Shenanigans

Our trips to town are pretty infrequent compared to the average Joe. They usually consist of a trip to the grocery store, a bite to eat and when we're lucky, Pa and I take turns running into a few of our fave thrift stores. 

Since Rupi was born, we've had maybe a handful of moments when Pa and I have been brave enough to take all 4 into the store at once. I've seen that "one mom" with one kid crying in the basket, one running off, or grabbing candy despite her request not to, the others nagging the lady in the check out for their own special bag and well...you get the idea and now I'm totally that lady.  But, this day we were feeling brave and decided that a trip to the park before running errands sounded like a good way to reduce the chance of meltdowns.

The kids love Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach. It's pretty simple. It sits up high on a cliff so the views of the ocean are beautiful (and a little scary). It has a couple of infant swings, one tire swing, a few big dinosaur eggs you can sit inside of, a bunch of beached whales and dolphins to climb on and plenty of room to run....

Inspired by Zissou

Free willy

Forced smiles

We parked it for a good hour and then hit the stores....dun dun dun...

Our first store was supposed to be a quick grab and go of dog food and baby wipes and ended up walking out with school books (not complaining), neon pens, notebooks with kittens on the cover, candles (if you can't beat them, join them) and battled against the sugar bugs in the check out.

The grocery store was going pretty well, compared to the other family with the toddler that crashed his mini cart into barrels of expensive wine (more then once), and then Amelie decided she couldn't leave without a dozen roses and sunflowers. But, I will say, they do look and smell beautiful in the house...

We survived, and we may do it again, just not anytime soon.

-Ma Fern

Imagine

Some of the best memories I have from childhood, were made making crafts. My mom kept my craft supplies stocked and never told me when to or not to, but simply encouraged me to use my imagination...

Our children are all under the age of 6 and don't keep up with their mess the way that I wish they would, and of course, cleaning bits of paper scraps and wiping glue, paint or whatever else off of surfaces they don't belong on isn't ideal, but watching them play with paper plates and construction paper for hours instead of store bought toys makes it all worth it. 

(Flower, chicken, lion)

-Ma Fern

Bringin' home the bacon

About a week ago Pa brought home the bacon and then some...

 (Tongue, kidney, liver)

Now, we dont typically eat a lot of red meat but we know some country folk, who know some other country folk, who kindly offered us some of their extra boar which is an offer you do not refuse. 

The children and I stayed home while Pa went to north county to help butcher a few boar, and brought back enough meat to last us a few months. We couldn't be more grateful!

We Q'd some ribs with a dry rub put on the night prior and then tossed them in the oven with BBQ sauce, whipped up some garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes and asparagus...HOLY PORK! A meal to remember... simple, and SO good! 

- Ma Fern

Fear Not...

This is Elliott, our more cautious one. He is our first born and I can't help but feel like my over protective tendencies, when he was an infant, are somewhat to blame for his cautious attributes.  But, time and confidence have a way of working those things out. This was one of those days, where a leap of faith was made and he felt so good, which of course, feels so good for Pa and I.

-Ma Fern