mother's day

Mother's day 2011 was so much fun, I knew it would be hard for Chase and Kevin to top.  We had the best time just doing a simple picnic and I still look at the pictures and smile.

So this year, I knew Kevin had been planning something special.  But so was I.  One of my favorite summer childhood memories was picking strawberries with my mom and making freezer jam and strawberry shortcake.  The strawberries were always so much better than store bought and it was fun to steal a few as we picked.

Saturday we called the strawberry fields to check on the crop.  We were told it was a "perfect day to pick berries!"  We were so excited to take Chase to pick berries. 

Though we weren't sure what Chase would do... run a muck, yell, trample innocent plants. We were totally wrong.  He grabbed a bucket and followed our lead, picking all the red red ripe ones we showed him.

He loved it, but was quickly distracted by the red juicy berries.  Those little hands grabbed a few and it was all over.  He was in red, jucicy, bliss!  Bright red juice dripped from his cheeks, chin, hands, and elbows.  He had juice everywhere, there was no hiding his crime.  We should have weighted him before picking to pay for all the berries he ate.  But the folks at the farm were wonderfully nice.  I have a feeling they have seen sticky toddlers before!

After paying for our bounty we grabbed a spot under the tree for an impromptu picnic.  The main course... STRAWBERRIES.... and some goldfish, grapes, and a juice box.  Me heart was full and pumping every minute of life out of this moment... and it wasn't even mother's day yet!

When we got home, we took advantage of our already dirty, sticky, boy to plant some flowers and play in the dirt.  Chase helped a bit with watering, but mostly watered the deck and patio rather than the flowers.

Sunday was the big mother's day surprise.  I got to sleep in and when I came downstairs, I had a beautiful noodle necklace and a Kindle reader!  What great gifts.  I donned my new necklace for a easy breakfast at Panera followed by a stop to feed the ducks.  There are so many new ducklings that we can't help but check in on their progress!

For the rest of the day Kevin was tight lipped on our plans, but I was told to be ready at 2:00.  I was slightly puzzled that Kevin wanted to skip Chase's nap.  A recipe for disaster.  But we got him down by 1:00 and hoped an hour would be enough.  The door bell rang, and Kristin popped up our stairs.  Kevin had arranged a babysitter!!!  Whoo hooo!  I didn't care what happened next, I was excited for a little "us time."

We headed west and I knew where we were going.  Our favorite winery, Breaux Vineyards.   Kevin had more plans.  Namely, a wine a cupcake paring in honor of "sweet sweet mothers."  It was perfect!  We compared our wines, frosting, and cakes.  Of course I loved the dark reds with chocolate!

What a perfect perfect weekend.  I know I say it every weekend, but this one is definitely one to be remembered!  A new bar has been raised in celebrating mother's day!