Last weekend, Papa Soups hosted us in a (much needed) family fall fest at their Farm. We packed up the kids in their come-as-you-are-apparel that only kids can get away with (i.e. snow boots, soccer cleats/uniforms, cheek tattoos, shorts and hoodies) and headed west with our potluck goodies.Upon arrival, the little ones walked single file around the pond's edge, identifying deer tracks and then setting off to uncover clues left behind by other wildlife. ("Let's look for BEAR tracks!")
Papa Soups had set up a picnic table, chairs and a campfire and pulled out the tractor(s) for a hayride around the pond. Papa "assigned" all the boys their favorite jobs. T drove the big tractor; A Boston played navigator; K and Brade started the fire. The little girls talked little girl stuff (Hannah Montanna; Halloween princess costumes, etc.) The big girls traded recipes and fussed over the beautiful fall themed buffet Soups set out.
We roasted hot dogs on-a-stick over the open fire then went inside for more goodies ... a fall salad with cranberries and apples; artichoke dip; slaw; butter pecan cupcakes; donuts; cider and more. By then it was dark. We took one last hayride, around the pond and along the road. An Amish buggy passed us--its passengers waving. We bundled in hoodies and blankets and roasted marshmallows over the open fire. Then, it was time to pack up and head home.
Every now and then the stars align with all the soccer, football, band, cheerleading, travel schedules and we manage to come together for a simple,"unplugged" evening of family fun that leaves everyone saying ..."We really need to do this more often."
