Strawberry Picking Day Date

With the onset of lots of late April/early May rain, the local strawberry patches haven't produced their usual abundance.  We always pick in late May, but headed to a favorite spot a little earlier in the month to make sure that they had enough delicious berries to fill our fridge and freezer with strawberry goodness.

As in the past, I invited my iMom gals to come with us for a spring playdate, and it just so happened that Michael was able to take off work for the DAY and come with us too :)  Kyle also joined his crew, so it quickly became a friend and family date.  There were plenty of berries to choose from and we picked our baskets full.  Perfect!

Mrs. Amanda explaining how they grow and the proper way to pick

Annnd no one is looking...fabulous!

A picnic at the park was a great way to end our morning together - happy picking!

Relaxing Day Trip

Saturday, we took a day trip to visit Grandpa and Granny in Dunlap, TN.  I know I've said many times how much we love it there, but it's totally true.  Their land is located at the base of a lovely mountain - so quiet and peaceful.  A great getaway from the demands of home and everyday life.  Wish we could visit more often!

Granny did her thing and cooked up a glorious lunch.  Chicken/dressing casserole, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, fresh green beans/tomatoes/fried okra (all from her garden), rolls, and homemade pound cake w/ fresh peaches and cream.  YUM!  After arriving with hungry stomachs and devouring that feast, we were good for nothing the rest of the day :)  A lot of front porch swinging, UNO playing, four wheeling, and horse petting were our activities.  Perfect in my book. . .

The only way to travel around the farm

Love this view

Meeting Walker

One of our favorite places

Front porch view

Let the four wheelin' begin

This picture makes me smile :)

Cade lovin' some time with Granny

Uncle David brought over fresh grapes. . . YUM!

The boys got busy helping Granny pick them off the vine to prepare for juicing

Sweet thing loved squishing them.  Grape juice + white shirt = oh boy

Another treat greeted us in the form of a newborn calf.  We were hoping it would make it's debut by the time we visited and we weren't disappointed.  We even got to see it brave the pond for the first time.  So sweet!

Mama was so gentle and protective as the calf ventured into the pond. 

Not too happy about how close we were getting

Back to the old grind here at home. . . Granny and Grandpa, we hope to visit again goon!

Ringin' in 32

Don't think I could've asked for anything more on my special day.

Gorgeous weather+ good company + an evening with my handsome boys = Picture Perfect!

Woke up to these :) Love my man!

The boys and I then headed out to spend the day at Honeysuckle Hill Farm with some sweet friends and their kiddos. The sunshine and cool breeze made for an excellent day of farm fun.

The womb buddies - Cade, Kiyah, and Eve

Cade's dressed and ready for a day at the farm!

Learning about pollenation and Johnny 'Appleseed' Chapman

Cole and Aleah - love these two!

Petting/animal area

Cole read all the signs with no help - he amazes me!

Such a handsome big boy

Playground fun

Laura and Jessica - Ready for our tractor ride

Lunchtime!

Heading to the orchard to pick apples

The Corn Popper - Cole's favorite

Becky and her kiddos

L.O.V.E.

That evening, I let Cole choose where he wanted to take me for dinner. He chose Cheddar's (which was delicious) and then we headed out to the best birthday present a girl could ask for. . .

our NEW HOUSE!

(This will be a post all its own - the Lord has been so good and faithful to us!

Pictures to come soon.)

Birthday fun continued on Saturday as Michael took Cole for the day and Cade and I ventured to the Gallatin Fall Festival. Such fun looking at all the booths and enjoying lunch at Larriviere's. Don't usually make purchases, but couldn't pass up this precious hat. Cade wore it most of the day to protect his ears from the wind, but it adjusts and fits Cole as well.

I know. . . super cute huh?!

Thumbs up to 32 and all the blessings it will bring!