We had our first booth at the Lattin's Country Cider Mill, nestled between the beautiful forests of Rainier and Olympia, Washington. A sweet gal we'd met at the Shepherd's Extravaganza thought it would be a fun vending opportunity and they were happy to have us. We had been there for a short visit years ago but the children were a bit too young to remember it.
The weather predicted was rain - surprise! - so we prayed for the Lord's work. We were anticipating a great time, enjoying a 'mini-vacation' to a unique destination (substantially more feasible when you have animals to care for), meeting new people, sharing our products and perhaps paying for our 'vacation'! How many other families get to do that?!
The weather predicted was rain - surprise! - so we prayed for the Lord's work. We were anticipating a great time, enjoying a 'mini-vacation' to a unique destination (substantially more feasible when you have animals to care for), meeting new people, sharing our products and perhaps paying for our 'vacation'! How many other families get to do that?!
Dad learned the night before he wouldn't be able to be there to help us set up or participate in anything except possibly take down. This threw a wrench in our plans but we knew we could meet the challenge.
The children really pitch in well together for events and it was the same with this one - except that we needed 'mini-Dad's' to do some extra, and they sure did!
We missed a few key steps - left with only one table and the table cover quilts that were thought to be loaded, but the folks at Lattin's were kind enough to share an extra table and we used our extra front drape sheet as the entire table cover - it made a bold statement, as you see in the first photo.
The children really pitch in well together for events and it was the same with this one - except that we needed 'mini-Dad's' to do some extra, and they sure did!
We missed a few key steps - left with only one table and the table cover quilts that were thought to be loaded, but the folks at Lattin's were kind enough to share an extra table and we used our extra front drape sheet as the entire table cover - it made a bold statement, as you see in the first photo.
There are quite a few local people that make Lattin's their common stopping point for delicious apple fritters and award winning apple cider. Including the Fed Ex and UPS drivers that stopped in and left quickly with their full white bakery bags. They aren't wrong. I've never had the joy of reliving my Great Grandma's home made donuts until I tried the apple cake donuts here. Oh, the sweet memories!!
I really should have taken some pictures, but to be honest, they disappeared quite quickly and we were so busy savoring every morsel, we just didn't think about it! Oh, and the warm apple cider kept us from the bit of chill making it's way through, but praise the Lord, no rain!
I really should have taken some pictures, but to be honest, they disappeared quite quickly and we were so busy savoring every morsel, we just didn't think about it! Oh, and the warm apple cider kept us from the bit of chill making it's way through, but praise the Lord, no rain!
Lattin's also has a number of cute critters that share the farm and they even offer a little walk through petting zoo for just $2 per person. Ducklings, chicks and baby goats were just a few available to snuggle. There are pigs and sheep and goats that you can feed and watch gallivant around...and there were at least two families taking advantage of their birthday party packages that include free use of the giant tricycles - FUN!
Dad met us at nearly the end of the day and had a chance to chat with an owner of the mill. She shared a bit of their personal struggle to keep the historic place going and the challenges with the rising fuel costs for delivery of those higher priced apples. It's another sad example of a small business losing the battle with the sagging economy. It made me consider, all the more, the choices we make when and where we purchase....
Dad met us at nearly the end of the day and had a chance to chat with an owner of the mill. She shared a bit of their personal struggle to keep the historic place going and the challenges with the rising fuel costs for delivery of those higher priced apples. It's another sad example of a small business losing the battle with the sagging economy. It made me consider, all the more, the choices we make when and where we purchase....
All in all, Lattin's Country Cider Mill was a beautiful stop for us. Although many of the visitors of the day seemed to have one track minds - FRITTERS! - we were able to bring a few smiles as they stopped to watch us spin or picked up a few of Lil Miss's cards or Mini Farmer's soaps.
Did our vending booth pay for our trip? No. But we had a great little adventure that got us out to support a struggling local business; we met some fine folks and learned a bit better to make those lists and check them several times BEFORE we leave!
We may have an opportunity to visit again during their Famous Cider Days at the start of apple picking season in September. If you're looking for a fun place to stop or a fantastic bakery to visit, you won't be disappointed with Lattin's.
Did our vending booth pay for our trip? No. But we had a great little adventure that got us out to support a struggling local business; we met some fine folks and learned a bit better to make those lists and check them several times BEFORE we leave!
We may have an opportunity to visit again during their Famous Cider Days at the start of apple picking season in September. If you're looking for a fun place to stop or a fantastic bakery to visit, you won't be disappointed with Lattin's.
As we drove home through the winding roads, flanked by beautiful green tall firs, we thanked the Lord for our beautiful day, savored the richness of his glorious creation and smiled at the rains we finally met after a day of outdoor fun.
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: Job 5: 8-10