red truck bakery

 

A few weeks ago I loaded up the kids and headed west to check out a lavender farm (yet another groupon-type deal that was expiring). We made a stop in Warrenton to check out the famous Red Truck Bakery and pick up some goodies for a picnic on the farm. It was a cute little bakery built in an old gas station in the historic downtown area. We had a hard time choosing so we picked a few different pastries, a sandwich, and a loaf of rosemary focaccia (which was heavenly and I devoured half of it on the drive home). I was so tempted to try their granola which has been named the best in the country. But we already had so much food and the high price discouraged me and now I have serious regrets. I'll have to make it back to the Red Truck Bakery some day. Hopefully soon. Those pies are calling my name too.

The orange poppyseed cookie was perfection. The brownie and chocolate croissant were also excellent. Elsa absolutely insisted on a red truck cookie and then took one bite and said she was done.

The hint of curry in the chicken salad was delicious.

speaking of fairies...

We just returned from a fantastic trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and my iphone is maxed out with photos. But I'm still trying to catch up with the fun that happened the week before we left so those photos will have to sit tight a bit longer.

Ben's parents stayed with us a few weekends ago but this visit was a little different. They have actually moved out here for a year and will be living about an hour away in Maryland. They are here for a church mission and we're excited to have them so close.

While they stayed with us, we made a trip to the Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, Maryland, to see their annual fairy house exhibit. We went last summer and loved it so we were excited to see what this year's fairy house entries would be. The girls loved running through the forest looking for the next house. There were a lot more this year and it was interesting to see all of the different interpretations. 

There is this fantastic area in the woods with a stage, buckets of pine cones and sticks, stumps to climb on, and lots of fun ways to use your imagination. The kids loved building and pretending and performing. It was nice that we had the place to ourselves.

I thought Oliver would love to climb around on these stumps so I set him down in the middle. He was not happy. I think he felt a little trapped.

Oliver was really into this apple. He ate it all the way down to a tiny core and threw a fit when I finally took it away from him.

Along with fairy houses, there are also sculptures throughout the woods, many on loan from the National Gallery of Art.

Amelia shows her toothless smile in front of the tooth fairy's house.

There are also bits of famous paintings hidden around the woods:

Banksy!

If you're looking for a fun day trip in the area, I highly recommend Annmarie. There is also a neat looking marine museum nearby (Calvert Marine Museum) that we'll have to check out next time.

green spring gardens

Green Spring Gardens is so close to our house and we had never even been! My friend Jessica and her kids met us there a few Fridays ago and showed us around. They have a fun children's garden where the kids spent a lot of time running and playing and imagining. We walked down to a nice river that was perfect for exploring and rock climbing. When all the kids were tired and hungry, Jessica introduced us to the perfect lunch spot next door at Flippin' Pizza. We will definitely have to repeat this little adventure.

Salt water sandals!

Cooling off in the sprinklers.

Turning seven.

On Amelia's actual birthday, Ben was working from home so I was able to take the girls to an afternoon movie while Oliver napped. We saw Madagascar 3 in 3D which was fun and then had Amelia's requested birthday dinner, pizza. She opened presents and all of her favorite things were represented (fairies, fashion, Paris, and Thea Stilton). She ended the day with her final swimming lesson and graduated to the next level. I am constantly astounded and delighted by Amelia's imagination. She never stops creating and it's so fun to have her around. She is also my big helper at home and a fantastic big sister.