NaNa and Pop's

A little over a week ago, I wrote a post focusing on the childhood memories I have of my grandparents' farm and how I hope to pass on similar traditions to my children. Thankfully, Hadley and Caleb also have their own set of grandparents with a beautiful piece of countryside to explore. 

Our outdoor adventures began this past May with the kids getting some fresh spring air while checking out NaNa's chickens, playing in the cherry blossoms, and, as it got a little warmer, splashing in the water table on the back porch. After being cooped up inside for months, they were all welcome avenues of fun.

The water table was especially wonderful because we could strip the kids down quickly and let them go to town. Since it was smaller than traditional baby pools, it didn't take long to fill up, plus we didn't have to worry about small feet slipping while climbing in and out. Mom bought this last summer I think, and it has been well worth the money spent.

All summer long, whether inside the house or out, NaNa and Pop's was a fun place to be whenever we could get there. In June, the kids found adventures playing in a dinosaur tent my mom purchased on sale...

 enjoyed chasing bubbles on the porch....

 
and spent plenty of time riding the "Chicken Wagon" or just running around the yard.

Of course, July brought warmer weather still and even more outdoor exploration. 

Since Caleb and Hadley are both smitten with NaNa's chickens, these animals were a regular source of enjoyment during those sunshiny days. She may not have an old pick-up for everyone to climb aboard, but her "Chicken Wagon" is just as exciting, especially as the cool air hits us in the face and tummies flip-flop as she lets the golf cart rush down the rolling hills. Smiles light up faces and squeals of glee abound. Every part of the experience, from helping dumpthe feed into the feeder to chasing the hens around the yard, is engaging and interesting to curious little ones.

Aunt Courtney's dogs were pretty fun to check out too, especially when they licked tiny toddler fingers through the fence. Though Caleb is a bit timid when the dogs try to jump on him (a fear he gets honestly from his Momma), Hadley giggles at it all.

The kids have also both really enjoyed picking wild raspberries this summer. Bushes and bushes of them lined my parents' property, running along the edges of forest and up and down the creek bed just waiting for these two and their NaNa to find and savor. Caleb loved getting right in the weeds and pulling them off himself while Hadley had to wait for someone to plop them in her little mouth. Thankfully, no one ended up with any ticks, just happy taste buds.

Just playing near the creek is too tempting though. Those plump toddler toes and bare preschool feet had to take a dip every now and then. They liked listening to the the tiny frogs nearby, and Caleb even caught some minnows on one occasion. I mean, isn't this is what summer is about?!?!

While vacations and excursions are fun, I am so thankful my kids have such a wonderful place to visit any time they want. There is always something new and exciting to try, so it never gets old to them. While Mommy's energy may wear out sometimes, their NaNa is always waiting with a new adventure or just a bit of silliness to keep those grand-babies entertained and loving it. And, while Pop may not be home quite as often to enjoy, he always has some type of crazy scheme or item he's brought home that keeps everyone on their toes and my kids smiling. It's not about the activities themselves though, but about the quality time spent that makes for such memorable days and helps the kids feel special. Caleb's love language, in particular, seems to be quality time and at NaNa and Pop's he definitely gets aplenty. What great times they are passing on to these little ones to treasure!