Gotta love the weekend

We had the most fantastic weekend…a weekend like the ones we used to have so very, very often. We’ve missed our days of being outside and wandering around the city. Still, the Atlanta History Center proves to be the best kept secret in Atlanta. We love it!!! This year’s Folklife Festival was fantastic and a great addition to our “fall has arrived” celebrations.

The petting zoo was well-loved by everyone.

The sequence of expressions on Lizzie’s face as she realized there was a “bunny” in her lap and then proceeded to stare at it, touch it, and ultimately whack it before being whisked away rather quickly by a certain anticipating momma.

This photo makes me laugh at out loud every time I see it. Gotta love this boy’s humor.

Most of the day’s events were in the farm so Clare got to wander back to the petting zoo all day. She loved it!!

Katie got to make a corn husk doll. This was something we’d never done at the farm in previous visits.

Clare picked one up and immediately declared it was a “pin-cess” and started to dance with it. We have Angelina Ballerina on Netflix to thank for Clare’s recent fascination for “pin-cess” dancing and “pin-cess” music. I love it.

Daddy loves this kind of thing. Michael loves to be with his daddy. Clare loves to be everywhere there’s action.

I must admit, I was studying this little cooking adventure and even took the time to chat with the “master chef” a bit also. I think I want one of these for Christmas. There’s nothing better than slow cooked meat. He roasted this for an hour turning it every 10-15 minutes. I sure wished I’d been a volunteer that day and able to taste it. Boy did it smell great!!

Nate helped the kitchen cook beat her biscuit dough. There was no baking powder “back then” so they’d simply beat the dough, fold it up, beat it again, etc. 400 total whacks were enough to then put it onto hot coals to bake. It’s days like this when I’m reminded how thankful I am to step into my modern-day kitchen to prepare a meal.

Candle-making has always been a favorite activity. This year, was Clare’s first experience. Thankfully, big sis took over when she tired of the task.

The kids were able (later in the day) to dye their corn husk dolls with natural dye…tumeric & cayenne.

Learning from the blacksmith is always a highlight too.

This lady has been telling stories for decades. We saw her many times when Katie & Michael were toddlers. Now, she’s telling stories for our second round of toddlers. I love it.

What an incredible day. It filled all “our tanks” be back at a place we love, outside, and making more memories – some new, some simply layered on top of ones we already possess. Regardless, we are so thankful for our membership to this gem of a place in Buckhead.

Michael accidentally broke his tablet screen a few weeks back and has been suffering withdrawal from a recently loved game. Katie & him pooled their money to purchase the computer version so that they could build with even greater potential. I don’t quite understand it, but it sure creeps into a lot of conversations these days.

Today, we went to Mass, did our weekly grocery shopping, and headed back to the parish for the annual parish picnic. How fun!

(Nate made me promise I’d keep this next picture for use in Clare’s high school yearbook.)

Lastly, Michael scored a $5 pair of tennis shoes at Wal-mart today. Obviously, they will become more play shoes, but they do indeed have laces. His feet are so wide that we have found he is more comfortable in Crocs. Therefore, without thinking, he’s been in no-tie shoes most of his life. At almost 7 years old, it was high time he learn to tie his shoes. With two pairs of tie shoes, he was motivated. YouTube saves the day again! Look at this cool way to tie your shoes.

It seemed much easier than the way I learned. I’m happy to report that it really is as easy as it looks. He did it in just a few attempts!! Way to go buddy!!

Next weekend, we celebrate our first born’s 10th birthday. She has decided (weather permitting) to go to the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and Amicalola Falls. Looks like we will do all of our fall traditions in one day. Lunch at Golden Coral – one of her favorite restaurants. In fact, it’s where she went last year on her birthday. Fried chicken at home for dinner! Has it really been almost 10 years since we brought home our 4# 9oz baby girl?! Say it isn’t true!!!

AND…my parents will be here to celebrate. That is, if they can make their way across the country in a timely fashion. Have you heard? They are indeed moving to Atlanta!! Golly, seems hard to believe also. It’s going to be an incredible October. However, I think I’m in denial still. Fall temperatures have arrived. Our oldest is growing up. Mom & dad are moving. It’s almost October. And only 87 days until Christmas. Goodness!! Come celebrate with us if you are in the area!