publisher

Do you have a topic you would love us to write about? Email publisher@rakmagazine.com

Fall 2022 | Vol 33 | No 3

PUBLISHER Kate Reed

EDITOR Monique Seleen

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Aurit, Michael Aurit, Dr. Lafe Chaffee, Rachel Galvez, Morgan Hall, PhD, Andrea Hassler MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Ilana Lowery, Tené Marion, Rosalind Prather, Alex Swartz, Maricopa County Early Head Start Maricopa County Library District

ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Reed

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tina Gerami-Bynum, Rachael Kimmel

Raising aRizona Kids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copyright © 2022 by Raising aRizona Kids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content guidelines are available at raisingarizonakids.com

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