Two Thumbs UP?

This year...for what ever reason...I thought I would try a hand (or should I say thumb) at gardening. For years and years and Y E A R S, I would watch my grandfather tend to his garden daily and be awe of the vegetables that he would grow! I am hoping that a little bit of his green thumb rubs off on me!

I have to say that I am addicted to it. Yes, it takes a great deal of time and patience (something my husband says I have little of at times) but is has been a learning experience and I have really enjoyed it thus far. I have a bit of a problem in that I can't seem to stop adding on to it! Thankfully, we have tons of land behind us that no one is using, so I am squatting on it until someone says I can't!

I decided to use what was left of the deck as the 'frame' and knocked the deck boards off the bottom (thanks to Gran for the idea!!!). I planted a few things...peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and some herbs...but I didn't stop there. I thought I would give a "little" pumpkin patch a try. Lexie and her buddy Cole helped--I really hope there are some pumpkins in the fall for them to pick...and judging by the size of the plants now...we may have enough for the entire neighborhood!!! After that little addition, I decided to bump it out some more and add on for some squash (thanks Gpa for the seeds!). Things are growing and growing--so keep your fingers crossed...this little city girl may just be a 'farmer'!



It started with a here...with a few plants and some seeds...and then it just kept growing and growing and growing!!!
A view of the pumpkin patch...which has taken on a life of its own. The brick is a little touch I added to spruce up the place (what else was I going to do with half a palate of bricks that was leftover from the deck demo???)


Things are a growin' and not just weeds!!!

Jalepanos! Hoping to make some killer salsa by the end of the summer!!!



Tomatoes
Basil

Oh Christmas Tree---Oh Christmas Tree...

After finally deciding we were going to get a LIVE tree this year, we loaded up and headed to Hozak Farms to find the perfect Christmas tree. Russ had envisioned taking a hayride out to the fields and cutting one down himself, but it was cold, there was a ton of snow on the ground, and we were running out of time! Needless to say, there were plenty of pre-cut trees to pick from. I didn't want a tree with a long pine needle so we settled on a Fraiser Fir! I thought it was a charming "little" tree, but I think Russ really had his sights on the field. Once we got the lights and the decorations on it...he came around! Next year, IF we decide to get a live tree again...we will be heading to the tree farm earlier!

Olivia all bundled up in her big sister's old snow suit trying to stay warm!
Lexie was having a great time checking out all of the trees!!!
With our tree picked out, it was time to head to the Barn to let Lexie pick out her Christmas ornament...and so we could all warm up a bit!
Loving the snow...red nosed and all!!!
No, this isn't a postcard but rather a picture I took on the way home! The snow may be a bit much at times, but here it is absolutely stunning! Mother Nature's Artwork!!!
Back home warming up...Lexie is completely in awe by the movie the Polar Express!! (Looks as though we may be taking a trip on the PE next year Nini)

Olivia resting on Granny's lap while we get the tree set up!
"Now everyone stand back!"
Lexie attempts to put the first ornament on the tree!

The lights are on...let the decorating begin!

A Day on the Farm with Nini and TT

Janoski's Farm held it's second annual City Farm Days the first weekend in August so I invited my mom and her friend Terri to join us. Lexie and I went last year and had a great time so I didn't want to miss out on the fun this year. Nini and TT arrived Friday evening just in time to visit with Lexie before it was her bedtime. Of course they took turns holding and kissing Olivia before we all retired for the evening (after Russ made a round of drinks for everyone). Russ was pulling double duty all weekend long at the military base and ER so he wasn't able to hang out with all the girls except for Friday night (his loss)!

Saturday morning we got up, ate some breakfast, slathered up Lexie is some 50+spf and headed to the farm. It was HOT but there was a nice breeze blowing thankfully! Our first stop was the petting zoo. Lexie was enamored with the cow and other animals. She was able to pet the baby bunnies and even saw a day old chick. Next stop...the corn pit. Don't ask...but she seemed to enjoy herself. Then it was off to the Snack shack with a quick visit from Russ (he was able to sneak off the base during lunch to join us). From there it was on to do a little hay jumping...then we made our way over to the farmer's market...it was too hot to head out into the fields to pick our own produce, though the hay ride looked fun!

It was a great day...thanks mom and tt for making the trip! We had a blast! :)


Olivia is allll smiles for her Nini

Lexie leads the way with Nini and TT in tow!
Some of the animals at the petting zoo...
Lexie, Olivia and I take a closer look.
Lexie loved the baby bunnies...they were so so soft!
Nini and Lexie show us their clean hands...or are they saying "swiper no swiping"?
Lexie loved this little boat filled with corn...she threw it everywhere!
It doesn't get much better than this...sharing an ice cream cone with her daddy!
A BIG BITE!!!
Family photo...sorry about the diaper shot!
Lexie having a blast in the hay...needless to say it was everywhere too!
Olivia had so much fun at the farm...she could hardly keep her eyes open when we got home!

LIfe on the Farm

This weekend was the 1st Annual City Farm days at Janoski's Farm.  It was a family friendly event complete with a petting zoo, hay rides, straw jumping, and produce picking, just to name a few.  The weather couldn't have been nicer, so we headed down the road to the farm to partake in all the fun activities. The first stop was the petting zoo.  Lexie was a bit unsure, but after a few seconds, was all over the place.  She was so intrigued by the live animals and was back and forth between the baby sheep and calfs.  Once I was able to get her to leave the petting zoo we headed over to see the township's new fire truck.  It was loaded with big kids crawling all over the seats so she made herself cozy on the grass.  She also made friends with a local police officer who couldn't stop commenting on how cute she was with all that red hair.  : )

The line for the hay ride out to the fields was getting longer and longer so we decided to wait until pumpkin pickin' time.  It was getting to be nap time for some one (me) so we headed back to the car after picking up a few refreshments.  On the way back, we detoured to the petting zoo so Lexie could say goodbye to her new friends.  They instantly came up to the fence and licked her little fingers!  We had such a great time...and can't wait to go back!