strawberries and a monastery

While the weather is nice, we are trying to spend as much time outdoors as we can. We are having a blast running around the back yard, kicking balls, chasing each other while Mercer yells "I'm going to get you", swinging on the hammock, and peddling the tricycle on the sidewalk.

Last weekend, we took some of Mercer's friends along as we tried out a new experience: picking strawberries. All of the kids did really well, each picking red berries instead of those that were unripe. (It kind of looks like we're really putting them to work?!) They made sure not to pick the squishy ones. Todd & I told the kids that they were not allowed to eat any berries while out there -- that we had to take them home & wash them first. They complied, so they were rewarded with strawberries and angel food cake when we got back. (followed by a little t.v. on the couch.)











I plan to put the canning skills to use that I learned last summer... making strawberry jam & maybe even one with a little kick to it too?

Yesterday (on Mother's Day), we went to a monastery that we've talked about visiting for some time - the Monastery of the Holy Spirit (http://www.trappist.net/). The church was open air when we went. It was cool inside and through the open windows, you could hear birds chirping outside. It is definitely a serene place, but we could not stay long... with an active 3 year old in tow. We spent the majority of our time outdoors - watching geese, ducks, and bugs that we happened across. We had a picnic lunch under a tree then played kick-ball for awhile. Here, I'm giving Mercer a kiss and getting a slobbery wet smooch in return.

Also as luck would have it, they just opened a series of new buildings last week which added a lot to our experience because we like to look at interesting architecture. The monks practice the art of bonsai. They also produce stained glass and make some edible products to sell too in order to support their order.

Afterwards - while in a different part of the state (1 hour from our house) - we sought out a letterbox that was planted in nearby historic downtown Conyers. The place where the letterbox was originally hidden was a gem... a garden with rock out-croppings, stone walls, and a flowing series of koi ponds. Unfortunately, the letterbox was not planted where the clues led us to (we looked around for quite sometime) but we're still glad we went, for we discovered a lovely little spot that - if in the area again - would be worth another visit.

We don't have anymore adventures planned anytime soon, but who knows what the weekend will bring?!