so much fun

strawberries & fire trucks: 2014

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

A look back:

Strawberries & Fire Trucks: 2013
Strawberries & Fire Trucks: 2012

Apparently this festival is now a family tradition. How do we go three years in a row and not plan our return again in 2015?  We enjoyed another component of the festival this year — fireworks at 10pm.  The boys couldn’t stay up late enough the last two years but this time it worked out perfectly.

We went this year with some friends who had never been before.  The weather was comfortable – a change from the past two years when it was in the 80s and 90s.

IMG_9137 This year we went with our friends, Erin, James, and their little boy, L.

IMG_9153As I mentioned in my posts from the past 2 years, the festival is put on by the local fire department and what makes it so neat for kids is that they can see and talk to firemen and police officers, up close and personal. They also get to climb in and on fire trucks, ambulances, and even a LifeLine helicopter.

IMG_9169I know I’m feeling a little sentimental after looking at the past two years’ posts from this event, but … is it just me or does it look like Theo’s legs go on for days?? SO. BIG.

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IMG_9195 Waiting for the yearly extrication demonstration – my favorite part of the fest.

IMG_9204 IMG_9212 The firefighters rescue a “victim” from a crashed vehicle by safely removing the windows and doors using the Jaws of Life.  Very neat to watch them work.

IMG_9213 IMG_9245 While they are helping their “patient,” a LifeLine helicopter lands in the field. The patient is loaded onto the helicopter, then they fly away and circle back around, landing again in the field.  Afterwards, kids can climb through and take a look at all those cool knobs and buttons.IMG_9254 IMG_9259 IMG_9268 IMG_9290 IMG_9309

IMG_9314 And let’s not forget the tastiest treat around town – strawberry shortcakes!

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Yum, yum, yum.

IMG_9338 The kids played on the playground for awhile. Once it began to get dark, we found our perfect spot in the grass to watch the fireworks.

IMG_9341 IMG_9344 IMG_9371 Aside from a few fireworks that the boys saw at Disney World, I guess they’d never seen an entire “show.” They laid down flat on their backs and watch as the firecrackers exploded overhead. Their excitement and joyous exclamations each time a new color exploded above us was too cute.  Dexter even said, “Theo! It’s like we’re at Disney World!” Then my heart burst, just like those fireworks. Other than that, there was a lot of “LOOK! A BLUE one!” and “LOOK! A GOLDEN one!”  So super cute.

We had a lot of fun with our friends. The next day, Theo was still talking about the fireworks and how they were his favorite part of our very long, busy, fun day.  Another great time at the annual fire trucks and strawberry fest!!
xo,
~C~

s is for strawberries

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

Sunday morning Ryan had work to do around the house so the boys and I loaded up and headed off to The Apple Works, an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, strawberry field, and so much more, a short drive south of us. I had never been strawberry picking before and neither had the boys.  It. Was. Hot. But we had fun anyway.

They were serious about finding the very best berries, dark red from top to bottom. I was disappointed after driving to the top of the hill to find that there was no one there passing out any type of container to fill.  Luckily, the boys had snacked on pretzels in the car and we still had their plastic storage bags handy.

Is this a good one, mom?

Poor Dex, his little face goes bright red as soon as he gets in the sun (from heat, not sunburn). 

They were entertained by the hunt and the picking until their baggies were about half full.  They wandered around, enjoying their freedom, while I continued filling the bags.  Isn’t it sweet how Dexter’s never far behind Theo?  Well, on this day it was.  It’s not always. Ha. 

After we were done picking, we drove back down the hill and parked at the store. We paid for our berries and I got the boys a small bottle of sweet apple cider.  They chugged it on the porch of the store and enjoyed a cool breeze and some shade.  Perfect moment in time.

The berries are small but you’ll never taste one sweeter.  So delicious. 

It was a fun mommy, son, and son date that I won’t forget.  Making memories with these boys of mine – that’s what it’s all about.  I think this might have to be a new annual family tradition. But next time we’ll take Daddy. 🙂

xo,
~C~

memorial day weekend 2014

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

We traveled down to Tennessee to see my mom for the long Memorial weekend. In the couple of days leading up to the trip, I started dreading the drive there and back, assuming I-65 and I-75 would be jam-packed with other travelers. Luckily it wasn’t too bad and we made good time going both ways.

We got there late Friday night. First thing on my agenda for Saturday was to drop off my rings to get that missing diamond replaced.  I am getting them sized down and a couple other little things done so I’ve been without them for a week now. Feels like part of me is missing! Can’t wait to get them back on my finger, fitting and looking better than ever. Nothing like an extreme close-up of your wrinkles to get you feeling really old…

My mom runs the office at a propane gas company and they just moved into their beautiful new facility so we were excited to get the full tour. 

Afterwards, we went to the duck pond to feed the ducks and geese, then played for a bit before going to grab some lunch at my favorite local /small chain restaurant, Petro’s. A must-do attraction EVERY time I’m in town. The boys were melting down by the time we ate lunch so I wasn’t in the mood to try to take pics of that delicious meal.

Ready to feed the duckies!

The rest of the day was perfect for relaxing at my mom’s and decorating a cake with jelly beans. 

Sunday we ate at another of my favorite local restaurants. Why am I so obsessed with food?
After lunch, we just went to the mall and Target. Typical Sunday, regardless of where we are, right?  We’d actually planned on going to a cute park but it started to rain just as we left Riverview Grill.  Rats. 
I didn’t take many pictures on Sunday. We spent the evening hanging out at mom’s. Coloring. Eating. Watching TV.  See, typical Sunday!
Monday – Memorial Day – we took another shot at that park and it was a great time to go. There was almost no one there when we got there around 10am.  

After playing, we grabbed lunch at yet another local delight by the interstate – Harrison’s Grill. One of those experiences that exceeds every expectation. Good prices, great food. Everyone loved their meal. The boys behaved and cleaned their plates.  After only eating so-so all weekend, I was glad to see them get some goodness in their bellies before the long drive home.  We ended a great, albeit short, trip on a good note and hit the road to get back home. 
xo,
~C~