The Weekend Wrap-Up

Days of planning...

days of cooking, cleaning up, readying the farm for guests...

paying attention to every detail.

All is done in hopes that family and friends feel the love that goes into an event

like our 4th of July picnic.

It is a lot of work; but it is a labor of love...

so no burden is felt in working through the long list of tasks.

Though hot and humid, the weather generally cooperated with our weekend plans.

Storms passed by us.  No rain fell.

Welcomed breezes blew.

The farm was in full bloom - the vegetable garden bursting at its seams -

the perfect time for a celebration on a big scale.

Big kids had fun with colorful smoke bombs as well as

having free range all over the farm.

It was a day of smiles, and laughter...

games and conversation...

too much delicious food...

cakes and singing...

lots and lots of "go-go's" in honor of our big 2-year-old.

Little Easton shares a birthday with Dr. Becky,

so, the singing and cakes were doubled.

It isn't often that everyone in our family can make it to a picnic.

We were so happy to have Ryan and Bekah (our newlyweds from North Carolina)

join us for the holiday.

We are so very fortunate to have a family that enjoys each other's company

to the fullest.

This is probably the thing for which I am most thankful.

Family gatherings are always happy, memorable times.

That evening, the few of us who remained at the farm had a bonfire -

toasting marshmallows

for s'mores.

We were introduced to s'mores made with Reese's peanut butter cups.

O.M.G!

There's no turning back.

When night had fallen completely, we went to neighbors

for mini-fireworks.

It was a completely wonderful day from start to finish.

On Saturday we had a small gathering to lay Jack's father's ashes to rest

in a small memorial garden here on the farm.

We planted a tree... finishing this garden...

 which will serve as a reminder that although

those we love leave us in body, they are with us in spirit forever.

At one point in the weekend, while passing by the runner duck yard,

we noticed this fellow climbing the fence inside the yard.

I am guessing he was trying to escape.

Obviously, he needed a little help.

Judging by his size, I think this is a pretty old turtle...

and perhaps a little confused?

Seeing a turtle climb a fence was just something unexpected.

Seeing the unexpected is something we have become 

accustomed to around here!

Spoiler alert.... 5 more adolescent Runner Ducks

will be joining the farm in the near future.