Friday, October 23, 2009

{Much needed} Fun at the orchard

The last couple of weeks have been, at the very least, difficult.

I've been trying to put a post together about my Grandma, and keep getting hung up on one thing or another. I've decided not to rush it, and just work on it a little bit at a time....so that when I do post it, it will be exactly what I am wanting.

Last Saturday, the day after Granny's funeral, I was in a funk and in much need of doing something to take my mind off our current circumstances....and Shane saved the day, as usual. He's done that a lot lately.

He decided that we should take the boys over to a local orchard for some fun. We went once already this season, but didn't do any of the "fun" (read--expensive) things that they have for the kids. Since we didn't go on any official vacations this year *sniff*, we decided that we could afford to take them over there and let them do a very few of those fun things, and then go have dinner at "the nut place" (that's what our boys call Texas Roadhouse).

I was so glad we did--I had some much needed fun there (not to mention the best apple cider--mmmmm!) and so did the boys!


Riding the "tractor"

Ha! Love this one...apparently, Col was getting smushed!

Love love love this guy :)


Ethan was really, really excited about feeding the goats.....
we had a couple of moments where he got a bit too close!
They're so gentle (and fed so well by the hundreds that come through there everyday)
that I'm sure they'd never try to eat him, but you just can't be too careful! *giggle*

Who's that little bee?


Ethan loved climbing around in the wooden choo-choo train....


And begged--in his own way, of course--to ride the ponies.
"See Momma? That one there. He wants me to ride him. Please? See him?"


Then, we got to the 'real' fun--the bouncy house!
The boys could have played for hours and, as I stood there, shivering, it felt like they did ....


Next, it was time for a hay ride....


Cam was so excited about going anywhere behind a tractor!


Col, for some reason....not as excited.


Mommy and Cami


Daddy and E

Daddy and the boys

{Almost) All of us!


We decided that, since that pony wanted Ethan to ride him so badly,
we would go ahead give in. I mean, who am I to tell a pony "no"?
Ethan loved that part of the day, by the way....

After about three hours, we were starving (and out of moola!)
We headed over to Texas Roadhouse for some very good eats!

What mommy said:
"Ethan, smile for mommy!"
What Ethan heard:
"Ethan, give me your stinky face."

Cam, enjoying some of those prized peanuts....

....and loving on his Momma a bit *grin*

We had a wonderful meal to end a really great day--steak, mashed potatoes,
country friend chicken....and, yes--hot dogs. (Much to my dismay,
when you have boys, those are almost always involved....)

....well, most of us enjoyed those foods, anyway.
E made his meal off of his usual--carbs.
Some things never change....


8 comments:

Kate @ When Hello Means Goodbye said...

could your family BE any cuter?!?

Jen said...

I'm glad you guys had a good time. It's a weird feeling sometimes to move on and "live" after something sad happens in your family. I sometimes feel that way when I think of my grandparents. It's only by the grace of God that we can. It doesn't mean the we forget though. I'm glad Shane and the boys were there to help lift your spirits! Cute pictures!

Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girl said...

Oh you guys make my heart so happy! I love reading about your growing family! Speaking of which, where is the bump???? It doesn't show in any pictures- how did you manage that!?! ha ha

SarahMerritt said...

I think that face Ethan is making should be called the Merritt stinky face Adlie makes that same face all the time! Where is little miss peanut? seems she hid in all the pictures!
So glad you all had fun!
Sarah

Laura said...

I'm so glad you guys were able to go and have so much fun! Love the jacket! Hoping to be able to take the kiddo's this year but if the weather keeps up, might have to wait till next.

Sandy said...

looks like a fun day!

Leanne said...

All of your boys are soooo cute...

And they're all so fun...

But my favorite, I think, is Cameron.

He melts my heart, for some reason!

The guys are going to have great memories because you did something special with them!

I hope the much-needed respites continue to come your way!

Homegrown Tribe said...

you have such a gosh darn adorable family!!!! :)

britt