Old McDebbie's Farm

We decided to go and do one of the things on our Get Out Pass yesterday for the afternoon, Old McDebbie's Farm. Neither Nate nor I had ever heard of this place and so we went into it saying it just something to experience and it's okay if this is a onetime thing. It was about an hour away and felt like we were in the middle of some suburb but then we got there and it was a hidden gem. They had farm animals all over that we got to feed, fun things for the kids to play on, exotic animals, an I spy nature trail, a large pond that you could fish on (this was extra and not part of the pass but a pretty cool set up), a musical forest, and so much more. It was such a fun property, the staff were so helpful and friendly, and we loved our time there and we would totally go again.

We got a bucket of fruits, veggies, and bread to feed all the animals. The goats constantly follow you around trying to get food from you. Paige was really good at breaking up the pieces so our little bucket lasted us the whole time we were there. Paige loved feeding all the animals and Baylor got brave about halfway through and enjoyed feeding too.

Paige even got to hand feed a turtle, a deer, and a zebra. There were so many fun animals to see and feed.

The barn animals were friendly and ready to be fed and pet. There were some donkeys, a wallaby, some goats and sheep, a pig, a llama named Moses, some guinea pigs, some baby chicks, a parrot, and a cat.

Then we wandered around more and there was an area with chickens, ducks, roosters, guinea fowl, peacocks, and pheasant. And of course, the goats following you around, begging for more food. :)

I love our family adventures!

Then these two took some time to play while Paige continued to feed the goats.

These girls for sure have some country in their blood and love experiences like this.

Then we saw some mara, emus, a kangaroo, and some very friendly deer.

Then we went on an I-spy nature trail which I loved.  It was one of my favorite parts of the property. It was a gorgeous trail, and the girls took turns looking for each new animal. They had wood cut outs and we had to find all the ones on our paper. It was so fun to see the excitement for each animal found and I just love being in nature with my family.

Then we walked to the musical forest and the top right picture is of the fishing pond. It was so pretty and most of the people there were fishing. It is stocked with rainbow trout, and you can either rent fishing poles or bring your own. You pay $6 per fish, and they can clean it for you. There is no catch and release and because it is a private property, you don't have to have a fishing license to fish. It is a pretty cool set up and it was fun to see people catching fish.

They enjoyed banging on buckets, cow bells, and other fun things in the musical forest.

Then we saw the zebra and enjoyed some axe throwing and the girls played on the play set for a bit.

Back to goat feeding and enjoyed the beautiful view of the pond.

McCall finally got brave enough at the end to pet a few of the animals and tried feeding a goat but ended up just throwing the food on the ground.

We wandered through the birds and the barn one last time before heading home.

And Paige even got to hold a rooster which she loved.

It was such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. I felt such contentment, joy, and gratitude while there, and it really was a hidden gem that my family loved.

End of August Fun

Our first half of August was filled with a reunion and a campout and then the rest of August was just some time for our family and soaking up the last bit of summer until school started. We went to the lake multiple times. McCall and Baylor realized how much they love floating on inner tubes and Paige enjoyed going out on the paddle board.

We did Ready, Set, Play for the city of Covington. There were 20 local businesses that first we had to do something fun at home or at the business and then we collected brag tags. We got all of ours done and collected the final prize which includes a free Crumbl Cookie, Legendary Donut, some free swim passes and some other fun prizes including some cute Covington stickers that McCall enjoyed.

Paige and I went to the movie theater with some friends and saw Freakier Friday. It was so good, and I haven't laughed at a movie that much in a long time. If you loved the first one, then you will love the second one. It had so many fun nods to the first one and it was so fun going with friends.

I always love when I have selfies on my phone to enjoy. :)

We went on a hike with some friends. She was watching extra kids, so it was just us 2 adults and 13 kids. It was crazy like you would imagine but so fun and the kids really did great and loved the little outdoor adventure we went on. We first went on the Asahel Nature Trail. It is one of my favorite kid friendly hikes because it is only 1/2 mile and a loop. It is a beautiful PNW trail and at the start you go over this cool bridge and the stream is always fun to explore.

Then we went to Rattlesnake Lake for a swim. Paige took kids out of the paddle board and there were lots of stumps for the kids to explore. The lake was pretty low, and it was a pretty hot day so there were lots of people there. It was a fun day, but it is not a lake that I would need to go to again since I live right by a pretty amazing lake.

We used our Get Out Pass again and did our one trip to Wild Waves. I told the girls going into that this pass was getting us in for free and to have low expectations. It would be okay if we just did one thing. We just focused on the water area since it was a hot day. The girls had lots of fun and Paige loved trying out the water slides. There were so many people there and I just followed McCall around the entire time. The girls had so much fun and were very happy with our outing.

