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Hi there! We’ve had another eventful summer week around here. Are you ready for some catch-up?

Spencer’s favorite spot to play these days is in Molly’s dog bed. Poor thing…no matter where she goes, she can’t escape the boys. She is a true saint!

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On Tuesday we traveled up to Northern Virginia for a funeral. We stayed with my parents and took advantage of our visit by spending Wednesday morning at the Reston Zoo with my mom. It was a cool day, there were no crowds, and the park was nice and clean. The boys had a blast!

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Gibbs loved the alligators, Casey and my mom had fun feeding the budgees (um, no thank you!),

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and Spencer loved the Zoofari (because he could ride on a tractor and feed the animals).

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They came home with Safari hats, compasses/binoculars, and rubber snakes (plus a tractor for Spence).

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After lunch at Subway, my mom entertained the older boys outside while Spencer napped and I worked. Then she came in to show me the video that she took of the boys “hunting for snakes on safari.” I just had to share (you know, in case you’re really bored and would like 30 seconds of entertainment)…

On Friday morning Casey headed to his preschool for a couple of hours of “summer camp” play. Meanwhile, Gibbs, Spencer, and I visited my friend Kerrin and her daughters, Maggie and Claire.

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Later that evening, Keith took the older two boys to the Madison County Fair for some rides and junk food, while Spence and I stayed home for dinner, baths, books, and bed!

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Yesterday morning we woke up to lots of humidity, but at least no rain! Keith spent a few hours doing yard work and repairing fence boards while I took two of my three to the Farmer’s Market.

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We have a lot of veggies in our garden at the moment, so we only picked up cantaloupe, chocolate chip cookies, blueberries, blackberries, apples, applesauce, and beef (for a new kabob recipe that I’m trying out this evening!).

I then packed up a picnic lunch and we headed to the pool for a swim.

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IMG_5101While we were in town, I made a quick stop at the grocery store to grab a few items. These were an impulse purchase, which turned out to be a very good decision. Dark chocolate coconut bites!! Have you tried them yet?

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While the boys rested at nap time, I made a delicious new recipe with these gems that I picked from the garden. Recipe coming soon!

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Keith did some more work out in the yard (with his assistants),

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and then grilled burgers for supper while I prepared a squash, zucchini, and green bean casserole to have alongside. I’m desperately trying to keep up with all of our produce!

(picture before it went in the oven to get cheesy, melty, and crispy!)

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Today has been a very quiet Sunday so far. We had big plans for lunch in Charlottesville and a viewing of the new Minions movie, or even maybe a hike at White Oak Canyon. Instead, we woke up to two sick kiddos! Spence and Casey both have a stomach bug, so I’ve done a lot of laundry, I’ve washed throw up out of crib sheets, and I have changed a lot of outfits. 🙁 We are laying low and hoping that everyone feels better soon!

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Have a good week everyone!

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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