Pumpkin Pleasure Trip

The times are a-changin’, which translates to things like no mountain house weekend this year, thanks to teenagers’ schedules. Faced with a free day off from school, beautiful fall weather, and my unwavering appreciation for Burt’s Farm, I decided to take Laura and Meghan. Turns out Meghan had never been to a pumpkin patch, so it was a very worthwhile mission.

Not knowing just how many people would have the day off and a similar plan, we hit the road early in order to be there when Burt’s opened. We had the pick of the parking lot, and clear access to the vast array of porta-potties!

It really was a gorgeous, crisp autumn morning, and we were all happy to leisurely make our way around the farm.

We were the first hay ride of the day, after which we grabbed some baked goods and then got to work picking out pumpkins. Pretty sure we got the best ones.

Given that Amicalola Falls is just 1/4 of a mile up the road, the girls humored me with a trip to the state park. They first flocked to the playground before we made our way to the base of the falls. It’s a steep trail up to the falls, which was not on their agenda, so we turned around pretty quickly - but we got some lovely views along the way.

It was so refreshing to be outside, and not in a rush - and these girls make pretty fun companions. It wasn’t a weekend retreat, but I enjoyed my morning in the mountains nonetheless!

Clare’s Junior Year Homecoming

As seems to be par for the course for Junior year, Homecoming weekend was jam-packed for Clare. It unfortunately fell on the same weekend as her two-day swim instructor certification for the Y - which of course was held at a YMCA 45 minutes away. In true fashion, she planned accordingly, working ahead where she could and staying home on Friday night to study. And as is (almost) always the case, everything worked out beautifully!

There was a picture party/dinner at Christian’s house with all of her friends before the dance. They lucked out, as the ridiculous and record-breaking heat wave finally broke the day of Homecoming- making for a beautiful evening! 

A grand time was had by all - and I think she was the best-dressed there, too!

Danny’s First Cross-Country Season

Early on, Danny committed himself to run a season of cross country for Marist. He mainly planned to do this both to get involved early on at school, and to condition for soccer. He assumed he would hate it. WE assumed he would hate it. Particularly since the practices began in early August, when the weather really couldn’t be any hotter. Danny has never been a fan of being active in the heat (he comes by that honestly).

He was pretty nervous heading into his first practice, worried that he’d either get sick or, worse, be last. Tim and I were prepared to let him quit after three practices (not that we told him that). So imagine our collective surprise when I picked up a jubilant runner after day one! Turns out he practiced with the faster group, kept up with them, and actually enjoyed himself!

These poor kids never did get a break in the weather: the record-breaking heat continued through their final meet. But Danny never wavered, and will likely run again next year. It just goes to show that you never know until you try!

Cheers to 20 Years!

We *finally* did it. We’ve been talking about a trip to California Wine Country with the Francos for 7+ years! We ultimately decided that since we were both celebrating our 20th wedding anniversaries in the same year, there was no better reason to make it happen.

We chose Sonoma, with the fantastic Barrel House in Healdsburg as our home base. We flew out on Wednesday morning, and despite a lengthy flight delay and quite a bit of traffic, we arrived in time for our dinner reservation at Barndiva. The pictures above don’t quite do the charming outdoor dining area justice - and the weather couldn’t have been better!

For our first full day, we hired a driver to give us tour of selected wineries in the area. We were pleasantly surprised when he showed up with this super cool convertible van, especially since it was such a glorious day!

Our day started at Medlock Ames, with a jovial host and lovely property. We moved on to Robert Young, whose elevated tasting rooms and grounds overlooking the valley were truly spectacular. From there we enjoyed sandwiches our guide picked up for us from Big John’s (local gourmet grocer) at J Rickard’s Winery, after which Jim Rickard himself gave us a tour that included Dixie cup tastings from the vats in different states of fermentation. Our final stop was yet another stunningly beautiful spot, Passalacqua - probably our favorite wine of the day (and definitely a tongue-twister for the remainder of the weekend).

The next day was devoted to what was initially referred to by us as the “expensive tasting,” but which wound up surpassing all expectations: Lynmar Estate. We began our Collector’s Flight sipping rosé in the breathtaking gardens, and then we headed up to the caves, passing row upon row of vines along the way. Katie, our Lynmar guide, was eager for us to experience everything- and since it was harvest time, there was a LOT to see. We witnessed the sorting process, peered into vats before and after the pour-over process, and chatted extensively with Pete, the winemaker.

And THEN we got to the caves, and our charming alcove awaiting our tasting. It. Was. Awesome. Best of all, the wines were exquisite! Suffice to say, we are in the family now.

After such an incomparable tour, we opted to cancel the second scheduled tasting of the day, and chose to chill by the Barrel House’s beautiful pool before our tapas dinner reservation. A rough afternoon.

For our final, full day, we mixed it up and drove to the coast, stopping to see the magnificent redwoods in Armstrong Woods. From there we stopped at Goat Rock State Beach, which was gorgeous, before heading into Bodega Bay for a seafood lunch by the sea.

We ended the day stopping at a forgettable winery near the house, and then enjoyed another relaxing afternoon/evening at home with take-out pizza, college football, and Euchre. It was bliss. The trip felt full of experiences, but also rest and relaxation - including morning cups of coffee by the fire in the Barrel Room.

We were so fortunate to have Donna and Larry man the ship for us, without which this truly memorable vacation wouldn’t have happened. Next up: Bordeaux in 2024!

 

Sending Summer Out with a Splash

We nearly didn’t make it, but at the last minute we pulled off a Labor Day visit to the beloved White Water! Lucky for us, everyone’s BFF was available, so we loaded up in the van and got there not long after it opened.

We managed to get in some rides and lunch before the power went out, which was definitely a bizarre turn of events. The kids splashed around in the lazy river before the park had to shut that down, too. It didn’t seem as though the power would be restored any time soon, so we opted to cut our losses and head back to our house...with a milkshake pit stop, naturally.

I found myself very grateful for the terrific friends my kids have. It wasn’t quite the day we expected, but it was a good one nonetheless!

First Day of Third Grade, 3rd Edition

At long last, after an extended summer due to construction at CKS, Laura has embarked on the Third Grade! And for the first time, posing solo and the sole Seymour represented! Time flies indeed. 

First Day of Driving Buddies

They have talked about this moment for at least a year. I don’t even know which one of them was more excited: Danny, heading off to his new school in the company of his revered big sister, or Clare, the newly-minted Junior with a “Junior lot” tag to prove it in her car, sharing her school with her beloved little brother. It was a fun sight to witness, and made Tim’s and my morning a little simpler, too!

Joyful selfie taken from the Junior Lot (no doubt the shine will quickly wear off this place, but we’ll enjoy it while we can)!