Habegger's Amish Market

We always look forward to our annual trip to Habegger's Amish Market for the delicious deli sandwiches and just all-around reminders of a simpler, slower way of life.  It never ceases to amaze me that there are actually road signs cautioning drivers to watch out for horses and buggies throughout this area.  I wanted to stop on the side of the road and take a picture of one but the market had its own version of one so I decided to go the safer route.

We love checking out all the goodies in the store, from the jams and jellies to the soup mixes and gourmet herbs.  Canaan looks like a photo bomber in this picture but he's actually just being his silly self. 

We had to shop in true Amish fashion, with the wide brim hats and apple bushel baskets.  Hadley desperately wanted to fill her basket with the exotic candies that were readily available; think Cracker Barrel meets Willy Wonka. 

Then came lunchtime.  Seriously, the best sandwiches on the planet.

No trip would be complete without our annual picture in the wooden horse and buggy.  Canaan has graduated to being up front with Hadley now.  Last year his little baby legs dangled out the back.  My word these kids are growing way too fast!

We actually had a pretty scary experience when an 8(ish) year old Amish boy was "driving" a buggy all by himself.  He came flying out of his driveway as we were approaching their house.  He tried so hard to get his horses to stop, but they wouldn't.  Luckily, we were able to stop in time and no one was hurt.  It's just such a different way of life that these young kids are expected to do adult-like duties.  My grandfather always reminds me, though, that it was nothing for them to drive tractors or even farm vehicles at very early ages.

There are a few windmills dispersed around Amish country that allow them to pump water out of a well.  Justin, who helps his dad haul hay a few times a year, thought that the haystacks were just too cool.  They obviously aren't able to use the high-tech machinery that most farmers use that either roll or square-bale hay.  So the Amish haystacks aren't quite as "neat" looking, which makes it that much more unique.

This is one of the many Amish farms in this area.  They are very similar in that the homes have to be very plain, nothing decorative or fancy.

Our last stop of the day was a roadside Amish stand where we bought squash and zucchini for the rainbow salad I was responsible for making for an upcoming cookout.  Nothing like a day enjoying God's gorgeous country!