Good bye Mayfield - We Are Going to Miss You!!!

So, after enjoying the Mayfield Dairy Visitor's Center for the last six years, today was our final visit. The center is closing for economic reasons and I knew we had to make one final trip to our favorite Braselton hot spot. Over the years a trip to Mayfield has been a fun surprise, a reward for good behavior, or a celebration spot for the last day of school. No matter the reason for visiting we have always been served good ice cream and a GREAT time. Thank you Mayfield for the family memories - my family will always be grateful for your influence in our community!

A quick walk down memory lane...

Pop was always eager to meet us here for a sweet treat on a warm summer day.

It is only fitting that Pop and Gaga met us here today for our final ice cream cone. When we started coming a scoop was $0.50, now it is $1.50 for a kids scoop and $2.50 for a regular size single scoop - inflation anyone???

Maggie, the cow, was added last year for the kids to "milk" while inside the shop.

On my last walk through the gift shop I spotted this last book of the Mayfield Family Story. I was so surprised that it was still there - I am certain it must have been looked over and left just for me. Scottie Mayfield was at the shop today and he was so generous to sign the book for me and pose for a picture with the kids. He also went through the book and told me several memorable things about the family. What a great company and, for the record, Scottie doesn't want the Visitor's Center to close, but it isn't his decision since Mayfield sold to Dean Food Company in 1990.

As I was wiping my tears (yes, I know it is crazy, but I got a bit emotional) Scottie Mayfield gave me a big smile and said "we don't want to close either - it is a sad day for us as well."

One last climb on the tree out front.

Mayfield Dairy Visitor's Center - you have given my family some fun times and memories that will last a lifetime. For that I will be forever grateful.

Micah's Halloween Party at School

Micah - one of the highlights of preschool are the parties!! You were looking so forward to your Halloween party yesterday at school. You suited up in your airplane costume and took off...

I caught you checking yourself out in the mirror. Too funny!

You love the hayride and I was so glad that McKinney got to join in too.

Not sure what is up with your squinty smile lately - but it sure is cute.

Pumpkin picking is another highlight.

So this is what it looks like to try an get 13 or so three year olds to stand still for a picture.

So....My Last Post Needs to be Updated

Okay, so sometimes the best laid plans don't always go the way we want them to. This morning I went to get the new bunny (we have now had him for two days) out of his cage so McKinney could hold him while I took Rebekah to school. I went out to the cage and Oh My GOODNESS - another dead bunny!!! Yikes!!!! I couldn't believe it. I immediately told the kids, which started a chorus of loud mourning and uncontrollable sobbing. I finally got them calmed down and Rebekah ready, again, to head out the door for school after promises of "exchanging" (not sure if that is the best choice of words to use but for lack of anything else that is what I chose) the bunny today for a new one.

So, I introduce you to Thumpkin's much more lively and healthier sister, Pumpkin!!

Pumpkins Anyone???

What a beautiful day to visit the pumpkin patch. We had a blast as always. You guys are growing up every year. This year was monumental in that we had no whining, complaining, or bad attitudes when I told you to gather around for a picture!! This actually makes me a little sad because it means you are all growing up :(

I love having a camera that takes pictures quickly. I would never have gotten the next two shots if not for that! I love you sweet Micah, you keep us laughing Joyful Soul.

Rebekah, you were pretty interested in helping me pick the perfect pumpkin this year.

You guys couldn't wait to get to the bunny cage to play with all the baby bunnies.

Picking pumpkins - a novel idea!!

Rebekah and McKinney - you guys weren't interested in riding the pony's this year. You told us that they weren't very fun because you could only go around in a circle. However, Micah was super excited to ride!

The highlight of this year's trip to the Pumpkin Patch was the sweet 6 week old bunny we brought home. Our bunny, Patches, died a few months back, so we took the opportunity to fill her cage with a new baby bunny. Micah, you came up with a cute name for this little guy. So now, Thumpkin is part of our family!

McKinney - Big #7

McKinney - we had quite a party for you this year. Dad and Grandad worked so hard to get the treehouse built for your party and Mommy and Daddy even had a surprise for you the week before your birthday. Daddy put up a zip line for you!!! This was a hit at the party. Everyone who tried it, loved it!!

Before any guests arrived, Daddy was busy getting set up.

The fire was burning and everyone was fixing their hotdogs.

Aunt Claire and her girls enjoying the fire and the food!

Tearing into the presents always draws a crowd.

Your friend and neighbor, Campbell Turner, enjoying roasting marshmallows.

Ben with an adorable grin - cute little hobo.

I wish I had snapped this picture before any of your friends left, but I forgot. So, we have Zachary, Micah, you, Brady, and Carter. Very cute!

Love you boys - Cute picture of the two best boys ever!!

I can hardly believe Grandad tried the zip line. He said he enjoyed it!

Micah you are so brave - you love "flying" through the air.

Nini bug sure is a cutie!!

McKinney - some of your best buddies, Toby, Drew, and Brady.

Aunt Erin loves the zip line - no surprise there.

Rebekah enjoying the zip line.

Amelia

Pop loving the zip line. Can't wait until Gaga gets better so she can enjoy it too!!

Erin with Nini and Koltyn. What a GREAT picture.

Even Aunt Claire gave it a whirl!

Yumm-O - the cake was a BIG hit. Not much left though :(

Getting ready to blow out the candles on your yummy cookie cake - you were hamming it up.

Sweet, sweet baby boy. It can't possibly have been 7 years since God blessed (and challenged) us with you. We are so thankful He did.