Welcome to the Funny Farm....

We have been toying around with a name for our suburban farm.  This is not a necessity, but something fun, and a typically leads to great discussions with the kids.  (I have had many laughs from their suggestions!)  However, tonight, as I uploaded some new shots, I believe we may have decided... check out these snap shots that couldn't possibly better represent our adventure and the memories we are creating along the way here at Giggle, Giggle, Cluck Farm.


Get ready, as I present to you our key staff members:

Sales Manager

Public Relations Director

Facilities Manager

Giggle, Giggle, Cluck is certain to be one funny farm!

Cherries

Today we traveled to Millers Orchards in Amherst, OH to give cherry picking a try.  This was a first time experience, but certainly not our last!  We had so much fun and came home with 39 pounds of juicy, sweet cherries.  

We then set up shop in the backyard, and everyone pitched in to help pit the cherries.  Our fair share of cherries was gathered and is now in the process of being stored for the winter.

The kids each had their own Cherry Chomper to help us pit the cherries.

Mike.... not sure there is anything else to say... lol

Team work... 

As I update this blog, Mike is finishing processing a wonderful Cherry chutney in the water bath.  He also made several batches of cherry jam, and some cherry sauce.  I bagged some cherries for the freezer.  I also made a run to Wal-Mart for more supplies, as he continued slaving over the hot stove top.

Ta-da....

I finally saved enough to treat myself to a new digital SLR, a Canon Rebel T3, and oh how I have missed shooting with a SLR.  Don't get me wrong, the point and shoot was great for busy toddler parenthood - small, compact, and easy to travel with.  We recorded many happy memories with that little guy.  However, it feels amazing to have my manual focus back, and my lens and zoom options. Today I got several great photos of the chicks - enjoy!  

Tiger

Fluffy Fluffy (although, no longer very fluffy looking)

GG left, and Goldie on the right

Ella with CooCoo DeCoo

Double Stuff

Thadarina - the Alpha (has us hoping "she" isn't a rooster... very vocal, huge in size, and very protective of the rest of the hens.)

Hard to believe they are 14 weeks old... they might start laying a month from now... or they may make us wait till 22 weeks... time will tell.

Wishes do come true

Lexi has been asking for over two years, to go horseback riding. For a while she was too young.  Then this year, I decided to honestly look into it, with effort.  I found a great trainer in Gate Mills, and off we went tonight at 5:30pm for a lesson.  Both Ella and Lexi got the chance to brush, tack, and ride a horse!  How amazing!  I didn't even get on the horse, and I was still in awe!  What little kid doesn't to experience such an inspiring experience?

Everyone worked to brush Isabella to prep her for her saddle and bridle.

Trainers, Marlynna and Leeza, helped the girls work with their horses, Isabella and Shirley.  Lexi was beaming ear to ear and proved to be a very eager and astute student.  Ella was in pure amazement.  Mounting was tough at first, and the fearful look in her eyes made me have a few moments of doubt.  But soon enough, we heard her yell to Lexi as it was her turn to mount, "Lexi, listen to me.  You just need to relax!"  LOL  Spoken as though she was a seasoned pro after just 5 minutes on the horse.  

Lexi riding Shirley with help from trainer Leeza and Marlynna helping Ella ride Isabella.

We will continue lessons through July, and a week or two before school starts in August.  Then we will feel out how chaotic the school year ends up being, before we decide how much further this opportunity goes.  If nothing else, we will know what to devote time to again next summer!

Looking out onto the 5 acres of pasture at the rear of the property.

Blueberries

Each year I love going to pick blueberries.  Can't seem to do so without recalling Blueberries for Sal, a personal favorite children's book of mine.  Today I told Ella to watch for bears, and she informed me that there were no bears around.  I reminded her of the trouble Sal got into with the bears, and she just giggled.  I didn't need a response, just her giggle let me know that she too was able to recall this great story! (mission accomplished, however, I think I may pull the book out this weekend and reread with the kiddos, just for the sake of it.)


Tonight we picked 38 cups of blueberries in less than an hour.  I know because Mike and I froze them all for a years worth of fruit smoothies!   We hope to return to Wintergreen Farms one more time to harvest a large batch for jams, but stocking one of the deep freezers was top priorities first!  The kids adore smoothies, and I adore that I am sneaking fruits and veggies into "dessert".

Linc showing off his prized blueberry!

All smiles and laughter - eager to see who could get the most in their bucket.  A little friendly competition helps in productivity!  LOL

The blueberry field appears to go on forever!  One of these years we will venture to the very back of the property... for now, our little legs will settle with making it midway down a row!