Family Time

It's Spring! Yay! We're having gorgeous weather, and there are lots of things to do outside. Thought I'd share a few things that you can do as a family. Chris and I always have our children with us, because after all the time that they are little is so short. Before we know it they will be older and think Dad and Mom are not so cool.  So, check out these things and enjoy! (and if we can tote all 3 of our little ones, as well as my belly growing by the day, then of course it's very family friendly)

SC State Farmers Market
I should have posted this sooner. They have a flower show twice a year, and this past weekend was their Spring one. We went Friday and got some great deals on some shrubs. The Farmer's Market , and open air market, has just moved to a new location in the last year, and it's very nice. You can get out of the house and enjoy the gorgeous weather in the shade. Every Friday and weekend there are lots of local farmers selling their home grown produce. Our kids love going out there and picking out fresh produce.  A lot of times there are also people selling seafood, plants, etc and all usually are priced well.

Strawberry Picking
Every year we go to Sease Farms in Gilbert on Augusta Rd/Highway 1. I can't find a web page for them, but to get strawberry picking information call 803-359-FARM. I highly recommend you call before going, because they aren't open everyday. It depends on how the crop is doing. The usually pick April through mid May.  If you aren't in the midlands or want to find a place closer to you, then check out  Pick your Own. It has farms listed by county.  Sease also allows you to buy already picked strawberries as well.  It doesn't take long to fill up one or 2 baskets of fresh strawberries, if you're picking, and you can even sample one straight off the plant. They are the sweetest, most amazing fruit you will ever taste!

A picnic
We enjoy going to the park to play and picnic. Sometimes we even go in the evening, eat supper, and play for a bit before it gets dark.  Our favorite and closest park is Virginia Hylton in Lexington near the courthouse. You can check out this website for a park closest to you. 

There are plenty of things to do as a family. Going for a walk is free, and there is always Riverbanks Zoo if you are up for something that will take up a few hours.  When it gets warmer Saluda Shoals Splash Park is loads of fun and on the inexpensive side. They are scheduled to open for the season April 30th. There is a playground right at the splash park and picnic areas as well.  Our kids love getting out in the yard and doing yard too. We have always enjoyed yard work and been fairly active, so the kids are are accustomed to raking, digging dirt, planting, etc.  And, if you really want to do something cool together as a family plant a garden. It can be as big or small as you'd like. I'd recommend starting small and adding to it each year as you're able. A raised bed works well as far as it doesn't require as much upkeep once established (fewer weeds). We haven't had one in a few years due to my being pregnant for 3 years now :-) , but we look forward to starting back next year. Cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash are some of the easiest things to grow.  An herb pot is also something easy. One of those strawberry pots makes for an attractive centerpiece on your patio.  Here is a little information from Martha Stewart and a picture of a strawberry pot if you're unfamiliar with it.  We've planted oregano, basil, sage, and other things that we commonly use to cook with.  Then, you just have to go out there and grab some to spice up your dinner for that night. Fishing is always a fun thing to do as well if you have access to a pond or river. And, a lot of nights we have supper outside on our deck. And, the kids play after we eat while we clean up.  As you can see we really like to be outside. Hope you enjoy my ideas, the weather, and your quality family time!