Summer Getaway

Our summer has been pretty uneventful compared to our past 2 summers in Manitoba.  We've definitely enjoyed spending it on the acreage; having bonfires and BBQs with friends, watching the farm come to life with a growing garden and growing calves.  But we've stayed pretty close to home.  

So, last week we finally took the opportunity to go on a short trip just across the border to Semiahmoo Resort in Washington. 

By way of perspective, we could easily see White Rock, BC from the beach in front of the hotel - and with the binoculars we could even make out people walking along the pier.  

We had beautiful weather while we were there and we spent a long while playing in the sand and rocks on the beach.  It wasn't a great beach for swimming, but we found plenty of treasures.

Micah created an inpenetrable fortress using rocks and tiny pieces of driftwood.

Keziah found enough broken shells to spell out her name (with Mommy's help).

Silas wasn't a huge fan of the beach.  Actually, if I'm being honest, it took all 3 of the kids a crash-course in "How to Play at the Beach" before they actually settled in and fully embraced wet flip-flops and sandy fingers.

Silas didn't feel the need to play in the sand as long as there were treats around... 

The highlight by far for these kids was the outdoor swimming pool.  We didn't do swimming lessons this year but that was ok, because the kids got in several hours of swimming practice last week.  Micah showed off his doggy-paddle skills and Keziah decided she wanted in on it too and totally started swimming as well!  While Erik and I worked with the older two, Silas kept his lifejacket on and did cannon-balls in the pool all by himself: jump in, swim to the ladder, climb out, repeat.  And then times that by about 50.

It was a great little getaway.

Is it true that summer is almost over??

The Fruit of the Land

It's been nearly a year since we've been living the farm life.  And we're at the best time of the year, when we can really enjoy the fruit of the land.

Our garden is in full production these days.  It's come a long way from planting day back in May.

The corn is officially taller than most of us.

We've been having garden fresh suppers that include foods like potatoes, dill, green beans and peas.

And we have a bumper crop of zucchinis.  I've already got enough grated zucchini in my freezer for a couple dozen batches of muffins.

We've enjoyed the first of many yellow plums.

And a few apples as well.

And the other night we discovered that there were ripe blackberries along the east fence that were waiting to be enjoyed.

And I would be remiss if I didn't include the beef.

 

Our big mama cows and their calves came back to the farm after vacationing at the neighbour's pasture for the past couple of months.

(Willy & Russell)

These calves are not little babies anymore.  And as cute as this face is, I can't help imagine the nice juicy steaks that we will be enjoying sometime in the not-so-distant future...

Making Hay While the Sun Shines

On Friday we experienced another "first" of farm life.  

We hosted a haying party.

Our neighbours weren't using their field of hay, so we had it cut and baled.  Last Friday it was time to pick up a field full of hay bales.

Hay day is excitement for the whole family...

 We had a big group of helpers and a newly built hay-trailer to do the job.

With that many sets of hands, the work went quick!

Micah was right in there helping stack the hay.

 Even Silas had a job - rolling over the hay bales for easier pick up.

 Each time they returned with a load, the kids and grown-ups alike got a kick out of having to duck under the trees on the giant stack of bales...

Thanks for your work, hay helpers!