If it seems as though I’ve been a bit distant the past couple weeks, well… that’s because I am. Summer is officially here and with it comes the invariable family road trip. This year we’ve scheduled a whopping 17 days of amusement and adventure. With everything from public gardens to water trampolines to cooking demonstrations to shitake mushroom farming, we’ve got it covered. I had an hour this evening to stop up at the Tyler Place Inn and plug into the internet so I thought I’d share a few pictures from our adventure to date. We’re off to New York City on Saturday and then Ocean city, MD for the 4th. I’ll finally step foot back at the homestead on the 5th and hopefully catch up with everything (and everyone) I’ve missed. Until then, enjoy your 4th of July holiday!
Week one of the summer driving tour…. Newark, Delaware for a week of fun with friends.
Drew feeding the goats at the pick-your-own farm
Meeting Dennis from More than a Mountfull at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia
Drew cooling down in the fountains at Longwood Gardens in PA
Alex exploring the topiary gardens
Nick finishing up a week of Camp Invention in Delaware
Week two at the Tyler Place in Northern Vermont. It’s our second year here and it just gets better.
Nick standing at the Ben and Jerry’s graveyard next to his favorite flavor combination. Rest in peace Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Alex Bouncing on the trampolines at The Tyler Place
Drew posing for a shot
And last but not least, my favorite part of the vacation thus far; learning how to inoculate my very own shitake mushroom log (Yes I am easily amused; especially when it involves edible fungus).
One of my fellow classmates drilling holes for our logs
The “Shitake” pellets are placed into the drilled holes
Cheese wax is melted and painted over the filled holes to keep the critters out
The finished logs.
My log is coming home with me. I plan to place it in the crawl space of our home and if all goes well, it will blossom into a flurry of fungus over the next six months. Be assured that you will hear it here first if I meet with success.
Have a memorable holiday weekend and don’t forget to add your name into the hat for the VISA $100 giveaway! The contest runs through the 4th and the winner will be announced on July 5th.
Your family is just adorable! The Ben and Jerry’s graveyard cracked me up. 🙂
Yay for summer vacation!
The mushroom log looks cool but, alas, I hate mushrooms. You can have my share in the world.
I’m glad you’re enjoying vacation! We all need time away and the blog world will still be here when you get back. Enjoy that sweet family of yours!! I had to giggle at your little guy who is strapped with Styrofoam and poles and duct tape and the caption says something about “invention camp”. Love it! 🙂
Have a great time! Love the pics of your kiddos, and your mention of the town brought back fond memories of our 3 years in Newark Delaware.
I’m excited to hear about your fungus-growing endeavors!
Julie so far looks good!! Your kids are adorable. I love how the shitake mushrooms are grown. Enjoy your vacation time with your lovely family and have a very Happy 4th of July!
Hugs
Your summer looks so amazing! I love how you let the kids explore so many awesome things
How cheerful every picture look, Julie! Glad that you had great time.
I agree…your family is just precious. This post reminded me of all the fun vacations we went on growing up. And I loved seeing Chef Dennis too! Thanks for sharing, sweet friend. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and I wish you a very happy 4th!
What a happy little chappie, love the pics of your family. 🙂 Wish it were Summer here in Australia, great shot of Nick with the grave. I dig that. P&J is the business.
What great photos and what fun; thank you for sharing Julie
Rita
Looks like you had a blast!! Can’t wait for the mushrooms!
what adorable kiddos…gotta love seeing little ones having the time of their lives!!
cute post 🙂
Looks like you guys are enjoying the summer hols. I have been distant myself with all the activities.
Looks like a great vacation!