Busy as a ...

Here it is June, I'm not teaching right now, and I have less time to blog! I'm hoping to be caught up by July, but not banking on it. I'll give a quick recap now, but hopefully put together a string of smaller posts, just to keep you interested!
June started with a quick trip to Rochester for a graduation party, and the boys spent a day with their Grandma and cousins so I could attend an organic market gardening workshop at the Gardens of Eagan. Jeanette and I both enjoyed it, though the amount of work can be daunting! I headed back to Rochester and picked up THREE kids, as Annalise was coming to spend some time with us while her mom had a medical procedure. Having another three year old in the house was an adjustment for all of us.
Kohen had four days of "string camp", where he spent a lot of quality time with his violin. The camp was held at the Minnesota Discovery Center, a great stop if you want to learn more about the heritage and mining of the area. We all took the trolley ride and are planning on going back soon for the mini golf.
The weekend of the 11-12 was Timberdays, Amber and the Young boys came to enjoy. Having five kids participating in the pet show meant three goats, one piglet, and one chicken got to travel to town and be paraded around. They all enjoyed it, well I know the kids did at least!
The following week brought Vacation Bible School at church, along with 125 other kids! Great time as always.
Add in a jewelry party, Farmers market meeting, Annalise's dad when he came to fetch her home, a nice summer cold, Lyle taking a walk-a-bout, and you can see why I haven't blogged much. In addition to trying to get gardens planted, animal husbandry, and house cleaning, I feel like my favorite month has blasted by. This weekend brings a family reunion for the Heiam side of my family, so my goal is for Nate and I to take some time on Sunday to enjoy the lake and family, before more hardcore farm work gets under way with the arrival of the "farm interns" next week.
(No pictures today, I can barely get enough internet connection to post this, darn weather!)

June

Really. It's June. Our weather is not attesting the fact, but the calendar is. Today was the last day of school for students at my school. I have one more day of inservice tomorrow, and then I'm free. Well, not really. Then the whirlwind of summer activities start.
The gardens are patiently waiting for some plants to grow. We had awful wind for two days, and then frost last night, so I'm not rushing it.
The summer looks to be filling up fast, but with fun activities:

• Annalise will be coming for a visit next week


• Kohen has a week of orchestra camp


• Timber Days in Cook, with the popular pet show


• Bible School


• Gardens, gardens, gardens


• Pigs, pigs, pigs


• Weddings


• Family Reunions


• Visits from Friends


• Farmers Market


• A new ram


• and plenty more.

I just am ready to develop a summer routine, but it will have to wait a bit. I am anxious to just be able to soak in the days on the farm. Nate and I both agreed that we enjoy vacations, but are perfectly happy being able to stay home with the boys and all of the animals we enjoy. We've expanded our nightly routine from cups of tea in front of a dvr'd program, to include last checks on the pigs and cows. The cattle are not scared of my headlamp anymore, they know that treats accompany it. The little pigs have grown so much they rarely use their ramp into the shed anymore, they just jump.

Kohen has his heart set on bringing a pig to the pet show. But you may not know this- little pigs have a BIG voice. They squeal, grunt, and scream when you pick them up now. Even the ones we've handled daily. I'm hoping a harness and leash will be the answer. That's on the schedule for next week: pig leash training. Never would have thunk it. Isaiah cannot decide his victim-er-entry. Yesterday it was Darla, today it was Daisy. For some reason I don't think Daisy (who has never been farther then her pastures) would do well. I can't hardly get her to move from one pasture to the next if she doesn't want to. I'm encouraging chickens, chicks, poults, lambs, baby goats... Hey, it's not like the kid doesn't have options. We are excited to share our options with Brody, Cam, and Annalise. Maybe I should get some tshirts printed for all the kids. Might make some other local kids feel left out if they don't have a matching t-shirt though.

This weekend I get to learn something new. More on that later.

Thankfully we have not lost any more sheep, though we are constantly on guard. The goats are all out in the north field now, with access to the barn at night. So far they are doing great with it. My plan is to start milking on Monday. We are all anxious for fresh, raw, goat milk.

Well, that was rambling enough wasn't it. I better go and get some housework done before my husband gets home (he took a day trip to Rochester for farm supplies) and accuses me of spending all my time on the computer.

Happy Easter & Farm Updates

Happy Easter all my readers, especially Don M. from Texas! We had a great Easter, lots of time at home, a scavenger hunt for Easter baskets (that silly bunny), and dinner at Grandma Butchy's with my sister and her family. The boys have eaten WAY to much sugar, and took very late naps, so they are still up, but chilling in the great room with Diego.

SHEEP: I had hoped that Annafleece would give us an Easter lamb or two, but no such luck. The seventeen lambs we currently have are doing wonderful. The poor sheep are still hanging out in the garage, we had another couple of inches of snow this weekend, along with plenty of rain. Sam, Northwestern's neglected child (see previous post) was lucky enough to travel to school with me last Wednesday. Dressed in a pull-up, he followed me down the halls, slept under my students' feet at the table, and won the hearts of hundreds of children. We even took a quick morning walk down to Isaiah's daycare to visit 25+ preschoolers. He's still getting three supplemental bottles a day, his mom just is not producing enough milk or being a good mom. I'm afraid I know her future outlook...

