The Farm

Two weeks ago now, the kids and Becky and I drove to Portland for a spur of the moment trip to meet Michael and Jeanette's new baby, Maia. She's a doll! While we were there, we also had the opportunity to see my brother Jeff, his wife Farrah, and their three kids (thanks for a LOVELY meal Mosers!), and to spend a day with Ginya, Joanne, and Helen on their farm. I have said for two weeks now that I would post pictures of our visit to Portland, and I'm finally getting to at least the final day of our visit: the trip to the farm. This was definitely the highlight of our quick trip for the kids, although the new kitten at Michael and Jeanette's house would be a close second. Caroline liked Sparkle: she's just her size. I doubt however that the excitement was mutual. We could see a horse right outside Ginya's window, so we had to go see. Becky and the kiddos wandered off and picked and ate Asian pears. Ginya held her newest great-granddaughter while we wandered around the farm. Caroline never did take a nap that day, but she did share a little quiet time with Aunt Becky. She's the best aunt ever! Uhhhh, with the exception of course of all the other aunts :) Jack and Aunt Jeanette found some plums. Jeanette has already mastered doing everything one-handed! There was even a sandbox, which the kids enjoyed for a few minutes before they found other things to do like picking tomatoes, corn, and peppers, or digging up carrots and beets (check out Michael and Jeanette's facebook pictures for more info). Ginya and Caroline picking tomatoes. Two ladies laden with produce. Ginya drove us around for a short walk up to the upper field. There's quite a view, and we also got to see several gliders being dropped to soar over the valley. I think that's what Michael is pointing at here. We also walked down to the back pasture . . . can you think of better people to go for a walk with? What a great group! Joanne and Caroline watching the tractors outside. We weighed baby Maia on the scale in Ginya's house. Isn't she a cutie? Michael helped disc the lower field, while Helen rode the other tractor. Dueling tractors! Jack tried out the swing. The rope swing on the other side of the tree was also a hit. Uncle Michael on the tractor, with Bear running alongside. At some point Michael came around the corner of Ginya's house and said: "your son's on a horse, by the way. " And sure enough he was! Helen generously saddled a horse for him and let him ride. I'm pretty sure he'd like to be a cowboy now. On our drive home the next day he asked, "can we go back to the farm tomorrow mom? Forever?" Caroline even rode the horse for a few minutes. I don't remember what changed her mind, but it was something competitive or contrary. She's definitely two! Uncle Michael wearing a brussel sprout hat. After all of our farming fun, we went back and Ginya had cooked us a wonderful shephard's pie. Yum! Joanne and Ginya both gave the kids airplane rides on their feet (yeah, they're amazing: not sure if I could do it--not with Jack anyway). And they had fun clambering all over Ginya, Joanne, and Helen. Thanks to all three for letting us visit!