In addition to the return of the summer farmers market, another thing I've been looking forward to all winter was the opening of the farms for U-pick fruit in the nearby city of Brentwood. Last summer we went and picked cherries and pluots and blackberries. We had so much fun and I have really been looking forward to doing it this year, since Bennett is big enough to do more than watch from the stroller. We made it a big family trip, waiting to do it on Memorial Day when the dads would be home. We went with my friend Melissa W and her family and we all had a great time. The fruit wasn't as ripe as we had hoped it would be, but we came home with plenty! Lance even had enough for a pie!
After picking fruit, we had hoped to go to a place called Scoops, where you can play and eat, but it was closed. So, we made the best of it and headed over to Chili's for lunch. The guys hung out at one end of the table chatting and watching Bennett while Melissa and I hung out at the other end talking and taking care of Morgan, Collin and Brandon. It was a nice way to end the outing. Here are some pictures from our fun day!
Bennett received an IOU from Grandma and Grandpa for his birthday for this really cool water table I had seen about a year or so ago, and that I looked for online for about 2 months before his birthday. Apparently, it's all about time and place because we couldn't find it ANYWHERE in time for his birthday. There were promises that it would be coming within the next two weeks or within six weeks, depending on who you spoke to. But, I knew how cool this table was and wanted to hold out for it, so they gave him an IOU.
Imagine my surprise as I'm perusing Costco the other day and find the exact table I've been searching for! Hooray! So, I busted it out of the box today (since it was not COLD today -- not WARM, but not COLD) and got out several different sizes of screwdrivers and got busy with the task of putting this thing together.
It wasn't too hard and before I knew it, the kids were tossing water everywhere. :)
I've spoken about my two friends, both of whom are named Melissa. One Melissa (MW) I've known for about three years, having really gotten to know her through the moms club when I was pregnant with Bennett. She was on the board for the club at the same time I was and I remember meeting her for the first time at a movie night. The other Melissa (MA) I've known for almost two years, having met her at a new members social, where I shamelessly stole her from another playgroup to include her into Bennett's playgroup. I love them both, so what better way to spend a spring morning, than with the two of them?
I met the first Melissa at the sports park to get some exercise with our little guys in tow. Brandon is about six months younger than Bennett, but they've known each other practically since birth since Melissa and I have done mixed age playgroups and traveling playgroups together with our older children since the little guys were wee ones. Melissa took her oldest, Collin, to Disneyland and also took a getaway trip with her husband over spring break. That meant that she was away from Brandon most of the week and when she told me that she wanted to get some exercise but didn't want to leave him at the gym in the morning, it seemed like the perfect way to catch up with her while we were also able to spend some time with our little guys. I drove to the Sports Park in Pleasanton and we made a couple laps around before it was time for me to go. It was nice to have a change in scenery and to have time to catch up with a great friend!
From the Sports Park, I scooted on over to my other Melissa's house for some adult chatting while we watched Bennett and Clare play in the water. Melissa and I, kicking back on the patio, sipping water and watching them play. I love that I am able to do this. What a charmed life I lead, huh? Here are some cute as ever pictures of Bennett and Clare having fun in the water!
This morning, though I tried, I could not muster up the energy it took to get showered, dressed and to church on time. Blame it on the week after week of activities, or blame it on the allergy-ridden dog who whined incessantly all night. Whatever the problem, I was unsuccessful in finding that energy. Rather than fight against it, I decided to spend the day enjoying the warm weather and my family. I grabbed a cup of coffee and my laptop and downloaded pictures while supervising the kids in their painting and play and supervised my husband in his trimming of bushes in our back yard.
Ever since Morgan built her bird house with Lance and my dad, she's been begging to paint it. I mean, we'll have like 10 minutes before bed and she'll ask if she can paint. Ummm, not quite that simple, my dear! So, we decided this morning was a good time to let her paint it. Of course, that meant allowing Bennett to paint something also since what is done for one must be done for the other. I want you to notice the levels of drop clothes I have going on for Bennett. Ha! And the paint is even washable. No, I'm not anal at all. Also, please note the reuse of the Easter egg dying cups for paint. Brilliant, right? Wish I could say it was my idea, but no, it was my husband searching for yet another reason to not throw something out.
While I was out there with such coverage over the deck, I decided that, heck, it wasn't messy enough. Let's pull out the moon sand! I try not to let the mess get to me too much, after all we ARE outside and the ARE kids. I remember being super stoked as a kid because on occasion, we would be allowed to finger paint. I didn't realize why we didn't get to do it ALL THE TIME before I became a mother. Now I understand. But, in keeping with recreating my own childhood for my own children, I want them to enjoy these special treats occasionally. I guess that's what makes them special??
When you have a messy situation, including some paint and moon sand, what is the perfect ingredient to add??
WATER!
Since I was too lazy to get ready for church, you know I was too lazy to actually fix lunch. This is where my wonderful hubby comes in. He offers to grill burgers for us to enjoy al fresco. Mmmmm. So the kids come over, dripping from the sprinkler and sit down to enjoy some juicy burgers fresh off the grill. Mmmmm. We can't wait for summer!
We went inside and the kids got baths and went down for naps while Lance and I enjoyed some down time before the mothers club Spring Party. When the kids were up, it was time to head to the party, where -- in keeping with the theme of laziness -- there was a dinner of pizza and veggies and fruit awaiting us. Not to mention, Morgan's all time favorite kids' performer, James K. Bennett even got into it this year, enjoying the songs and movements. :)
A good way to end a lazy spring day, because when we were done, it was time to go home and get the kids ready for bed. Doesn't get much better than that!
In addition to the return of the summer farmers market, another thing I've been looking forward to all winter was the opening of the farms for U-pick fruit in the nearby city of Brentwood. Last summer we went and picked cherries and pluots and blackberries. We had so much fun and I have really been looking forward to doing it this year, since Bennett is big enough to do more than watch from the stroller. We made it a big family trip, waiting to do it on Memorial Day when the dads would be home. We went with my friend Melissa W and her family and we all had a great time. The fruit wasn't as ripe as we had hoped it would be, but we came home with plenty! Lance even had enough for a pie!
