The Farm Report

Category: Shep

  • Catch the wind

    http://player.vimeo.com/video/28275361

    I’ve been tracking Irene on the news, thinking of all our friends on the east coast and hoping for the best. Although the hurricane seems to be less destructive than anticipated, we’ve been thinking of strangers who are sitting directly in the path. The inevitable gathering of scattered pieces when it is all over.

    Today Tom was outside with Ellery, moving an old tarp. It’s gorgeous and sunny today, albeit a bit windy—our little piece of Irene, perhaps. And then something magical happened with that old tarp and the wind, and lumped together with all the unrest in the world, it reminded me to be thankful for all my good fortune all over again.

    (I’m also wishing a very happy birthday to my amazing sister, Bonnie!)

  • Vacation: Day 2

    Vacation: Day 2
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    A few weeks back we told the kids we were going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter while we were in Florida. And I’m not kidding when I say, it was like Christmas in our house. The kids went wild.

    So first thing this morning, we made our way to Universal, and people, it did not disappoint. I was amazed at all the details and how much it looked like stepping in the movie. The kids picked out wands and shopped for chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s beans.

    We rode the hippogriff roller coaster (Ellery declared it WAY too scary, but Neko and Shep loved it).

    Selfishly, I wanted to spend hours there, exploring all the details of the stores. I also wanted to ride the supposedly amazing ride, where you zoom around Hogwarts, but none of the kids were tall enough.

    I suspect I’ll go back one of these days, and spend all the time in the world on the finer details. But in the meantime, I can’t stop smiling as the kids play Hogwarts in our hotel room with their wands (thank you Barb!), brooms (thank you R+D!), and a few other finds.

    Truly magical.

  • Field Trip #5: Rocket science

    Field Trip #5: Rocket science
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    This was one of our best field trips yet! We went to a local organization that teaches kids about space. For about an hour they talked about the physics of flight (in a very simple way), and then the kids got to make their own rockets and launch them into the air.

    The day before the last space shuttle launch, this couldn’t have been more perfect timing.

  • Haircuts

    Haircuts
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    We were lucky enough to schedule triple haircuts at the salon where I get my hair cut. In one quick hour, all our children looked fresh again.

    I had to giggle, as we were the only ones in the salon, and it looked like they were all getting prepped for some sort of television show.

    I should note that Ellery adored the whole experience, and I predict will be a girl who will adore spa days. She just couldn’t stop smiling.

    (Some photos taken by my amazing husband.)

  • Pioneer village

    Pioneer village

    The summer curriculum has moved on to the days of the pioneers. This was a perfect time to head out to a historical park I’d heard about, but never visited. A huge facility, they offered basket making, candle dipping, and countless demonstrations.

    Shep lost a tooth while we were there, because he can’t seem to lose teeth at home.

    Neko and Ellery bought period outfits to wear that day (Shep declined), and wore them until bedtime. Back in the thick of my own Little House phase, my mother made us matching Laura, Mary, and Carrie dresses. (There are pictures of us somewhere in a Japanese tourist album with my father in downtown Philadelphia. He was sporting a long beard and his suit that day, and I think they thought we were Amish.)

    I want to start whistling the theme to Little House on the Prairie when I look at that last photo.

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  • Waiting for riding lessons

    Waiting for riding lessons
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    But then it rained.

  • Power up

    Power up

    There are not many dads who can crank out a Mario star on a whim. Especially ones that know how to handle sateen in a sewing machine.

    That husband of mine? Top notch.

     

  • Field Trip: Camping

    Field Trip: Camping
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    Always a fantastic way to kick off the field trip season. Thanks to all who swam, cooked, laughed, bar tended, and kid wrangled. Supa fun.

    (Also, happy birthday to my amazing father. Love you!)

  • Last of the cattails

    Last of the cattails

  • Crepes

    Crepes

    When your son’s teacher hails from France, instead of Captain Crunch, you might find that he requests crepes for breakfast.