The Brothers Garden

Although my three boys help here and there with our various gardens, my oldest has been begging recently for a garden of his brother's and his very own. The other day, his wish was granted, and all three boys set to work creating their "Brothers Garden!" I helped a bit with the initial digging, but otherwise, I let the boys completely do their own thing. They worked together very well digging, edging and planting their garden. Here are photos of the process:

This summer's garden consists of a cherry tomato plant, an eggplant plant, a green bell pepper plant, a basil plant, and some marigolds. The boys are starting small until they get used to the responsibility and hard work involved with taking care of a garden. I may remind them to check on their garden from time to time, but the farming of this little patch of land is up to them! I can't wait to see what the boys are able to grow in their garden. My oldest son is already talking about all of the food he plans to make with their harvest. 

A cold, tasty treat was well-deserved after so much time spent working in the great outdoors...

A Brothers Garden isn't complete without a colorful, welcoming sign...

Farmers Market Love

There are simple things in life that give me great pleasure---one of these things is our family trips to the farmers market.

There is something so refreshing about strolling through a space, hand-in-hand with those I love, surrounded by heaping rainbows of the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants. It's a symphony for the senses---beautiful sights, tastes, and smells, all intertwined amidst the lively chatter of people. 

Handing my money directly to a farmer feels so much more fulfilling than it being shoved into the cold cash register at a grocery store. Being able to know when the corn I'm placing into my bag was picked. Seeing photos of the chickens who laid the eggs in my carton. Sampling more varieties of watermelons and tomatoes than I knew exist. These experiences make each visit to the farmers market so deeply satisfying.

Regular trips to the farmers market also serve to strengthen an awareness of the Earth and the uniqueness of each season. As the types of fruits and vegetables piled on the tables change, my family and I grow to understand when each different plant grows...what types of conditions they thrive in. This might seem trivial, but I see each opportunity to connect with nature as extremely meaningful as the world we live in becomes increasingly industrialized and commercial. 

My children love going to the farmers market. They appreciate the experience just as much as I, although I am sure the chocolate cupcakes from the German  baker have something to do with that. ;) I am hoping our visits to the farmers market are something they look back upon with great fondness when they are grown.  

Mud Kitchen: Part 2

The finishing touches were put on the mud kitchen weeks ago...

...but the days have been so full that the boys were only able to enjoy it for the first time yesterday afternoon.  At first, they stuck to neatly transferring water from pot to pot with a baster and other such "tidy" activities...

...so I decided to introduce the children to the dirt by making a muddy pancake. That really seemed to get the fun, creative juices flowing!

Ahhhhhhhh, squishy mud!

The kitchen didn't stay neat for long!

Mmmmm....chocolate soup!

Busy, focused, little chefs...

So many treats were created during the first day of play...

A few quick blasts from the hose, and our mud kitchen is ready for the next time the boys feel like whipping up some deliciousness...