Baylor started swim lessons and is loving it. I'm excited to see how she progresses, and she her confidence grow when she in the water.

This cute girl has been loving princess dresses lately and at home often has a dress on so there is now sparkle all over the house and the crown is often an accessory even when we go out. It is the cutest thing ever!

Now onto September, back to school and schedules, weekend adventures, fall weather, and just loving life with this sweet family of mine.

Back to School

We had the busiest and best summer that was filled with so many adventures, fun, and memories. Both of the girls didn't really want to go back to school but they both had back to school nights that helped with the excitement and on the first day there were nerves and excitement and they both handled it so well. It is now back to schedules, lots of back and forth in the car, learning, growing, new opportunities, new relationships to be formed and old ones to be rekindled, and all the many things that happen with a new school year.

This year we have a 2nd grader and an 8th grader!

Paige is now the king of the school and in her last year of middle school. It's crazy to think about and middle school has flown by. I know she will crush this school year, and I'm excited to watch her grow in confidence and grow in learning. She is excited to do track and gymnastics again. She is an incredible young women, daughter, sister, and friend. She is a natural born leader, and I know she will be an asset to any class that she is in. She is kind and will be a light to her world and people at school. She is pure goodness, and I know she will do amazing things this school year!

Here's all about Paige as an 8th Grader:

• Favorite Color: Light Pink
• Favorite Food: Fettucine Alfredo
• Favorite Treat: Chocolate Cookie Crumble Ice Cream or Brownies
• Favorite Thing We Did This Summer: Going to Idaho, San Juan Island Youth Campout, and spending lots of time with family
• Some Things Paige Loves: Family, Bed, Being Outside, and the Beach
• What Paige Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Mom and Photographer 

I love our back to school photo shoots. The girls love going shopping for new clothes and it always gets them a little more excited for the new school year since I have a firm rule that they can't wear them until school starts. 

Paige is a full blown teenager, and it is just so crazy! She is a beauty inside and out and I love these pictures of her. She is stunning!

We have a big Benson Boone fan in our house!

Baylor was more confident this school year and ready to go and really has a feel for the school and school procedures and just how things are done. She loves her new backpack and lunch box which made starting school even more exciting. She is excited about her teacher and on the first day she has already made a new friend. She is an amazing friend and loves to be friends with lots of people. She is excited for math and I'm excited to see how much she will grow and learn especially with her reading and comprehension skills. I hope that she becomes less shy at school and that people at school get to see the fun and silly side. She will be such a kind friend and an amazing helper to her teacher. She is always quick to listen and loves to do her best. 

Here's all about Baylor as an 2nd Grader:

• Favorite Color: Light Blue
• Favorite Food: Chicken Noodle Soup in Bread Bowls
• Favorite Treat: Homemade Oreos or Marshmallow Brownies
• Favorite Thing We Did This Summer: Going to Idaho and Playing with Cousins
• Some Things Paige Loves: Family, Bed/Blankets and Stuffed Animals, Slime, and Swim Lessons
• What Paige Wants to Be When She Grows Up: A Mom 

These pictures just make me smile. Baylor is true to who she is, and she just lights up when she smiles. There is always a little mischievousness in that smile and her eyes and freckles are a sight to be seen. She is an adorable 2nd grader!

This series of pictures makes me smile because when Baylor smiles and laughs, it lights up her entire being. She is fun to the core!

Two cute sisters, ready for a new school year!

Of course, when we are taking pictures of sisters, the little one doesn't want to be left out. And boy was she in a mood for silly and fun pictures. She makes the best and silliest faces. She is by far my most expressive child and I'm grateful that I will have her at home to keep me company. I plan to get her potty trained as soon as I can. I also want to do an at home preschool with her and do fun letter crafts and activities. I'm sure there will be lots of trips to the library, the park, and to the store. She will be my little sidekick and she sure is a cute one!

The first day of school was exciting and fun plus a few nerves. Paige had a three hour delay so for this one day, Baylor got to go to school first. Paige was still sleeping but we had a nice morning complete with chocolate chip waffles with homemade whipped cream. She picked out her favorite shirt and most comfortable shorts to start off her day. She had an amazing day and was excited to tell me all about it when she got home.

Paige got to sleep in for the first day, which is wonderful for every teenager. She had time to do her hair and look picture perfect for her first day. She is excited to be with friends and start her classes. She had a very quick first day but is excited for this fresh new start. (I told her for the bottom, right photo to do a face for how she really feels. It was a quick serious face, straight to a smile.)

And of course, little sister didn't want to be left out in the back to school photos. McCall asked about her sisters a few times during the day and struggled to stick with one thing for very long but she will get used to just having mom around and I know we will have some fun together.

There's always a first day of school note from dad to help brighten the girl's day and then it is back to naps in the car for McCall when picking up Paige. Another amazing start to a new school year!