Category: outing

Since Thanksgiving break started today, Neko didn't have school. Neither did Vince and Griffin, so we jumped at the chance to reunite the gang.

Of course, I forgot the big camera, and dug out my point-and-shoot when my brood got so cranky they all needed a snack break. At the Conservatory, where food is strictly forbidden. So I parked them on the bench, smuggled out some granola bars, and realized I had one moment to snap a quick picture. While they're chewing, which, you know, is always a quality shot.

I meant to get a picture of all ten (!) kids, but I forgot about even the point-and-shoot. Plus, I'm realizing that getting that shot might require cramming them all into a tiny room so there's no opportunity for escape. Or strapping them down. Or administering sedatives.

Anyway, lots of running, jumping, and fun was had by all. I was especially delighted to see the little moments where Ellery and Gigi, the smallest of them all, seem to be forging their own little friendship.

And, yes, Neko put that outfit together all by herself.

There has always been a farmer's market in this little town, but this year it feels like there was a shift—something good is brewing up at the market. More vendors. Plenty of variety. The french pastry chef, who may be personally responsible for my thwarted efforts to lose weight this summer. The Indian cook who takes Tom's orders for traditional Indian breakfast dishes. We buy eggs and chicken, knowing that each were produced under the best possible conditions. There are even a few artisans selling pottery and funky aprons. I love to see our community investing in our local abundance.

But my favorite part of the market? The people. It's becoming a hub for good folk to come together and catch up while they gather local produce. I love that the faces become more familiar each week. Shep is my enthusiastic shopper, who begins snacking on the produce before money has even exchanged hands. Neko often parks herself at the coffee stand to tell Bree all about her latest insect find or favorite dinosaur.

When I have bit more time on my hands, I feel this is a local endeavor where my time and talent would be well spent. In the meantime, I will mark my calendar for the once-a-month winter market which will carry me through the snowy months.

And counting.

We attended a rally for Obama last night. A fabulous chance to sneak away from parenthood and sit in the middle of civilization. The National and the Breeders played a live show, which is a dreamy double-header, as they both have roots that grow close to our own.

I love that we ran into so many good friends, many who managed to escape the camera, due to the fact that dusk was rapidly approaching. I feel like we're rallying for something good in this world, and I'm hoping it's just around the corner.

The local drive-in was showing Mary Poppins. Since they're usually showing double-features of horror films, we jumped at the chance to take the kids.

We dropped Ellery at my mom's and met up with Neko's kindergarten friend Mary Beth and her parents. Much popcorn consumed, many giggles, and a whole lot of little kid energy expended.

Am hoping someday to unlock the magic of taking photos at night.

For our last field trip of the year, we went for a scavenger hunt hike in the woods. We've done this one before, but it's a good one that suits many ages and gets us out in a place we might not typically be. The kids aren't quite ready for long hikes, but this is a great step forward.

Thanks to everyone for participating this year! The summer has blown by far more quickly than I had anticipated, and we kept busy nearly the whole time. Hooray!

Off to research new locations for next year…

I love our trips to the Farm Down South. Today it was pouring down rain, but they assured us there was less rain down there than up north, so many of us persevered and went anyway. And, um, it still rained the whole time we were there. Actually, that's not true. Just as we began loading into the car to go home, the sun peeked out of the clouds.

Anyway, fabulous as always. Baby goats to feed and momma goats to milk. Horses to brush and eggs to gather. The highlight of the day, however, came when everyone in the group got to hold a baby chick at the same time. The kids are still talking about it. And no, Shep did not hurt his chick. Her missing neck feathers are apparently some sort of genetic mutation.

I forgot the good camera again, which is just as well considering the ridiculous amount of rain.

Even though we had a great time, but I did have two complaints. The group was a bit large. Originally having 21 people, I was under the impression we would be the only people there. But they packed them in, and it made for some crowded conditions. This farmer was also not my top choice of tour guide. He charged right into explaining that we eat cows and pigs, and by the worried look on many parent faces, you could tell this subject had not yet been broached in their homes. Also, he was a bit too concerned about making sure everyone got a picture of their kid doing each thing. And this is coming from a person who takes a camera everywhere.

But all in all, excellent, and I imagine we'll go again. Hopefully, with a little less rain.