Hello, Summer!

It's SUMMER!
I have a feeling this one's gonna be a long one, but I'm okay with that. It's been hot outside a few times already this year, so let's see what the year has to offer.

Last year around this time was Paddlefest, the river-based expo for vendors and adventure-lovers alike. We decided to attend again this year, so that meant gearing up for it today!

But FIRST..

Breakfast. Today that meant home made French Toast, because I love these people who live in my home and also because WHY NOT.. It's Saturday! :)

delicious!

Then...
A trip down to the farm, because there are baby goats! They're just a month old right now, but cute as could be. We had to see them.

hi, babies!

syd with the goats

mr. rob helping her ring the farm bell

We made a pitstop to pick up some organic feed, and there were more animals - this time bulls.

sydni the bull-whispering yogi .. ♥

bulls!

It was back to the farm to drop off the feed, and then back on our way to our main destination of the day - Paddlefest!

someone was ready to go!

Sad fact: Paddlefest this year - at least the daytime Saturday version - was a bit of a disappointment. We had hoped the reason was just simply that we came during the day, when the crowd was super light and there wasn't much going on. Most of the vendor stands had limited foot traffic, and the event as a whole seemed a bit sluggish, at least in comparison to what we saw last year.

Fortunately, Becky enlisted her and me with her tree-climbing group, an entity with which I'd apparently climbed before, years back, but not realizing it until the owner of the business mentioned it to me. Small world!

becky & me

Anyway, we hooked in, roped up and climbed our way into a half hour or so of air time in the beautiful Sycamore overlooking the river.

roping up

pardon that weird face.. not really sure about that look?

hello down there!

descent :)

Back on the ground, we ditched the harnesses and headed for the river. Sydni was being so good all afternoon, and for that we'd promised her some play time in the water.

running back and forth in the "boat waves"

And this guy:

look at those snazzy glasses! ;)

We finally decided to load up and head home; there was World Cup action to be had and we didn't want to miss any of it. I found these in Becky's car on our way back:

inspiration!

Starbucks is really stepping up its game with the new Teavana partnership [and apparently one with Oprah, as well...]. Speaking of Starbucks, Becky & I made a quick run to get some iced caffeine in oiur lives, and found a collection of donated Starbucks mugs from around the world.

Right in front? These:

awesome awesome awesome!

^ LOVE that!

Anyway, we're creeping up on the evening hours now and although it's been a great day, we... are.. spent! That's how a good Saturday is supposed to be, so I'm not complaining. Tomorrow it's church and Kara's graduation party. I'm excited :)

Happy weekend, friends!

xo | cmd