Phillips Farms Fall Family Fun Park

The family had a free afternoon on Sunday (a rare thing these days!), so we headed to Phillips Family Farm!

Both boys were very intrigued by this corn maze thing and wanted to conquer it first! 

Kade was our scout and Brock held the map with clue directions at each passport stop. 

We let them take the lead - Brent holding the flag in case we got "too lost." 

Kade posed at Passport Stop # 6 - halfway there!!

Corn maze complete!! 

The farm showed off a lot of cool trucks and tractors - Brent was impressed with this one - Chevy 3500 from the 80's!

The fun park was set up like a carnival - all sorts of games and activities for the kiddos. Of course we gravitated to the pitching one first. 

Next thing was the jumping bubble/trampoline! Both boys are in the "big kids" group now!! (one bubble for 7 & under, one bubble for 8 & up!!)

(Sidenote - I guess that is the Phillips Family house behind there!)

Kade was adamant to feed the fish. The pond was teeming with catfish. Do you think some of them don't make it through this season due to overeating.....?? (Some kids were dumping handfuls of fish food in there!)

After Brent showed Kade the mechanics of using ALL your weight (and your hips) to throw the hammer, Kade gave it a try. Three hits - Lil' Fella, Ma, & Sis - not bad!! 

Brock was wary of too many eyes watching him, so decided to skip it. 

Next up - the mini petting zoo! Look - an alpaca! 

We got to pet a bunny, some chickens, a goat, a pygmy donkey, and a little pig!! So proud of Brock because he went in by himself to pet the pig too!

Brent was feeling a bit nostalgic about these tractors - same tractors Mr. Taylor (Brent's neighbor growing up) had when Brent was a boy!

This thing was cool - took some patience - I was the only one to master it. 

Lots of people meant lots of lines and we were done. Pretty cool fall activity - but try to go on a day not so crowded!

Happy 6th Birthday Moose!

Moose had a very eventful birthday week! First, he was introduced to a turtle. 

"What do I do with this, Dad??"

Do not worry - no turtle was harmed. Before we officially released him, we put him in the front yard and gave him a strawberry to munch on for his "troubles". 

During school hours one day, Brent and I took Moose up to Lowes for him to enjoy the Halloween decor. 

He didn't mind the things that didn't move, it was when they started moving that he got really upset!

And most definitely when they started "attacking" Brent!

He left Lowes a very satisfied puppy - he had saved his humans from danger!

Moose enjoyed an amazingly cooked meal on his birthday! Ribeye and filet steak, tuna, with a side of white rice... and dog food. 

Kade and I had picked up a few special toys for the special boy. Kade picked out this tug of war toy and I think they both liked it! 

Happy 6th Birthday Moose! (Officially 6 on October 15, 2023!)

Rock the Blocks Swim Meet - October 2023

 

October 7, Brock swam in his very first swim meet for RSA. The Rock the Blocks Swim Meet was held at the Smithfield Community Center. Brock swam four events at this meet - 50y Freestyle, 50y Breaststroke, 50y Butterfly and 200y Free Relay. 

His first event he did fabulous! Dropped 0.42 seconds off his 50 yard Free! (Unfortunately, Kade and I were a little late and we showed up right after he completed that race - no pictures/videos)

50 yard Breast, unfortunately added some time - 45.65 entry time, finished with 46.30. 

His butterfly was not his best. Entry time of 35.80, finished with 37.95. 

Last event was a 200 Yard Free Relay - Brock was second leg. His team did well - placed 5th overall. (Another RSA team placed first). 

Brock said on the way home that the block was messing him up and he didn't like the pool. He's going to have to learn that pools are not all the same. Maybe a bit of pressure on him to compete with his new swim mates too. Either way, we will chalk it up to learning experience and looking forward to his next swim meet in November! 

Cousin time in Apex/Chapel Hill

The last Saturday in September, we entertained a few visitors from Charlotte!! They were here for the whole day hanging out - but it was a little loud in my house with four boys - so off to a park we went! 

We love turtle park! 

Asher was thoroughly enjoying the slides - he is a brave little boy! 

The very tall slides were this trio's favorite, but they liked this rolling slide too - it is even more fun when you ride all together!

All four cousins together!

Kade (8), Maddox (6), Brock (10 1/2), Asher (20 mos.) 

After walking around the pond, we stopped to watch the turtles! (hence our nickname "turtle park"). 

The next day, I was off to Chapel Hill on babysitting duty while the other three attended a local wedding. I forget how much toddlers SNACK! This boy wanted a little bit of everything!  

After a good nap, we grabbed the stroller and walked Franklin Street. The Airbnb they had rented was only a block from Franklin Street, so made for a great location to cruise (if you're in a stroller!) and people watch. We even spied the blue fire truck!! 

We made it all the way up to the park next to Morehead Planetarium and I let the little man out to stretch his feet!

He's blowing me kisses in this picture!

A little art sculpture iguana by the Planetarium. He was not feeling the Instagram-worthy moment. Too many leaves and sticks to focus on! 

We stopped for a photo opportunity at the Old Well and then headed back! 

I loved my time with Asher! He kept me busy and reminded me of all the ways toddlers need you to keep a watchful eye! He had a little piece of garbage and off he ran down the hallway.... to throw it into the toilet! Ha! He's a cutie and super smart. Thank you to Brian & Nancy for letting me hang out with him for the day! Happy you all got to enjoy a Sunday afternoon wedding! ;)