"The Farm" with the Gustafsons

Oh we had such a fun day today.  :)  

Our Sunday was totally open, then Dave and Rachel stopped us in church and asked if we wanted to go on a little adventure with them:  to a winery up by Taylor's Falls, then to Dan Shield's farm near there (there were baby chicks and ducks to pet!).  Um, yes, indeed we did!  We rushed home, grabbed some food and a change of clothes, and headed out.  Rachel and I rode together with some kids, as did Jonas and Dave...max bonding time achieved that way.  

We stopped at this little winery off of Highway 8, had some delightful wines and cheeses, ALONG with some great chocolate sent by Brennan and Holly from Switzerland.  Jackpot.  I, alas, forgot to take any pictures here.  Too busy drinking.

Then we headed out to Dan's farm.  It's a lovely place, and I kept imaging myself there as a child, loving it all.  We explored and enjoyed and adventured the afternoon away!

Playing in the ducks swimming water.  Gross.

She is all bounce and sunshine...and the occasional thunder storm / tornado. 

In the background here you can see the ruins of the old barn.  It's a child's wonderland inside now  Trees grow there, plants, rock gardens, fairy gardens, etc.  They've got a fire pit, wood for building things, chairs for lounging.  So cool.  

Checking out the ducks and chicks.

No one can do a sad /mad face quite like Finn.
The reason for the face was walking 8 paces behind him, guaranteed.

Finn wanted NO HELP in getting into this hammock on his own.  

Still working on it...

Success!

Playing inside the old barn ruins...

It was a SUNNY, WINDY day!!

Building forts with wood.

Dancing on the platform

ALWAYS with that tongue out for concentration...

Cora is by far my dirtiest child.
She does everything in life with GUSTO, including eating.

Oh, the JOYS of the 4-wheeler!

Ready.to.GO.

NO FEAR CHILD.  Ever.

He does mad and sad well, but he also does JOY really well.  :)

I mean, come on.  Look at that face!