Midsummer's Day

In honor of Midsummer's Day (or Summer Solstice), which is noted either on June 21st or 24th depending on where you are celebrating, we have baked a cake! Today is our weekly baking day, and we found a wonderful recipe for our very ripe bananas. Topped with rose petals from the garden, a dusting of powdered sugar and then a big dollop of fresh whipping cream! Yum!

Summer's Arrival

Wow, it is summer for sure! The sun is beaming hot, with the occasional thundershower to bring us relief. We have been enjoying "hose parties" on the front lawn, lots of digging in the garden at the end of the day, and afternoons on the front porch, keeping out of the heat. This past weekend was Father's Day and the kids made a beautiful book to give him, as well as quite a collection of presents put together by Vivienne (chocolate, coins, handmade necklaces, cards). We headed up to the Parkway for a hike, and what a beautiful day it was. We also had a wonderful day of riding bikes and picnicking with Grammy and Grandaddy ~ what fun.

Another favorite pastime has been dress-up, kings and queens, pirates, orphans, dancers, so many wonderful things!

Vivi's own headband creation - an Iris:

And I am in heaven watching my garden grow, adding a plant here and there. Now I am dreaming of getting a few chickens for the backyard. Still in the planning stage, but I think they would make a wonderful addition.

Family & Friends Camping Trip

This past weekend was our second year of experiencing the magic of Cataloochee. We organized a group of 13 families to enjoy a weekend of camping fun together. It was fantastic. I cannot even describe the pleasure of watching my children running free in a natural environment as pristine and inviting as this one. The kids travelled in packs - then merged together for bike rides and ball games, disc golf, creek exploration and campfires. And the grownups had just as much fun!

The cove was filled with thousands of butterflies, and elk that would migrate down to the open fields at sunset. One stag was even spotted crossing our campsite in the early morning. And the fresh, clean air that smelled of pine needles warmed by the sun, and cool crisp bubbling creek water. Heavenly!

Going to see the Elk:

The Old Homestead Barn:

Mother's Day

I am finally posting about my beautiful mother's day. It is a day that I cherish because it is what my life revolves around - being a mama to my amazing children. And to be appreciated is such a gift. Vivienne was musing that mother's day should be all year long, well until my birthday in July, well okay maybe just a week. She made some lovely art pieces for me, and a beautiful card. Mia also made a lovely card, and they both chose some special gifts with David - my favorites - chocolate, ginger chews, peppermint soap, earrings and a special box. We spent the afternoon at Hot Springs soaking in a tub and sharing a picnic lunch. It was a real delight. And my gift to myself was to get digging in the garden - planting a fig trees and some blueberry bushes, and lots of herbs and seeds.

The creek at hot springs:

Vivienne's creation:

My garden goodies:

Special Day

It was a most special ceremony today, closing the year for Vivienne's sweet school. The children worked so hard to make a final debut of their work - a special project, a collective quilt, an art show... it was wonderful!

It is also a very special day because it is Dad's (Grandpa's) birthday! Blessings to you!!

First of May!

The kids had a wonderful time making bouqets and May day cones for our neighbors. It was a fun way to celebrate by giving to others. (though it took a bit of explaining as to why we don't need to get something in return!) First the girls painted and cut paper to make cones, then we decorated them with ribbons, collected flowers and arranged them.

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Finally we went around and delivered them on doorknobs. The girls were a bit shy but giddy with excitement.

The girls' maypole creation:

A beautiful May postcard (by Ruth Elsasser):

Garden Delight

Look what Vivi found in the garden this morning - our first radish! I have the garden bug once again ~I think, dream and live for digging in the dirt!

And Vivi was especially thrilled with the very special "V" marking she found on her very own radish.