The Official Start of Summer

Yeah, I know that the "real" official start of summer is Memorial Day (or maybe it's the Summer Solstice, I guess I really don't know!), but for Team Zahrte, the official start of summer is the first weekend in June - that's when the Farmer's Market in Golden kicks off.  Going to the Farmer's Market has been a tradition for our family, even before the littles arrived (although this is the fourth summer that Caden has attended, he swears he's never been before.  I wonder when he's going to start remembering things he's done before?).  We usually stroll around the market, get breakfast, and then head to the park to tire someone out before lunch and a nap.  Yep, our Saturdays are pretty much as fabulous as it sounds.  

Today we met Papa at the Farmer's Market and Caden got to drive a tractor...

...and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage (a 'forsie ride) with Papa

I promise he had fun and was not nearly as terrified as he looks in this picture.  Yes, even Caden takes a bad picture every now and then!

The one who had the  most fun at the Market was JZ - we ended up with brats, bbq sauce, dip mixes, and some free swag from the tables.  Wow, he's missed that place!

Then we went to the park 

By this point Asher was HOT in his car seat/stroller, so we took him out and put him on the only dry, non-muddy place we could find - the picnic table!

After some serious playing, we left and went to Burger King for a little luncharoo

While we were there, the most amazing thing happened.  Seriously, at Burger King!  We were all eating (Asher too!) and Jeremy and I were talking about how every morning he thinks Asher has slept through the night because he doesn't even hear me get up with him any more (which made me want to string him up by his toenails!), and I was trying to think about how I was going to get everyone down for an early nap and then up in time for a 2:00 birthday party, and how I needed to finish the laundry, take a shower, etc.  I was thinking about how Asher had been fussy that morning (a rarity for him, but he had missed his morning nap at home) and how Caden had been on my last nerve the day before.  My mind was definitely elsewhere and I certainly was not present in the  moment.  I noticed a little old couple (who were sharing a chicken sandwich - so cute!) watching us.  They were smiling with Caden and oohing to each other over Asher.  As we were leaving, the woman said to me, "You are a very lucky lady.  You have a very sweet little family."  That stopped me in my tracks.  I realized she was right.  Even though they sometimes drive me crazy, I do have a sweet little family and I am lucky!  "Yes, ma'am," I said.  "I have a wonderful husband and two healthy, sweet boys."  She replied, "You're blessed!"  

I smiled and counted my blessings - all three of them! 

Happy Summer from this very lucky Mommy!