Beef Buddies

Once again we "adopted" a cow...oh wait, 2 cows for part of the summer!

Marie took care of Bucky and Bennett was responsible for Storm.

These two stepped up and did a great job and learned so much about these two animals.

It was unique having 2 cows and more difficult. However, it was also twice as hard to say goodbye. 

 I think the person who loves this experience more than anyone else is Brooks.  He never complained about chores, always helped with cleaning the barn out, watering the cows, and even got hurt a few times because the cows were a bit bigger this year and feisty at times. He is a champ and fair week is his favorite week of the year.

 Part of Andy & I would like to say that this was our last year, however, it's hard to say no to kids who want to do hard work and have responsibility.  Beef Buddies makes them prioritize their time, get out of bed on time, work hard outside and care for something other than themselves.  We don't know what next year will bring but for now, their trophies are proudly displayed on their desks and their boots are nice and dirty. 

 

Summer So Far

I started blogging 9 nine years ago...it's crazy to think that 9 years ago I wanted to start this little project for a way to keep family members in touch with our Marie while we were raising her so far away from everyone.  

 I would blog at least weekly if not more than that and I loved coming up with new ideas and sharing all that we were up to. 

Now, here we are and time seems to rush by and this blog does not get updated! 

Our life is full and I love documenting it so that the kids will have something to look at one day, but other things always need to get done first. 

So, here comes the a giant picture dump of our summer so far.

It has been full yet free, fun yet boring, and special yet completely ordinary - exactly what summer should be.  

 We still have a 2 weeks left so ready, set, let's finish summer!!!

Bennett is 6

 Bennett turned 6!

This boy was so pumped up for his party with his crew.  He chose bowling and pizza and knew just who he wanted to celebrate with on his special day.  

He had such a great year in TK this past year and was lucky enough to make so many great friends.  They all came to join him for the party!

 We were the only ones bowling on a Monday at 11 - thank goodness because this bunch of kids knew how to have a party!  It was fun to see Bennett interact with all his friends. They were joking around, playing little games with each other, encouraging each other, and everyone got along.

 

Bennett...where do we begin. 

You are a smarty pants who wants to know how everything works and why it works that way.  

You are surprisingly sensitive and often people don't realize how carefully you dissect everything. 

You are a helper, you make friends easily, and you always find the positive side of sometimes a scary event.  Your interests are often beyond your years, but you still love to learn about animals, especially reptiles and dinosaurs.

We love you Bennett, happy birthday! 

P.S.  I LOVE riding that roller coaster with you.

Marie is 9

Once again the calendar has zipped on past us and we are upon summer. 

Summer around here means BIRTHDAYS!!!!

Marie turned 9 on June 9!  I know, her GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!  She was over the moon about that special title.

We celebrated with her friends by having a party at the pottery studio in town. They all were very careful about picking their piece of art, colors, and designs.  It was so quiet and they painted intently. 

Following their artistic moments, we went to the Spillway for ice cream and a little wading in the water. 

These girls had so much fun. I love watching our kids with their friends.  Their little inside jokes and laughter are contagious. 

Marie continues to be a girl with a big heart. She is caring and considerate while having her streaks of (dare I say) pre-teen attitude and eye rolls.  

She is interested in a wide range of things from tumbling to cows, movies to poetry, soccer to piano.  

Her teacher described her as a deep thinker and friend to all this year and I think I completely agree.

Marie Beth, happy birthday. We love you!