Fall Farmal

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Hubers Farm partaking in the "Fall Farmal".  It is not a Hubers activity, but one some homeschool moms developed as a Fall activity for the family. We do not participate in Halloween for many reasons, especially since Makenna is finally over her night terrors but is continually blessed with her sensitive spirit. So we thought this would be a happy alternative.

We all met at Hubers dressed in our Farm apparel. This was our first year to go so being pregnant did not allow me to wear much of farm attire. I felt though like Elsie the Cow. LOL. The kids played on the wrought iron animals, which Maddax loved, then moved onto the slide, petting the animals and riding miniature tractors. They had a blast.

Maddax's favorite person in the world right now is his cousin Chase. Which is a great role model for my little man. The two of them are like peas and carrots. He frequently asks for Chase at home or wants to carry a picture around of him. When we go to my sisters, as soon as we turn on her street he starts repeating "Chase" until he sees his face. It is pretty funny.

Daddy did take a few sweet moments to bond with his little man by a small pond throwing rocks and hanging out.

After all the playing we went over to a nearby apple orchard to take some family photos. There was a Weeping Willow tree that someone had tied swings into on the branches that hung down. Makenna and Maddax had a blast swinging on that tree. I have never heard of such a thing but most of the other kids had.

We ended with dinner at Hubers. Good home cooking. I sure did love my fried chicken, but being pregnant has me lovin about everything. The kiddos fell asleep on the way home. It was such a great time with friends and family. Cannot wait to do it again next year with Emme. Better start looking for her farm apparel now.

Farm time fun

My sister, God love her, took me and my two munchkins to Huber's Farm the other day.  I have been wanting to pick blueberries to make jam but did not know when they would be in season.  She called to tell me they were ripe for the picken as well as raspberries and green beans. Despite the fact I still am not to par I decided to go for the conversation, exercise and fresh air.  The winding road that lead to the farm about put as all over the edge but at last we made it.

We picked blueberries first. It was so easy.  You put the bunch of berries in your hand and rub your thumb across them and only the ripe one would fall off the vine.  We picked 6 buckets in 45 minutes.  We would have had more but Makenna ate more than she picked.  I thought they might end up weighing her and making me pay for any poundage increase. My niece Callie, who is amazing with little ones, managed Maddax while she picked.  She said as long as she fed him blueberries has was quite content.  We loaded the wagon for the ride back to the farm to weigh and pay for our berries. Then we walked down to the lake for a picnic lunch. It was all shaded and nice breeze was coming off the water.  As we started to chow down on our PB&J a little voice said, "I need to potty." No, not Makenna.  My darling sister saved me and graciously trucked back up to the farm to potty my poor child.  I was forever thankful.  The kids played for awhile feeding the geese and fish.  They, the geese and fish, both loved the Chex Mix I had made. (severe craving for that lately)

We loaded back up on the wagon to pick raspberries.  It was creeping into the hotter part of the day and the kids fatigue was starting to set it.  The raspberries were much harder to pick and the thorns that accompanied them added to our frustration.

I picked enough to make 2 batches of jam and half a gallon to flash freeze.  The kids were burning up at this time and complaining about being tired. So we loaded up again to go weigh and pay for our raspberries.

Maddax feel asleep on the ride back and after much thought we just decided to buy the green beans instead of having to pick anything else in that heat.  The kids were relieved.

The next day we got to canning green beans, pickles, sauerkraut, and pickled cauliflower.  Sherrie and I were so proud of ourselves. It was like I was a kid again watching my mom do canning but this time I am the mom.

Speaking of mom.  Her and dad decided to drive in to save us from the long journey.  I am so thankful that they did.  I think my sister would have thrown me out of the car after the first hour of nausea set in. So I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks and all the time we get to spend as a family.  I cherish all the moments we get to spend together, all of us.