Day Trippin

Since summer is almost over, the kids and I are doing a couple of day trips while we have the time.

Yesterday, we drove to a small town where a large part of American Graffiti was filmed. I hadn't been there for years and forgot how charming and full of things you would want in a small town it is.

We toured a sticker factory. This is the only place we were allowed to take pictures, in front of the sticker wall. It was very interesting. I had no idea the amount of large machines and processes that were involved in making stickers. At each stop along the tour the kids got stickers.

My favorite part of the trip was finally getting to visit this seed bank. I order seeds from their catalog every year and have wanted to shop at it since it opened a few years ago. It is in a beautiful old bank building.

There are aisles of heirloom seeds of every imaginable type of vegetable and a lot of fruits. The kids each picked out a packet of seeds for our winter garden. I tried to restrain myself and not go overboard on seeds. I know, it is nothing but excitement hanging around me. Luckily, the kids were patient while I oohed and aahed to my heart's content.

Their reward for their patience was visiting a local pie shop and splitting a mini lemon pie. They are their Father's kids.
After the sticker factory tour and visiting the seed bank, we decided to walk downtown and explore a bit. Imagine my surprised when the kids wanted to go into an art gallery/antique store. We got their 20 minutes before they closed, but managed to see most of it. The kids pointed out different paintings and antiques they thought I would like. The best part was they managed to do this without actually touching anything...yeah!
Next, we visited a local creamery that had the best tasting organic cheese and ice cream. So you know we had to buy both. The creamery and farm have been in business for over 90 years. They had some uncommon flavors for ice cream. I ended up getting the lavender, which was delicious. The kids got cookie parade, a big hit and peppermint patty. I know, pie and ice cream in one day. You would think I was FSD. In my defense, the pie was truly a mini, miniscule, microscopic one bite pie. Also, we walked a lot (like my rationalization?).

Later, we visited the local farmers market and stocked up on fruits and veggies. The market also had a booth with some reptiles. The kids enjoyed the snake and turtle.

In case you notice the wrap on the girl's arm in the pictures, she has a sprained wrist. She was riding her bike and cut a turn to fast. She broke her fall with her hand. The Doctor said she should be back to her daredevil ways in a few weeks.