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.
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.
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.
Daphne and Sebastian enjoyed running through the fields. I’ve never seen Daphne so happy.
The kids checked out the BIG bales.
We headed into the woods and saw signs of animals.
We saw the big white pine that was there since I was a kid.
We headed out into the cow pasture which is now a bit overgrown without the animals there anymore. We found an old deer stand.
We cut across the swamp.
We found a small creature.
We saw lots of bugs and insects.
We made it back from the walk and checked out some of my Mom’s flowers.
Before we left the farm and all of the wonderful nature, we took a photo of the kids with Grandma.
It is an experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
M. Sullivan Photography 