GARDEN: I've been busy transplanting seedlings and planting more seeds. Last fall I made a few crazy purchases at an online gardening center auction that involved a LONG drive to pick up. But one of the purchases was a three shelf galvanized steel cart. It works perfect in the back porch, in front of the sliding glass door, with some lights wired to it. I start my seeds on the heated concrete floor and then transfer them to the lighted shelves to grow. They are doing great. Gwenny and Lyle, my gasoline free roto-tillers.

In related news, we've decided to add another garden this year. This one is between our driveway and the sheep pastures. Instead of working myself to break up the sod, I'm working the pigs. We installed portable electronet fencing, and opened a spot in the pasture fence for the pigs to move in. What three snouts can do in a day is amazing. I've been spending some time with them throwing chunks of sod into the pasture, but they are doing most of the work.

Speaking of PIGS, we will definitely have more in the near future. Gertie is starting to show that she is caring some baby red wattles. We are most excited about these additions. The pigs have done a number on the large pasture, but we are planning on building them a new pig pasture soon so that we can disc, plant and get the large pasture ready for rotational grazing of the sheep.

GOATS: The goat girls continue to get wider and wider. I gave them all CD&T boosters today. This vaccine is an important one to help the baby goats immunities when they are born. I cannot wait to see what we get from their breeding to Jeri's boer buckling. He had some nice color, so we'll see what we get. We are all looking forward to fresh milk again too.

KIDS- HUMAN VARIETY: The boys are loving the arrival of spring weather. K has stepped it up in the chores department. He is now able to get a bale of hay from the hay loft, onto the wagon and hauled to the sheep. Some grumbling is usually heard, but he can do it. His favorite job lately is anything that can be done while driving the lawn tractor. Having outgrown the battery powered gator, he's suffering through power withdrawal. He's also been stepping up and giving Sam most of his bottles when he is home. Don't worry, he still has plenty of play time, including playing in the nice black dirt mud, and tracking it into the mud room, and across my floors...or chasing the chickens around the yard with a stick...or "helping" his brother into the giant puddle along the driveway...

On this Easter I feel truly blessed to be living the life we are living. It's hard work, but things are starting to pay off. After Earthfest and some other opportunities I've had in the past month to share the what and why of our little farm with others, I feel so good about the life that Nate and I are creating. My boys are so happy, and learning so much every day. Watching K tell his kindergarten class about a five-day old lamb's life, and how to care for him. Or seeing how happy Is looks when he gets to help me transplant plants (he wanted the Easter bunny to bring him his own spray bottle for Easter, for some reason that didn't happen.) This summer is looking to be a very busy one for the farm, with new additions, and opportunities. I just hope that I can continue to enjoy every minute as much as I have been. Who knew that working this hard could be so much fun?

December

The Lights of Love tree in Cook. The boys hauling in the Christmas tree.

It's hard to believe that it is December already, but with sixteen inches of snow on the ground it looks it! The holiday festivities have begun already. The house is decorated, we went to Cook's Country Christmas on Friday night, and look forward to more holiday parties and get togethers. Nate, the boys and I ventured to the back of our property yesterday, and after a lot of tree shaking we found the perfect tree. Now to start thinking about some holiday baking...

Cowboy Up...Isaiah's Three!

Isaiah chose a cowboy theme for his third birthday party. It all started with wanted poster invitations, and encompassed family, friends and fun before ending with a cowboy birthday cake. All while the snow fell fast from the sky. We appreciated everyone who braved the first snow of the year to come and help celebrate!

Some of the cowpokes waiting to "Brand the Cow."Addison, Heidi, Isaiah, Kohen & Alex.Great-Grandma Butchy was lucky enough to open packages.

I've come to realize that for my kids the most memorable part of the party is the games we play. We didn't have as many as the halloween party two weeks ago, but we did enjoy some cowboy freeze dance, roundup and branding the cow. Roundup was a great time. Six mini brooms, six colors of balloons scattered around the great room. Each cowboy or cowgirl was assigned a color and had to round up their balloons with the brooms. Add in some cowboy hats, bandanas, sheriff badges, western silly bandz, and cowboy suckers; I think the kids enjoyed themselves.

Nate and I worked together on Isaiah's cake. A chocolate, pincherry filling, and strawberry cake that included "Cowhide" complete with a three patch, bandana, and cowboy ready to lasso up some ice cream. I even made the slow-cook, as in all day, goat milk caramel sauce to top the ice cream. Guess if I had been really crazy I could have made goat milk ice cream, but I ran out of time.

