I made my usual trip home at lunchtime yesterday to let Daphne out, give her some exercise and grab a quick lunch. After spending time out in the backyard playing fetch, Daphne and I went inside. She was thirsty and I was hungry. Just as I was sitting to eat, I noticed something large and black in the backyard while looking through the kitchen window. I didn’t have a good angle on it, so I went into the dining room to further investigate. This is where I noticed that the large black thing was moving, lumbering actually, up the hill headed for my flower garden. This thing made a stop at my bird bath. I guess he/she was just as thirsty as Daphne.
UnBearably ThirstyThirst QuencherRefreshingRefreshed!Wandering OffUntil We Me Again
It was quite a sight, to say the least. He/she looked like they had been eating well this summer. It happened to be garbage day in the neighborhood. One of our neighbors suggested that he/she was making the rounds looking for the next meal. As exciting as it was, I would be fine if he/she doesn’t come back to our watering hole or to look for their next free lunch.
Earlier this month, Sebastian and Sophia spent a weekend with my Mom. They took some time with Grandma to visit and see a slice of her life out in the country. We brought the kids out on a Friday and ended up having dinner together and then walked to my sister’s house just down the road. We made s’mores around the campfire for dessert. My Mom has never had a s’more before and decided to try one for the first time. Chocolate usually gives her headaches, but she enjoyed the first one so much, she ate a second one. Luckily, she didn’t end up with a migraine the next day.
Roasting Marshmallows
Before the evening was over, my sister gave Sebastian a lesson on how to drive her four-wheeler. He did a great job and drove slowly around for twenty minutes, taking corners, backing up and practicing proper driving techniques.
Four-Wheeling
The kids were headed to bed when Mike and I left for the evening after 11:00 p.m. A late night for the kids, but they were able to sleep in the next morning. Grandma made them a family favorite – homemade waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. After breakfast they helped Grandma bake homemade bread. Sebastian and Sophia got up too late to help Grandma make the dough, but they helped with kneading and putting it into the loaf pans. They enjoyed some of the bread fresh out of the oven and brought three loaves home with them. Yum!
Next, Grandma taught Sophia about cutting material for sewing. They put together pieces to make a quilted pillow. She showed her how to use the sewing machine and Sophia got to push the foot pedal, while Grandma and Sophia together held on and turned the fabric. The pillow looks super cute and Sophia now has it on her bed.
My Mom always brings fresh bouquets to her small church each week for mass. Her church service is later in the day on Saturday, so they picked flowers in the afternoon. She made the arrangements and put them in vases. I think she enjoyed bringing the kids to church with her. They also picked up an elderly friend who she often gives rides to. After church, they dropped off the bouquets at the nursing home for the residents. What a great experience for the kids.
Sunday came around and it was already time for us to pick them up. We got there in the early afternoon. It was a beautiful day so we spent a good amount of time outside. We even went on a trek into the field and woods.
Pine Forest Beyond The Field
Daphne and Sebastian enjoyed running through the fields. I’ve never seen Daphne so happy.
Running WildCatch Me If You Can
The kids checked out the BIG bales.
Top Of The WorldTop Of The World, IILeap Of FaithBales, Bales And More Bales
We headed into the woods and saw signs of animals.
Fox Hole
We saw the big white pine that was there since I was a kid.
The Big Old White Pine
We headed out into the cow pasture which is now a bit overgrown without the animals there anymore. We found an old deer stand.
Going Up To The Deer StandUp A TreeSurveying The Area
We cut across the swamp.
Holding Hands
We found a small creature.
Tiny Toad
We saw lots of bugs and insects.
Insects!!
We made it back from the walk and checked out some of my Mom’s flowers.
Yellow LiliesPink LiliesYellow And Orange Lilies
Before we left the farm and all of the wonderful nature, we took a photo of the kids with Grandma.
Thanks Grandma!
It is an experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
Growing up in rural Minnesota, life was simple. Too simple I thought at the time. Summers were spent working on the farm, making hay, helping with the garden. As a kid, I didn’t appreciate the simple life. Going back and visiting my Mom this past weekend made me realize that growing up out in the country was actually pretty cool. We learned how things grow, we saw calves being born, chickens hatching and tadpoles turn into frogs. We harvested peas, beans, carrots and more than a dozen other vegetables from the garden. We picked apples and plums in the fall from our trees. We cut wood for the stove to keep the house warm in the winter. These are the kinds of thing I want my kids to see, understand and appreciate. I know a quick weekend with Grandma won’t do all of this, but it’s a start.
Running WildField Of DreamsJumpOpen Playing FieldOff The Beaten Path
M. Sullivan Photography 