Fall Farm Time

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."

Strawberry Hill Farm

It was Juju's birthday party, but it could've
been mine. Surrounded by my favorite peeps in one of my most idyllic spots on earth--Strawberry Hill.

Papa Soups hosted this perfect summer supper. Lelu and A. Boston joined us, fitting in like a pair of little gloves--with hugs and love from all. The boys climbed on the big ole tractors (and Lelu, too).

We all wandered the farm. The kids were in awe of Dad's beautiful hand-made windmill, and he so patiently explained how it worked. They stood for long, still periods beside the pond watching and waiting to see a fish.

Everyone brought something yummy, and Soups outdid herself, as always--dressing their cozy cabin up in its party-finest.


Megs brought these yummy little pastry shells (filled with a blend of cream cheese, confectioners sugar and I don't know what else)--that were as pretty as they were delicious. (See Leemy eyeing the dessert spread!)

On the drive out there, we were talking to A. Boston about having
a little 4th birthday celebration for him in a few weeks.

Near the end of the gathering tonight, he whispered to me--"Mimi, can everybody here come to my birthday?"
It's so very good to be loved, huh?

I've Got a Crush on You

Friday evening brought a house full of little peeps. We celebrated Lelu's 6th birthday (round #2). We also entertained her little bro (A. Boston), plus my two nephews and niece (The Divine Miss M) ... while their folks were on a date.

Since I'd spent no more than about 60 waking minutes (combined) at home over the past two weeks, it was kind of a "short cut" party ... which I always feel a little guilty about. BUT, we had fun (and that's what really matters). I picked up some "take and bake" pizzas and juice boxes; I made a big tossed salad and a fresh fruit salad. I found a miniature carrot cake and six "Orange Crush" cupcakes--and set them on my cakestand. (Note the cute little antique wood drawers--white with blue trim--that I picked up at a great flea market last week for $6 each!)

We gave Lelu a beadmaking box (like mine--which she loves) filled with beads of all sizes, colors and shapes. Then the girls created jewelry; K entertained his cousins; and A. Boston and "Papa" went for a walk. Finally, we all watched "Enchanted" and "Shrek 3" in the living room, eating popcorn while sitting on blankets, picnic-style. Everybody cuddled; a few crashed (around 9:30 p.m.) but we all had fun.