Last summer our family went to the AppleBarn in Abbotsford for the first time and we LOVED it. We are going to go again but the reason I'm sharing about it now is because I am giving away a family pass this week!
What are some of the things that we love about the AppleBarn?
1. The Giant Pumpkin Pillow!
2. The playground and the poke-your-head-through-the-picture fun! They also have a giant ruler mural--I'll have to see how much they've grown since last year. Don't forget to get a picture with Mater!
3. All of the animals. Take a quarter and feed the goats some corn.
4. The hayride. It takes you all around the farm..the younger kids really liked this part.
5. The corn maze! There is a child size maze and then a bigger one. We did both and it was probably the kids' favourite part. I'm glad Gary is around for these things – my sense of direction is terrible.
6. Picking apples! It's so good for kids to actually see where their food comes from and be part of the process in bringing it home. They also have a store with a lot of sweet treats!
Starting September 1st it's open seven days a week from 9:00 am -5:30 pm. If you would like a chance to win a family pass to the AppleBarn, please enter below!
Yup, I'm going there with the "Back To School" talk. Our kids are sooooo ready to go back and I'm thankful that they love it so much. Nya feels like she has been waiting for forever to go to preschool so I am excited for her to finally go-- I know she will love it there. Did I mention that I'm ready for them to go? As much as I enjoy family time, I do appreciate days where we're not all in the same space all day.
I took a few photos of the kids because although I will take some on the morning of school, it's guaranteed to be a bit stressful so I'd rather make sure I got a few under calmer conditions.
These three kids are pretty awesome and I'm very thankful for them. And school. Do you take back-to-school photos of your kids? I would recommend it, especially if you're having a harder time with them returning, it's a great way to help process it.
Have a great last few weeks of summer!
When we were pregnant with our first child and found out it was a boy, I cried. I mean, pregnancy hormones made me cry about almost anything anyway, but I was afraid. I am the oldest of five girls and I didn't know if I had what it took to raise a boy. Sure, I had male cousins around me growing up and babysat boys, but other than that--was I equipped? I didn't even like watching Star Wars!
Over the years, I have come to really love having sons (ages six and nine now.) More than that, I feel like I was made to be a mom of boys. They are wildly energetic, enthusiastic, and open to almost all physical activity. I've gotten comfortable with their sense of humour (note that I didn't say I find it funny) and have learned about a whole new world that involves everything from Transformers to excavators to the Argentinosauraus.
Their zest for meal time does not go unnoticed. My six-year-old's one request for lunch the other day was "I'd love anything except for a brie, mushroom and avocado sandwich." I think I can manage that. Our food bill will never be small, especially with one child known as "The Garburator", but I enjoy seeing them devour everything on their plate.
Their love for sports statistics makes me smile as does their easy-going nature in regards to what they wear; can they run, climb and jump in it with ease? Yes? Then it's all good. Although I love their eager and rough-and-tumble selves, I am so thankful for their sensitive side, too. They like their cuddles with mom on the couch. They will often hold my hand on a family walk. A wrestling cuddling combination with their dad is a daily occurrence. Around the dinner table they enjoy talking about their highs and lows. My favourite part? Seeing their sweet side with one another and their little sister.
This morning my nine-year-old said, "Mom, can I make waffles with Nya?" Yes, he knows how to make waffles, and yes, he wants to include his little sister. When I pointed out it was just 10 am, he said, "Well, I can make them and put them in the freezer for you for later." Helpful. Thoughtful.
Just an hour later (after I secretly snacked on a chocolate chip waffle bound for the freezer) they were playing "The Friend Train" together. Creative. Sweet. Inclusive.
To any parents who are overwhelmed with the cars, LEGO's, and hockey sticks strewn around their house – I hear you. To those that are tired of the fart jokes, holes in jeans, and smelly running shoes –I get it. Just know that these special little guys will start turning into men right in front of your eyes. You know what I think about that? It's pretty sweet...and a bit smelly.
To parents of a boy or two or three: What has been your favourite part of having boys?
This past weekend I did the Rugged Maniac 5 km Obstacle Course in Surrey. It was really fun and empowering; I'm stronger than I thought! There are 25 obstacles along the way such as jumping over trenches, climbing cargo nets, and crawling under barbed wire in the mud. You can skip any obstacle that you feel you can't do--you just run right by it. I did it with three other girls/ladies/women (what are we?!) and I would definitely do it again!
I love that it was local (Cloverdale!) and affordable and just 5 km. Win. Win. Win.
1. A fun time at the Rugged Maniac 5km Obstacle Course. I did it with other women from church and we didn't take it too seriously. I was totally surprised that I was able to do most of the obstacles--even the huge warp wall at the end! I totally felt like I was on Survivor. You can see some of the obstacles here; I loved the Trenches, Quad Burners and anything with cargo nets. I was able to complete 22/25 obstacles (couldn't do the Rings, Balance or Bust, or Napolean Complex) in under an hour.
3. Bike rides. Gary and I took the Little One biking along the dike in Maple Ridge while our kids were in summer camp for the morning. It was beautiful and it felt so good to be active!
4. A visit with grandma. Gary was able to go out to Chilliwack to see his grandma as she's getting quite old. I'm glad it worked for him to go. Can I add that I put all 4 kids to bed on my own for the first time? High-five, self!
6. A hike with the kids. We only had three kids on this hike so it was nice for me to be able to focus a little more attention on my kiddos.
7. An awesome meal this week; I should've taken a picture but trust me it was AWESOME. Chicken Schnitzel from Vij's cookbook. Love my husband and love schnitzel!!
8. A family walk through Green Timbers Urban Forest. This is the first summer that we've spent so much time at home. It's definitely a different sort of summer but it's nice to just enjoy our own "backyard" and save some money. Don't get me wrong--I can't wait to travel more! We've got a lot of ideas but will likely just go as our family of five to make it more relaxing.
9. A husband that likes to kiss me. It feels good to be desired by him. Too much info?
10. Playdough. Nya has an ice cream play dough set that she's played with over the last year. The colours are all mixed together (Koen!!) but she still really enjoys it!
Well, that's it for today! As always, please let me know what YOU are thankful for! You guys haven't been commenting as much lately. Ahem.