Family Fun

I love this shot -- playing together, moon rising, and the field all baled in the background. Aaaahhhhh.

And to prove that we can be as rednecked as the other locals, we even let our kids splash around in the river one night. It was a hot-hot day, and there were tons of people. But we endured it for a while so they could cool off.

Picnic

We took a break from chores to attend the HP Picnic. The most important thing they wanted to do? "Pace Fainting!!"  We stood in line for what seemed like forever....

But the results were worth it.

Cuties.

Crafty

Don't let it be said that we never make anything in our house. We have a few projects going on to help make things organized for the school year. Here, Miri helps apply Mod Podge to the magnets we are making. More on this project at some point in the next few weeks.

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Ham on the right, turkey on the left.

The Fair

We took time to enjoy the county fair. The kiddos got in for free this year, so then we could put more bucks to the rides and treats.

Someone is a total ham.

Someone else is too cool for school.

They were able to choose whichever seat they wanted. When the attendant explained that the ones at the back of the dragon provide the most thrills and jerks, they quickly chose the frontmost.

Miri had a perma-grin.

No matter where they were on the track, Miri's eyes were on the camera and she was smiling.

Aleaha had her usual serious face.

The spinning bear contraption was popular again.

As was the obstacle thing.

Grinner.

The most favorite, however, was the bungee jump gizmo.

They really loved that thing!

Around the Place

Three of the boys on the hill across from Spiffy.

Sunrise one recent morning.

Cat in the bird bath.

Moonrise.

Chore Time

We have been bustin' our buns to get things done. Every weekend we tackle some form of landscaping work. This property needs a full-time gardener, and that's not really what we envision doing, but we have to at least maintain the critical things.

In the photo above, we removed two tractor loads of berry vines from the ivy on the hillside to the right of the road. It was grueling, but necessary. Not many people see it, but we know how much of a difference it made.

We found the permanent location for the chicken house (near the barn, which will be more convenient and safe), and so we started in on the tasks to make it chick-ready. We don't know when we will be getting the chicks (not exactly the right time of year now), but we need to get this done. Everyone helped! If there's paining involved, you better believe the girls are right there, eager to work.

Finishing the metal. Still a few things left to do, but we are closer.

The next weekend, we tackled another area of weeds. 

Daddy designed and built this mondo pig feeder, which holds a lot and is very strong, so it should last a good long time. We had it powdercoated, so it was finally ready to put in place.

Oh yes, it works just like it should! (the pigs quickly learned how to hold up the covers, so they aren't bungeed anymore).

After a few day's of use, Daddy had Aleaha help him put a slider-goodie into place, which controls the flow of food. The feeder was so deep, he couldn't reach it. Good thing there's a PooberLou who's very able to help! (and the reason his hand is reaching out is because he was asking Mommy to hand him his phone to use as a flashlight so they could see into the feeder to make the adjustment).