{Family} The Farwells Go Camping

It's two days before we leave for a week of camping in the Adirondacks and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.  We've never camped as a family before.  We're green.  Really green.

 

 

I'm trying to figure out what we need to bring, how to cook food over a campfire and camp stove, and how to keep everyone engaged and having fun.

 

I'm also unsure how I'll feel about a week of not blow drying my hair.  Oh, vanity, you're such a pain!  Do I bring my make-up if I'm just going to be eaten by a bear?  Ha, ha!  (Okay, stop laughing.  I'm actually scared about this...}

 

I went shopping today for no-fail meals...canned soup, ramen cup o' soup, fruit, pbj, and marshmallows.  We're going to try some campfire meals, too...chicken & veggie foil packets, hobo biscuits, blueberry muffins cooked in orange peels, and roasted corn and potatoes.  If all else fails, I think my kids would be happy to survive on marshmallows...and I'm stashing some chocolate!

 

But seriously, I am so excited for the opportunity to really connect again with each of my kids and as a family without the stresses of work, the never-ending "to-do" list, and the distractions of technology.  I am the worst.  I always have my iPhone nearby and the computer is a few steps away.  My kids are always asking to watch tv shows and I cave way too often because it's easy and well, I'm probably ignoring them anyhow while on my phone.  Sad but true.  We've all developed this dependence on technology to entertain us.

 

So, if you think of it, pray that we strengthen our family relationships while away this week.  Pray that we can come up with a plan for managing our lives and screen time appropriately when we get back home.  Pray that we have tons of fun!!!

 

And pray that we don't get eaten by bears...



{Creative} Changes Coming

I just opened an account with picmonkey and I'm having tons of fun!  You'll be seeing lots of changes around my blog as I figure out how to update and create a new look with my limited skills.

 

Ever wonder where I came up with my blog name?  It's based on the sweetest song by Andrew Peterson called, "You Can Always Come Home."  I decided that I need to memorize the chorus and sing it to my kiddos all the time. 

 

Because it's true. 

 

And it's God's truth to each of us as well.

 

I'm so Blue-who-who, Blue-who-who, Blue-who-who, WHO...

One of my favorite summer activities?  Blueberry picking.

And yes, we've watched, Veggies Tales: Madame Blueberry, quite a few times recently...

There is a great little farm about 15 minutes from our house where they just tell what section to pick in and you are free to roam that area and pick until your heart's content. 

Kinda perfect for my kids.  No strict rules about staying in rows all vying for the same "biggest" piece of fruit.

In 30-40 minutes, we picked 5lbs or about four quart boxes.  The boys were really good pickers this year!  So thankful for my big boy helpers!

Sadie, on the other hand, sat patiently waiting for us to drop a few in her box from time to time.  Not that I mind...she showed no discretion when picking and ate a nice batch of green ones picked all by her own sweet self. 

Isaac was totally into picking this year...must be that he's almost six years old.  So grown up! 

I think today's outing calls for reading time...Blueberries for Sal and Jamberry...two of our favorite books!

In the Woods

Since daddy is away for work all week...six days (the longest he's ever been away...boo!), in California, on the beach, weather in the 60s-70s...I realize that we're gonna have to make the best of this week!

Of course, I came up with a brilliant idea...hiking at Mendon Ponds on the Birdsong Trail. The boys walk, Mama pulls Sadie in her sled. It was gonna be perfect, I tell ya!

But then we arrived and set foot on the trail...no snow! We had enough snow at our house for the sled. Of course, I didn't bring the stroller because we were going to use the sled!

Sadie hated it. She did not want to walk. I did not want to carry her all the way. Luke even offered to help carry her but bowed out after a few steps because she was "too heavy."

Epic fail.

We had to do something for 2.5 hours before a pediatrician visit...

I suggested that the boys go run in the woods and make an adventure while I sat and snuggled Sadie on the bench.

So pitiful...

"I wanna go home..."

Oh my...this boy is handsome! (I LOVE taking portrait shots of my kids!!!)

This boy...just as handsome!!!

Another handsome boy??? Why, yes!!!

Sadie didn't cry the whole time...as long as I was holding her. I just kept giving her kisses in the woods and telling her how much I love her. (Thank you, Luke, for taking this fabulous picture!)

Holding Sadie made picture taking a little hard. But I still think I got some great shots!!! I need to remember when I have my sunglasses on, I have a harder time seeing my exposure level...take those sunglasses off!

When fingers and toes got cold, we headed to Honeoye Falls for Chinese buffet, then on to the pediatrician.

In the end we had a great outing...fresh air, sunshine, lots of snuggles and kisses, and a few hours to occupy our time making this week to by more quickly.

Mother's Day Adventure

We had a fantastic Mother's Day adventure today! We decided to wake up early on Sunday morning and go out for breakfast, picnic lunch and hike around Letchworth State Park, and drop in at both of our parent's houses to wish our moms "Happy Mother's Day" in person. Lots of driving and in and out of the car and we totally missed one mom & dad. Oops! They weren't home because they didn't know we were coming and we're sad we missed them...but we left flowers and let the children run around for a while! All the pictures were taken at Mike's parents...

This picture was just before we left...and Sadie didn't want to leave! "More water!!!"

They have the most fun little stream that goes into their pond...

Dam building

Boating on Canandaigua Lake

We bummed a ride with friends on their new toy...

The kids were getting a little goofy at the end after Captain Andy was driving a teensy wild...

The Georges...aren't they cute?!

A wonderful way to spend a Friday evening...

Adam, His Descendants, and the Rest of Creation

or Highlights From Our Vacation in Ohio and Kentucky or The Cincinnati Zoo and The Creation Museum...whatever you call it, one thing is for sure...we are having a blast!