Independence Day.

Lots of people use Independence Day weekend to take a break from a lengthy to-do list and sink into a relaxing, long weekend.  Maybe you are one of those people, or you could be us.  Don’t get me wrong, we did some relaxing and played a bit, but we also tried to accomplish tasks that were long overdue… like weeding, deadheading flowers, watering, and waterproofing the new tent. 

I am proud to say that we also finished staining the porch railings that were built last year.  Someday we will pressure wash the base of the porch and restain it, but let’s not add to that to-do list so quickly, okay?

We also did some berry picking.  Maggie dressed for the occasion since it was her first time.  Juicy, ripe, delicious berries – yum!

   

We came home with 12 pounds of berries! Ugh!  And then we spent some time hulling, quartering and freezing them for use in smoothies and treats later in the season.  We also made Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, which was both easy and delicious!   I highly recommend it as it seemed much easier to make than the pies and tortes I was admiring online.

Well, off to clean our loot from the CSA – lettuce, oh, lettuce why hath thou come in such large quantities?

Live Music

We’ve been trying to get out of the house and take part in the free activities around town.  The other day we trekked out to music at Heritage Hill State Park.  While the band we saw was not my favorite, we did manage to enjoy ourselves planning the dinner we will pack for the next concert!

Maggie hearts rice cereal? Maybe not.

Maggie has been ever the observer of those of us in this house who can eat solid food. She'll stop what she's doing to watch you take a bite or a swig of whatever you may be indulging in. For this reason, when our pediatrician suggested that we might start rice cereal with her, we happily obliged thinking that of course, she would love it and was ready for it.

So we tried it.  Hmmm.  She ended up wearing more than she ate, I think.  And while she seemed a willing participant at times – grabbing the bowl and spoon and blowing rice cereal bubbles, I’m not convinced that she’s ready.  See for yourself…

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Island Living

It’s summer *sigh*, and we’re soaking it all in.  From walks and daily checks on our tomato plants to CSA crops and summer projects, we are enjoying the days together.

Last weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to again spend time up north.  Besides admiring the nature that surrounded us…

 

We visited the Lakewood Zoo where we were allowed to pet the new baby lion, run around in the wallaby cage and feed the goats. 

I might mention that the fact that we were allowed to do all these things also serves as the reason I don’t think we’ll be returning with Maggie when she’s a toddler.  Can you say missing fingers?  Although a thrill for adults, it caused me some trepidation – especially as we watched the goats jump over the fencing and wander on their own, and the zookeepers seemed unconcerned that their fencing was inadequate.  Sure it’s just a goat, but what about those tigers?  The foxes?  Did someone research their cage necessities so that they might be prevented from meandering out on their own?  I have to wonder…

There was also lots of playing, snuggling and bubble blowing practice.

As well as the quest to get the perfect hummingbird photo…

All of which caused some sleepiness.

 

It was fantastic, really.  We came home on Sunday happy, well fed, well rested, and ready to tackle the to-do list we had left behind.  More news on that as things are accomplished. 

Happy July!

His First Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day by relaxing. Kole unwrapped his gifts...

And then we left the to-do lists and messy house behind and headed up north for some self-prescribed R & R.

First Days of Summer

Last week was our first official week of summer - yeah! Highlights included the Teddy Bear storytime at the public library and music in the park - last week was bluegrass. Maggie is loving being outside. There's so much to catch her eye!

Breaking the silence.

It's been over a month since I posted here. Sorry - so much happening at home, work, etc. that I kind of lost track of the time. I'll try to do better over the summer. Starting... NOW! :-)

I wanted to share some photos of life around our place the past few weeks, but both Live Writer and Blogger are giving me trouble, so here are the 2 that worked. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow!