Before we get going, can we take a second to high five the awesome woman that carried me around in her belly for 9 months?
…then waited two weeks over her due date until I decided to grace the world with my presence? High five, mom! …and happy birthday to me 
Though the temperatures here in NC keep skipping around, the general trend is that the weather is cooling down and slowly embracing fall in all it’s glory.
For me, fall means picnics!…even more so than spring. Pesky spring allergies rain on my picnic parade. And who is more fun to picnic with than kiddos?! (Well, a handsome man, wine and music may lend itself to a pretty delightful picnic, too, but today it’s all about the little ones!)
This is my play group. Just plain adorable, aren’t they? And please notice Leah hiding behind a stroller to hold Conner’s hand- haha. The things moms do for pictures.
Now that the weather is nice, we decided to forego (anyone else automatically think fantasy suites when that word is used?) our houses and meet at the park for a picnic instead.
Hailey’s lunch consisted of a cheese stick, cut fruit and a bean salad.
The bean salad might as well be called “throw whatever you have together” salad, but it doesn’t exactly have a nice ring to it. I threw together cannellini beans, grape tomatoes, parsley and artichoke hearts, and power greens (baby kale, spinach and swiss chard) all chopped up into bite sized pieces.
I mixed it with olive oil and a little bit of red wine vinegar. Did you know parsley is a super food? That ambiguous description basically means it’s packed full of nutrition for babies… and big people, too.
Hailey dug in, but balked a little at the artichoke pieces. I knew it was a gamble. Only a few made it down the hatch.
Our group is great at sharing, so bites of everyone’s lunches were shared. There was a fruit and bean combo.
And quiche with mandarin orange option, too.
The best thing about picnics? Clean up is easy! Just shake out the blankets.
Full bellies make playtime more fun!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Oh, wow- happy birthday to her!! What a sweet group of babies you have in your play group. Picnics are such a great idea… ours hasn’t attempted that, but we should!
I’m glad you started the link up tonight- I was hoping to participate, but am flying out first thing in the am. 🙂 Hope it’s okay that I’m linking up to last week’s post! I keep getting my weeks mixed up with Munchkin Meals.. I’m getting there. 🙂
Brittany says
I think I’m the one getting things mixed up with Munchkin Meals, not you 🙂 I’ll do better about being consistent with the every other week. I’m so glad you linked up and hope you have a safe flight!
Sarah @ Our Little Belly Bean says
Look at all that delicious food! Looks like such a good time with all the little munchkins. I need to find some babies and mamas to picnic with around here. Also- happy birthday tomorrow!!! Hope you have a fabulous day 🙂
jen says
omg…the line up of strollers is amazing. so cute!
happy early bday!
Maria says
Happy Birthday, Brittany! That’s a lovely shot of three very lovely ladies!
Erica says
I love how a totally weird food combo to me (fruit and beans) would be devoured by a kiddo!
John J. Stathas says
Happy birthday, Brittany! And, nice note of gratitude to your wonderful Mom – my wife! Love you.
Sherry says
Happy Birthday Brittany! It was a joy to carry you around for 9+ months. You are one of my two greatest accomplishments! Love you, babe. Have a wonderful birthday!
Coleen @ DNCWWO says
I love that they were all sharing each other’s lunches.
Happy Birthday!
Whitney says
Your mom is gorgeous! Happy Birthday! 🙂
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your day 🙂
Joanna @ Midwestern Bite says
P loves parsley with his turkey too. Crazy that a herb most often used for garnish is so good for you.
Happy Birthday!
Kelly @ Runmarun says
Happy Birthday, Brittany! I hope that you and your beautiful family has a wonderful day.
Hooray for Munchkin Meals, it’s good to be back. 🙂
I love that you just chop up raw greens for H…I have been steaming kale and giving it to L but I’m guessing if I just cut it small enough, she should have no problem eating it raw.
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
Picnic was a good theme!!! It’s so fun to see the little ones sharing their lunches. The big kids still do it!
Krista says
Happy Birthday! Mine is tomorrow, Sept is a good month to be born if I do say so!
Your mom is so pretty!