Friday, July 11, 2014

4th and Surrounding

It was hot, so we went to Nana and Papa's to swim. S had her first swim, with Nana assisting.


Vigorous swimming tuckered both her and J out...


J tried to ride a Breyer horse. And actually succeeded a few times, but this once the sucker bucked out from underneath him and I got an action shot.


I have to show my garden, because it was the beginning of July and it was WEEDED. For anyone who knows me, they know this was a BIG deal.
Here S is keeping the corn company:


And here's the Green Peppers (to date we've harvested 3, and 2 Jalepenos)


Green Beans, Soup Beans, and Snap Peas


And a health Raspberry crop that is still taking root:


T recently got new haying equipment, so we can make our own hay. Our neighbor allowed us to hay his field and we (this being a Trav-we) cut the field, raked it, and then baled it on the 4th.
Here's T bush hogging:


Our cow's pasture was right next door. Say 'hi' to Cowie (on the left) and Fella (right):


S and I went out there to supervise:


Raking:


Short respite to participate in the 4th of July parade:
(my mom was behind me with her fingers on the side of her mouth trying to get J to smile. so he was imitating her, minus the smile)


S, my mom, and I sat on the parade route. Thought the loud sirens might have been a bit much for the newbie.


Look closely to see Nana and J:


T and his lil guy:


...and back to work baling!


Hmmm, handsome guy working hard!


Papa and Nana graciously lent their assistance picking up the bales out of the field. It's not a 'fun' job, and we were so very thankful for their help. So. Very. Thankful.


Also over the 4th my dear daughters and mom searched our woods for wild blackberries. The girls said they wanted a pie out of it (oddly, I'm not sure why, I have NEVER made a pie before in my life nor have they often ate one), but since they went to all the effort I felt compelled to bake a pie. So bake a pie I did. And it was a good one, I tell ya.


Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Cherry Fest and Beyond...

Got on the Grimster yesterday. He's a fun colt. Wish I had more time to ride him, but he's doing good.



The kids and I went up to Traverse City to hang out for a bit. Ryan came up, here's the first time he met Sadie:


S's first snooze on the beach:



We went up to the Cherry Connection:


A few selfies and not at the Sleeping Bear Dunes:








The next day was COOOOLLDDD and we went downtown:


Eating at Bubbas...


A few rides on the Midway...




And later that night biking (in the sprinkling rain!!) to Moomer's for dinner and ice cream:


(yes, she rides a 2-wheeler now!)



I tried to get J to share with his sisters, but he was pretty adamant that he have his own "Cow Moo!!". Who am I to deprive the kiddo?


I think they were sufficiently worn out!