Strawberry Fields Forever

I have wanted to go strawberry picking since I was a teen going to my first OzzFest at Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wisconsin. There is a little place about half way there that I always saw advertised but have never stopped at. I never went because it did not seem like anyone else had interest. Funny because now I find out one of my closest friends in the world who took that same ride over and over to Alpine with me desired the same thing!

The girls and I had some time a few Sundays back and we stopped at Stade’s Farm in McHenry. Stade’s is a wonderful place; we have gone there before for pumpkins. We are looking forward to raspberry picking there as well. Cool place and so glad we were introduced by April. After posting a picture of our day on facebook other friends in the area mentioned how they would have gone also. I guess it was not just my dear Erica and myself longing for a strawberry adventure. Next year is going to be so much fun meeting up with other pals and doing both the McHenry and Wisconsin farms.

So the funny thing is the anticipation did not meet up to the excitement of actually picking strawberries. It was ok. I mean I had the best time with my girls and I am so happy that we got the opportunity but it was just ok and a lot of bending. The unseasonably HOT weather made for tiny strawberries but they were so sweet and delicious! It was a great day and so glad to scratch another thing off my bucket list.

Now let’s see if I actually make it to go apple picking this fall….crossing my fingers I want to try that so bad. Until then here are some snapshots from our “Strawberry Sunday”:

...

Inspiration

Have you ever just been inspired by the day? Today I can surely say yes! After a trip to my grandparents without the kids I NEEDED some momma and kiddo time like nothing else in this world. Our day began with a little breakfast and we hit the road. We just started up Milwaukee Ave. with the original intention of cruising around Palwaukee Airport and hanging in the woods across the way. We did in fact actually see some planes take off and did a circle around but we were just not feeling those woods. So we kept on keeping on until we found the spot that was calling for us all day. The sign popped off to the right and we knew we had found our spot. We came upon Half Day Forest Preserve. What an awesome place! We didn't get to deep into the preserve so I am very excited to go back and see what we missed! But we still had an incredible time. There were dragonflies and frogs to spot, amazing paths to walk, picnic areas to chill, and a park that was just about as much fun as any other I have ever been to before! As the morning rolled along and we had our picnic I just felt as if every part of this day was completely perfect. I started shooting pictures of everything. I felt like such a photographer...don't worry I am not going to quit my day job but for today it was excellent and pat on the back for myself because some of these pictures are kind of cool!

First my Artistic attempts:

And the family shots:

Our Playdate Was So Great!

Thumbs up Morton Grove Park District!

At the Prairie View Community Center they offer an open play time for parents and young children in their gym.  It is such a wonderful idea! Each time they bring out a variety of play things including bikes, hoops, and gymnastics equipment for the kids to explore.  I was very excited that I was able to bring both girls if I wanted but opted to only take Maise since we had our friends Payton and Carrie join us.  It turned into almost a private playdate as we were the only ones there other than an employee's child.  The concept is super cool and I was hoping that Maise would have had the chance to meet other kids in her preschool class this coming fall.  But we will just see if we can meet some other kids at the park this summer.  The open play is only in the winter months and we showed up for the final day.  Even if we have to wait till the weather is bad again I am glad we gave it a shot.  This is something we will totally do again.

Payton and Maise had a great time, so that means the mommies are going to have to plan another date soon. I wonder what kind of trouble we can find. There is always something fun to do with a couple of 3 year olds!
Check out our pictures from our Open Play Date: