We had the most lovely morning out strawberry picking at Bailey Farm in Snohomish. It was just slightly overcast, the kids ran free amoung the strawberry fields, and we got there early enough to avoid the crowd. It was a perfect mom and kid summer adventure day.
What prompted this outing was I was rereading this letter about my friend Sarah's passing. Her daughter mentioned that Sarah took them strawberry picking every June and apple picking every year before school started. It got me thinking to the things my kids will look back on about their childhood and I was inspired to create some of our own simple but special traditions.
I have only been to a u-pick farm once, when our oldest was little and we were living in Virginia. Surely there would be something like that around here. So, while still lying in bed, I stumbled upon Bailey Farm and to my luck they had just a few days of strawberry picking left.
I hopped out of bed, packed lunches, contemplated how we would all dress, grabbed snacks for the ride home and then we were off! Something I really miss about the baby and toddler years (pre school age years) is the open schedule almost everyday. I could be more spontaneous and just decide that morning to go do something fun. It was a reminder that it is not just me but also our schedule that dictates our activities. We have school schedules AND naptimes to deal with that often hinder me from being more adventurous.
This was a learning experience for me, to take advantage of these wide open summer days to be spontaneous. To know that each season provides different opportunities. To be proud that I did something like this on my own. And to also realize what type of places are easier to go to with four kids where I can be relaxed and enjoy our time together.
All this to say - this was the place! Here are some snapshots of our lovely day at Bailey Farm in Snohomish, Washington.
The overcast weather was perfect for some sweet pictures - kids smiling on the train tracks and the girls holding hands without me even suggesting it. I couldn't have asked for a more photographic moment. And they all got their own little baskets for berry picking.
The beatiful farmland was breathtaking. It took me back to the country roads we drove in Virginia.
We didn't find too many large strawberries as we were at the end of the season. But these strawberries were the most sweet and juicy berries I have ever had. What a treat! We ate almost all of them by the time we left!
And for just $14 (for the strawberries) for hours of fun with four kids felt like a real bargin! They also had a sand pit with toys and a wheat maze that the kids all enjoyed.
I set my phone up on the stroller with the self timer to even get a few non-selfie photos.
Then we ate our packed lunch and finished off a few more strawberries.
After lunch we drove to downtown Snohomish, just an easy few minutes away, for a treat. We went to my favorite Snohomish Pie Co and walked around.
I often get asked, "these kids are all yours?!" But it is usually prompted by friendly curiousity. Life with four is crazy but I hope I can paint big families in a positive light. They are pretty happy when they are fed, out doing something fun, and with the promise of a treat!
They got to see pies being made, each pick out a cookie, and I got my favorite pie shake. Yes, you heard me right. They put pie in a milkshake. It is a sugar high masterpiece.
Then we loaded up back in the car, pre-packed snacks for the ride home, a DVD in, and a quite country road drive home. May this be the beginning to many more simple adventures.
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