Strawberry Pickin'

On Mother's Day weekend we made a trip to the Chesterfield Berry Farm to pick strawberries. We had an absolutely wonderful time. It was one of those rare occasions when the all the stars aligned so to speak. The weather was gorgeous, the crowds were light, the strawberries were delicious, all of the kids were feeling well and everyone cooperated and had a good attitude. Because, don't be deceived, things may sometimes look "picture perfect" on this blog but we live a real life with real kids. With five kids it seems that the probability that someone will need a diaper change, throw up, have a temper tantrum or a bad attitude, argue with their brother, or just plain be having a bad day seems to be pretty high. So, it's a rare and truly wonderful day when everything goes as planned and on this particular day it did. Brian and I noted that it was definitely our best visit to the strawberry patch yet. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift indeed.

Our five. So proud of my little herd.

Daddy called her "Miss Strawberry Festival 2011"

On the hay ride back. Bellies and baskets full of strawberries.

Bryce getting buried in the shelled corn.

Pig races. Yes. Pig races.

Pantry Pirate

Yes, I'm talking about that sweet little girl with the pink bow in her hair.

She gets into everything.

She is quick to find a stool to stand on to reach whatever it is that has caught her eye and these little escapades are not confined to just the pantry, oh no. She loves to get into mommy's purse (always happy to get a hand on cell phone or lipstick), cabinets with loud pots and pans are a favorite, markers are sure be fun if they are left within her reach, and she loves to play in the water in the, ahem, bathroom (the sink is too high for her to reach). She is a little rascal that's for sure.

God definitely knew what he was doing when he blessed her with those big blue eyes...

Ant Farm

For several weeks now we've enjoyed watching these interesting little critters at our house (no, not the kids!). Our harvester ants have been busy at work and have created a complex network of tunnels in their new home. We've enjoyed learning about ants and seeing how these insects live, work, and interact with each other.

Of course this was a great opportunity to remind the boys of the verses in Proverbs that talk about the diligence of the ant and to revamp the chore chart system in our house. Those little ants are quite inspiring!

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider it's ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8

A Day at the Park

Brian was able to get away for a couple of days of golf this weekend (a rare treat) and so I had the task of entertaining the kids on Saturday. At their request, we spent the afternoon at Maymont Park. It was a perfect spring day and a fun outing for us all. Gramma and Grandpa were able to join us for the second half of our excursion, making it even more fun!

My boy statues.

I had to snap this photo quickly. Boys are capable of standing still for about 1.2 seconds.

My sweet Davis. He tries his best to keep up with the big boys.

Picnicking. Cheetos=DELICIOUS.

My little buttercup picking a buttercup.

Running/rolling down the hill.

When Bear Grylls retires (from Man vs. Wild) I have his replacement ready.

She loved looking down at the fish.

Up in the tree.

In the gazebo, boys with weapons ready.

Claire had fun wearing Gramma's visor.

This "seat" was actually pretty high up. Granpa had to lift them up to get them on the tree.

Just like the big boys!

On our way back to the car.

Our latest science experiment. Frog eggs found by Grant and Bryce in the pond. We'll update with photos if/when they hatch!

So Sweet

Have I mentioned lately just how much we love this girl?