Weekend in Vass

Rob had to go to California for work (and it included the weekend) so I took the kids to Vass.  It was the opening weekend for strawberry pickin' and Spring Fest in downtown Southern Pines so it was perfect timing!  We also brought Aunt Stephanie a load of baby things, including the changing table (hint, hint Carter) and Uncle Joe fixed us a nice dinner (he's the only one not pictured, sorry!)

The kids were pro pickers

And pro eaters (the owners said to eat all we could before the weigh in)

Mimi with her big girls!

Jude had to go to a friend's birthday party so we grabbed Papa and headed to Spring Fest.  There were lots of street vendors selling food, crafts, art, porch swings, carnival rides, everything!

Ice cream break in the shade

Carter thought this motorcycle was pretty cool and he is pretty cool so someone should surely take his photo with it. (He posed all on his own).

Family photo on the bench

On Sunday, the weather was cooler, but perfect for riding Bucky.  The kids took turns walking around the farm while Bucky tried to eat all the grass outside the fence.

That's a wrap on our weekend in Vass.

Birthday Trip to the Farm

Back in early October, the weather was warm and sunny - it was perfect for my birthday weekend!

NC State had a home game that Saturday and Avery was out of school that Monday.  Since I get my birthday off from work, Avery and I decided to stay an extra day at the Back Forty Farm.

Carter got to hang out with Mimi and Papa on Saturday and came with us to brush Bucky on Sunday morning before he and Daddy headed back to Charlotte.  Sunday afternoon, all the girls and Jude went to Gross Farms in Sanford.  They have an awesome corn maze, sand mound, tunnel slide, petal tractors, and professional cloggers to entertain us while we took an ice cream break!

Sunday night was my birthday dinner complete with my traditional chocolate cake with candy corn :)

Thank you to all my family who celebrated with me in person and from afar.  I really appreciate the cards, texts, calls and gifts.

Avery showing her little brother the proper brushing technique.

Avery behind the wheel!

Jude and Avery on the tunnel slide at Gross Farms

This was a serious maze!  We didn't solve the mystery inside the maze (you have to hit several "destinations" along the way), but we did make it out.

On the hayride around the working farm

Pumpkin heads!

Monday morning, we took a ride on Bucky around the farm.

This years candy corn design courtesy of Papa

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Game #3 was the same weekend as my birthday and since I get my birthday off work, the kids and I made it a long weekend in Vass (Robert doesn't get my birthday off so he went back home to work - booo).  The weather was very rainy due to Joaquin making an appearance, but we had fun inside (minus the football game, but we were prepared for that).

Avery and Carter got a chance to hang out with their great-grandparents on Sunday and we had a little photo shoot with Grandma's Fall table decor.  My mom "gifted" me several items for my birthday, like my high school letter jacket, pom-poms, girl scout uniforms, and prom dresses.  It was pretty fun going down memory lane while helping her clean out closet :)  She also gave me an awesome Essential Oil starter kit so I can be as happy and healthy as a hippie!  On the way home, Mom and Stephanie followed us to Seagrove for a little pottery shopping.  All this gorgeous pottery was made so close to my home growing up and it took me 35 years to finally go buy some -- I'm hooked!  When we got back to Charlotte on Monday evening, Robert had flowers, gifts, and a nice steak dinner made for me.  He hung the wreath that Stephanie made for me and unloaded the car.  I'm sure he is jealous of the New Kids On The Block beach towel I have back in my possession.  I am truly a lucky girl!  35 is a good year so far.  Now on to the photos!

Playing with Papa

First kitchen sink bath!

Hanging with the family

Fall photo shoot

Hanging at the Farm

After picking some berries, Carter took a nap and Avery headed straight to the barn.  It's been a while since she's been able to ride Bucky and she was excited.  She remembered where everything was and started brushing him first.

Avery said he had a dirty butt and we needed to brush it.

Avery waited on the mounting block while Stephanie finished tacking him up.  She hopped on as soon as he walked over.

Jude lead Avery around the farm.  They make a great team.

Happy girl!

Look at this cowgirl!

And of course, the day would not be complete without some time on the trampoline.  Glad this ol thing is still getting some use!

Back to the Farm

We haven't spent any football weekends at the farm yet, Mimi and Papa have been on the go!  However, Avery did get to go for 2 days last week.  I had a last minute class for work in Cary (less than 1 hour away from Vass) so I took Avery with me and dropped her off with Mimi and Papa.

She did her usual activities of running around, jumping on the trampoline and spending time with Bucky.  This time she also helped picked out a pumpkin for Mimi, Papa, and herself.  Mom texted me a few pictures while I was in class learning about household cleaning wipes.

Back to the Farm

Since Robert was away on his annual male bonding golf trip, Avery and I made plans to go see my family.  This time, we made sure to get a ride in.  After a quick hello to Vega (the big horse), Avery and Mimi brushed Bucky and then tacked him up.

Now over to the mounting block -- get a little closer Bucky....

Happy girl on a her mini horse.

Thanks for the ride Bucky, now you can go eat some grass.