The Maddox Farm

We love our neighbors, The Maddox's, oh-so-much.  We've been instant friends with them since pretty much our second night living in our house.  We became parents around the same time.  We've gone on trips together.  We swap kids on a pretty regular basis.  We hang out as much as we possibly can with everyone's busy schedules (i.e. Grady's call schedule as a resident, and Clay's travel schedule). But now it was time to meet the parents.  

Grady's parents have a farm in Dothan, Alabama, and the four of us, our kids, and our dogs went down to the farm last Friday for the weekend.  It was just the best weekend I can remember!

We got in just in time for dinner Friday night, and it was pretty dark at this point.  We woke up and were really able to take everything in.

Five horses staring me down.

This little guy was born the night before we arrived.  I wasn't going to get any closer- that Mama Cow did not look like she was in the mood to let me pet her baby.

really serious face.

So- here's a re-cap of George's Saturday morning:

Wake Up

Ride in the pick up truck (not buckled in!) to go 'feed the cows'

Eat a delicious breakfast

Jump on the trampoline while the Dad's saddle up horses

What more could a two-year-old want?!

Oh yeah.  Time with his best friend!

Nothing makes me swoon like seeing Clay fly fish, or when he's riding a horse.

It's just so manly.

Here's Mr. Maddox with the two boys!

Grady, Clay and Brego...the horse.

Harper is actually still recovering from this weekend.  She has had a pretty steady limp since her weekend on the farm, but I'm sure you can tell she had a great time, too.

My loves on a horse.

They were PUMPED to get to ride a horse together.  Seriously- I honestly can't tell you who has talked about the horse rides more between Clay and George.  

Clay put it really well- it was the first thing that they've been able to do together that they both really enjoyed.  Clay loves going to the McWane Center, the pool, the zoo, etc. because he loves how happy it makes George.  But if we didn't have George, those wouldn't be activities that Clay would naturally choose.  Riding a horse is something Clay really enjoys- and it was a whole new level to see George enjoy it, too.

Grady, John Grady, Chico (again...the horse), Clay, George, and Brego

Mr. Maddox leading the crew on Sly the horse.

All of the dogs following closely behind.

The boys sacked out after lunch for a whopping 3 hour nap.

But...post-naps just brought more fun.

A romantic wagon ride for two!

Yes please!

Sorry for the smooching picture...I just sort of love it.

Then we hitched up the big wagon and everyone piled in!

George and John Grady even got to 'steer' the wagon.

This picture just stops my heart every time 

with George's arms around his dad and best friend.

One last view of the cow pasture from the wagon ride.

I feel like this picture really captures what George's face looked like the entire time we were there.  It was so much fun to watch him just get to be a boy on a farm.

Sunday morning we had a big brunch and then the Maddox's led a little church service for everyone.  We sang hymns, and shared scriptures, etc., and it was just such a special time together.  I will treasure this weekend, and the memories made on that farm, forever.  Our dear friends are moving to Colorado this summer for Grady's fellowship- and I just can't imagine not having them right across the street this fall.  I am so, so thankful for their loyal, and steadfast, friendship.  It has been a blessing to us in the truest sense of the word.  Getting to see where Grady grew up was just such a treat- and to see how interconnected our families are just made it the best weekend we've had as a family in a long time.