Baby Payton

Baby Payton, our new niece, was welcomed to this world on May 1st. She was a few weeks early, but healthy and able to go home with her Mama Courtney. We went down to Valdosta last weekend to visit with Ben's brother and his growing family. Esther has been baby-obsessed lately (not sure why), so it was nice for her to see a wee one. She was very sweet with Payton and brother Colt, who will turn one next week.

Uncle BenColt like Ben's beard
E loved Colt's John Deere

Sweet!

Splashing in the puddles with Uncle Boo Boo
Tuckered out
So, so Sweet!

Backyard Harvest - farm visit

We had another lovely day today, visiting our friend's farm-Backyard Harvest. We brought along our friends, Andy and Amara (unfortunately, the spouses had to work). The girls had fun tromping around the farm, picking strawberries and carrots, and admiring Buddy and Rose - llama and alpaca. Us adults enjoyed the fellowship of friends, the warm sun and cool breeze, and the yummy lettuce we were sent home with (thanks, Becky and Boo!).
We also got a special treat of going out in the little pond on the farm. This is one of the only times I can remember E being out on a boat (except when we went out once on my brother's big boat). I was a bit nervous, but she did great! She swore she saw a turtle swimming, but no one else saw it.
And lastly, a sweet pic from Mother's Day. After a busy few weeks (months), I decided I didn't want to do anything on my day. We planted our tomatoes, made strawberry shortcake, and just relaxed all day. Can't ask for much more than that.

Strawberry Pickin'

We had a lovely weekend of going to the first Farmer's Market of the season and picking strawberries. You may remember pictures from last year's strawberry harvest. The dress still fits, but is more of a shirt now. Esther still loves it! We made strawberry shortcake (from scratch) yesterday and it was quite yummy.
Hope your spring is sweet and bountiful!

E's 1st Camping trip = Totally Awesome!

We did our first camping trip with Esther this past weekend. We had camped in the backyard during the week to get her prepared for sleeping in a tent all night. She did great, so the camping trip was on. We went with some good friends who have a 4yo daughter that Esther loves. Sandy Creek Park is a small park in Athens with a nice semi-primitive campground. You have to wheel barrel your gear in, but there is still a bathroom if you need such fancies.
We got a beautiful site right next to the lake. The girls were able to run around and play with all the nature-lovin' splendor a child can imagine.

The Group Shot
Love Esther's look here

My handsome hubby!

Swimming in the lake before the storm came - it was cold!

Beautiful sunset shot - courtesy of Andy

Esther's first experience with marshmallows. She wasn't too keen on the sticky finger part

'Smart Mom Award' went to me for the idea of bringing a play tent. The girls were able to play in the tent throughout the day and it provided refuge from the rain for us adults after the kiddos went to bed.

Helping Papa gather firewood

We ended the trip off with a hula hooping party. Esther isn't quite coordinated enough to do it yet, but she's getting the idea. Amara and Jen were pros!

One final family shot before hiking out

Thankful for the rain this week - may your gardens and lives be full of beauty!

BIG Zoo!

We read a lot around here and many books happen to be about a zoo. We have a small game-ranch style zoo in Athens, but no big animals. Last weekend was the Planet Party at the Atlanta Zoo in honor of last week's Earth Day. We, the Botanical Garden, had a table there with a bird hat craft and information about migratory birds. Since I was there, what a perfect time for Esther to FINALLY visit the 'BIG Zoo', as she calls it.

E and Poppi looking at snakes - Esther's favorite!

Rock Outcrop and Sweetwater Festival

We had a wonderful week of springtime activities. During the week, Esther and I had a playdate with some good friends. Her friend, Amara, is four and they play really well together. After going to the playground, we visited a local rock outcrop that has an abundance of threatened and endangered plants. Esther and Amara had fun hiking around and tromping through the little streambeds.
This weekend, we headed into Atlanta for the Sweetwater Festival in Candler Park. Saturday Ben and I went and met some friends, leaving E to play with the Grands. She came with us on Sunday and we had such a blast. She loved playing with her hula hoop and dancing to the music. She's already asking to go to another festival ("festibal"). So glad she's following in our footsteps of good music and good times!

Old friend, Em, and I with LED hula hoops - So cool!

Family fun!

Esther's having some boogie-time. Also check out her new skirt. I bought this great pillowcase and turned it into this adorable skirt. She's worn it the last 4 days...I think she likes it!

About 5 minutes after leaving the festival