My grandparents are the epitome of happily retired. They live in a cozy house in the country with limited responsibilities. Mornings are quiet, a time reserved for throwing birdseed and peanuts on the patio so they can watch the birds and squirrels eat breakfast. My grandma even has one squirrel trained to come right up to the door to get his peanuts.
Hummingbirds flock to the feeder that hangs right outside the sliding glass door. My grandpa rides his horse; my grandma reads her kindle. It’s peaceful and quiet and slow and just the way I like things to be. Every meal is prepared in the kitchen and eaten at the table after the blessing. Their house is full of western mementos and vintage southern treasures. It’s homey, the kind of homey that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile, you know?
I rarely think about retirement (which I think is okay for now since I’m only 26), but every time Brett and I visit my grandparents in Oakhurst, we find ourselves discussing our dream retirement situation. Where do we want to live? What do we want to do? And, well, after this weekend, I think I’d be happy with a house in the country. A quiet place to write, train squirrels, and spend time with my grandkids (and great grandkids!) when they come to visit.
Do you ever think about retirement?
p.s. I just realized that the last time we visited my grandparents at their house, my grandma was wearing the same red shirt and I was wearing the same yellow plaid. HOW WEIRD IS THAT?!
that is brilliant – they must be your ‘country’ clothes. great that your grandpa still rides. Do i think about retirement…no, in all honesty. It still seems a long way off. I think about ‘not working’ though.
robyn´s last [type] ..Eid Mubarak
Don’t we all!
Your pictures are beautiful as always. I like to tell my husband that when it’s our time to retire I’d like to buy a little farm in the country. I see myself reading a book in front of the fire place while my husband builds model airplanes (not that he does that, it just looks like that in my dream
). We may own a few chickens, cats, a dog, 2 sheep and a pig! Haha 
That sounds perfect to me! Make it happen girl!
What beautiful pictures! Your weekend looks so fun, relaxing and heart warming. And oh my, those eyes on that little one. How sweet! I’m so glad I found your blog! Love it
xox
Thanks Denise. Welcome!
I love taking time out in the country – the difference in pace is astounding, and so relaxing! Also, side note? Those super cute little hats + the baby grins are all kinds of adorable
Elly´s last [type] ..Design Fun: A (Kiwi Cross) Baby Book
We literally have hats to match every outfit. They are the boy version of headbands. I can’t help myself.
Lovely! I am so glad you guys had such a great weekend. The pictures are beautiful.
Claire´s last [type] ..Share the Love
Thanks Claire…..fresh air does a body good!
Looks like a wonderful time…love how serene your grandparent’s place is!
natasha {schue love}´s last [type] ..Fall Riding Boots + A Contest
I know, we need to visit more often!
gosh this looks lovely!!! a well-deserved weekend away
and retirement sounds good to me.
Camilla´s last [type] ..Stay Safe Everyone!
Let’s make a killing off The Violet and retire at age 45. Sound good?
My grandparents have a ranch out in the middle of Lake County and it is my favorite getaway. It seems worlds away from the rest of the world; my grandpa feeds the deer, my grandma chases the peacocks out of her garden, ranch cats lay in the dusty driveway, and we sit at the dinner table for hours laughing, talking, and eating a delicious home-cooked meal, usually followed by pie and ice cream. Talk about American living! It’s the good stuff, as you know from your weekend; time with my grandparents are some of my favorite memories as well.
Kaleena’s Kaleidoscope´s last [type] ..Taking risks and why I’m moving to South Korea
I feel like our grandparents would be best friends.
It gets better – I’m wearing the same shirt, too!!! Man we really need to go shopping for more “western” apparel.
Love you babe. Thanks for the weekend getaway!
This is actually just plain pathetic. Haha. We need new clothes.
this, looks like perfection.
lacey´s last [type] ..OUR FALL WEEKEND | 10.30.12
I would so retire in the county and move out of the city to have some peace! FYI: You have such a beautiful family. Stay blessed!
Michelle´s last [type] ..It Made Me Smile
Country living. Nothing else like it.
What a beautiful home, so happy for your grandparents!
Looks like a beautiful trip!
Mary´s last [type] ..Lift
Wow, What A Life! A beautiful trip!
t.k.´s last [type] ..2012年11月3日
That last photo. I die of the cuteness.