Saturday we met our friends Jenny and Carson for a splash pad play date in Winter Park while the dads played golf. Our favorite splash pad (Dr. Phillips) was closed for resurfacing, so we opted to try out the one at Shady Park near Hannibal Square.
First of all, the park in general was gorgeous. While we were there we saw a small musical being performed at the amphitheater, a Canine Companion event near the pavilion and a community pool open for business. The beautiful trees offered tons of shade and we were both so impressed with all that this small park had to offer, especially since it's within walking distance of so many great restaurants and shops. Two thumbs up!
The boys loved it, too!
After naps all around, we headed to a get together at the Tuller's house to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning game. The weather was actually bearable (somewhat nice and a little cool with a breeze) and the company, and food, per usual were spectacular.
Everett was getting a lesson in hockey from "Yay" (Jay).
The littles also shared their first "cheers" with the help of Mike, who is quite seasoned at that since he has done quite a few in his career.
However, I must say that digging in the shell/dirt mixture was by far the most desired activity of the afternoon for the toddler crowd. They were beyond dirty and loved every bit of it.
Aunt Lynnie is one of E's favorite people in the whole world, so he always enjoys getting some loving from her!
As for Sunday, we started Mother's Day off right by making smoothies full of bananas, chocolate powder, natural peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, ice, Greek yogurt and a little instant coffee mixed into milk. They were deeelish and the perfect beginning to a great day.
My sous chef is always ready to help in the kitchen!
After smoothies and showers, we headed to Plant City to the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. They are hosting "Sunflowers on the Ranch" for two weekends this month; now extended one more weekend!
Their website describes this special event as:
A tranquil country setting with spring flowers abloom; Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is proud to present "Sunflowers on the Ranch", it's Spring Premiere event. It will be hosted on the Ranch by your friendly neighbors of Plant City; the Futch family is opening their barnyard gates again to bring you two weekends of fun in the sun!
Come stroll through 4 acres of beautifully hand grown sunflowers and colorful zinnias that have been planted in place of the popular October Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. Enjoy a nature walk under the shaded live oaks with the lucky chance of seeing the Ranch's favorite furry friend Sherman the Fox Squirrel while enjoying fresh country air. The General Store will be open to the keen antique collectors and visitors looking to purchase eclectic and shabby chic items you will be sure to love! And after you've had your fair share of fun in the flowers, sit down and enjoy some good 'ole fashioned grilled corn on the cob, burgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, lemonade and tasty treats of all kinds. We have lots of neat games for families to enjoy. We also have vendors (not included in admission) including arts and crafts, balloon artist, jewelry, something homemade for your pets and your babies, and painting crafty items to help make the perfect end to your lovely day trip out on the Ranch.
So come on out and enjoy some of that fresh country air and a stroll through the flowered pasture!
Open the first two weekends in May: Saturday and Sunday May 2nd-3rd and Mother's Day weekend May 9th-10th from 10am with gates closing at 5 pm each day, we ask that everyone leave by 6 pm. Thank you!
Tickets for adults 18 and older $8- Children $7 and ages two and under free of charge.
The location was very easy to get to and upon arrival it was literally just a sea of flowers. It was so gorgeous. I couldn't stop snapping pictures and was so impressed with the spring feel in the air; even though it felt every bit like summer outside!
We started in the zinnias and then wound our way through the sunflowers. Everett was a bit disappointed that he couldn't pick the flowers, but loved watching the bumble bees on almost every.single.sunflower.
The lookout deck (below) give a beautiful 360 degree view of the farm and the perfect place for pictures.
We noshed on the pulled pork and hot dog with a side of roasted corn...all very delish and pretty reasonably priced!
Everett loved the corn boxes and playground as well. The whole setting is very kid friendly which is always a plus for us.
The farm also offered a water pump station with duck races. This was by far E's favorite part. If he could have stayed there all day long he would have been a happy camper.
There was a no picking rule for the flowers in the field, but they did have a table set up to purchase your own. Zinnias were 4 for $1 and the medium sunflowers were $1 each. I couldn't resist taking a few home :).
I told Everett as I was walking up to the table that I needed to buy some flowers. He looked at me and said, "There are flowers out there, mommy!" as he pointed to the field. It was so hilarious, since Mike was thinking the exact.same.thing. He really is his father's son. Two peas in a pod I tell you.
The best $4 bouquet around!
As for this week we are still cleaning out and getting ready for the toddler room revamp and nursery assembly that will be happening over memorial day weekend. We are still counting down the days until summer break - only 13 more wake-ups, and we are still dealing with a toddler who is not loving his normal nighttime routine...a new development that is no fun.
At any rate, we will still be eating delicious food!
Here's our menu:
T: Brinner - Mushroom Omelettes and Hashbrowns
W: Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes w/ Broccoli
Th: Tomato Pesto Pizza
F: Chopped Salad w/ Chicken
Sa: Leftovers
Su: Grilled Steak w/ Creamy Veggie Pasta
I hope you have a very relaxing week!
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