Gramma Jan made the trek from Rochester to help her middle grandson enjoy his birthday. Nanny, Papa, Grandpa Bud and Grandma Butchy also made it. Friends that joined us included Crystal & Rory Scuffy, Cari, Heidi and Ben Johnson, and Eric, Stephanie, Alex, Addison and Zoey Burckhardt.

Isaiah's present from us was a violin. He always wants to play his brother's, which at 1/8 is too big for him. We bought him a 1/10 size, and he is very excited to start to learn what Kohen knows. Of course Kohen had to try and steal some of the spotlight and take out his violin to play a song for everyone.

Today looks like it will be a day of clearing snow, chores, and hopefully I can sneak away for a few hours to go to my friend Jeri's for our spinning group!

Forked Eyeball Party & Sheep Huggin'

Today we hosted a Halloween Party for twenty little ghosts and goblins. It was great, I'm exhausted but it was worth it. I think (hope) that all the kids had a great time. For a great Halloween Party mix together the following:

• forked eyeballs (Family Fun recipe)


• putrid punch


• sloppy joes


• pin the wart on the witch


• pumpkin bowling


• pumpkin bean bag toss


• weaving a web


• treat bag decorating


• feely box filled with gross feeling things, and kids courageous enough to stick their hands in!


• monster mash freeze dancing


• "looking for Dracula"


• ghost poop toss


• sheep hugging


• turkey chasing


• hay ride


• sunshine


• lots of happy, excited little kids

We also took time in the day to celebrate National Hug a Sheep Day. Annafleece was well loved today.

Multi-tasking: Hug a Sheep & Halloween

Saturday's a big day at the Rice River Lamb Company. Try a Halloween Party for twenty plus children, plus celebrating Hug A Sheep Day. Since I know the kids will want to hug and love the sheep, it's only natural that we participate. So far I think Annafleece and Opilio will be the lucky ones.
I gotta go... my plan is to have the whole house clean tonight so tomorrow evening is reserved for cooking and game organizing. Wish me luck!

October, here we come!

October First, wow! Here's a few updates, hope for time for a more complete post with pictures tomorrow.

• The first four weeks of school have flown by. They were very busy weeks, and my classroom still isn't in the groove I like it to be, but it takes time.
• Kohen still loves school, and loves his teacher even more. On the second day of school she gave them each a small 2x2 inch square of polar fleece "blankie" as a comfort item. Kohen might as well be nicknamed Linus. I had to spend ten minutes searching the house for blankie before he would go to bed tonight. It goes in his pocket to school each day too. Whatever it takes, right?
• In sheep news, I am down to my winter size flock of 17 (15 ewes, one ram, one wether) along with the eight still to be butchered. It feels good to have sold so many ewes to good homes. In fact two moved up the road a few miles and are being spoiled as backyard pets! My plan is to not breed until late November this year. I want to get a tighter worming regime completed first to combat the crazy deer liver flukes that inhabit all the pastures around here this year.
• In goat news, I am still milking Nora twice a day, and still getting a gallon of milk a day! She is such a good, mellow goat. Got to make the breeding plans for the goat girls too.
• Weekend plans include planting trees, putting the garden to bed (have to remove carrots and beets first), planting garlic, cleaning the coop, finishing siding the barn, and general fall cleanup. Is there really only two days in the weekend?
• Tomorrow night the boys and I get to attend a bonfire as our final "Moms and Kids" event of the season.
• Last weekend we attended the Roach Family Pig Roast. I wish there was a way to bottle up this event. It is the coolest, laid back, get-together around. I love Missy and Tom for their great hog roasting abilities and group hosting abilities. It doesn't hurt that Kohen has decided he is "in love" with their daughter! The combination of cool fall night, dozens and dozens of people you wouldn't see all in the same place, a wonderful assortment of food and goodies, bonfires, wine, home brew, I could go on and on. Thank you Tom and Missy!
• I'm trying to come to terms with Is turning three in a month, not sure I'm ready to be done with the two's stage. He idolizes his big brother, scary as it is.
• Koe is back to violin lessons. I am amazed at the memory capacity of his brain. He started back like we had never stopped for three months! We even played a pizzicato duet of "Boil 'em Cabbage Down" the other night at his lesson.

Como Zoo

Almost a month ago we headed to the Como Park Zoo with the boys, Nate's mom, and Annalise. It was a hot day, but we had a great time.

Nate decided the day needed to start with cotton candy. He didn't get any protests from the kids!

Annalise was hot and hadn't brought a hat, so Gramma Jan bought her one. It was a good choice and did the job.

Como does a wonderful job of interactive tables and passing information on to the public. The volunteers were great.

We wavered on standing in line to tour the butterfly house at the end of the visit, but Koe, aka "Bug Boy" wanted to, so we did. I am glad we did. It was a great experience and we all enjoyed it.
Annalise loved the seals and sea lions. She would giggle whenever they came close.

We had a great experience in the polar bear encounter. The bears where being lazy and sleeping in the sun on the hot day. We were able to witness one slowly wake up and then slowly, almost teasingly approach the water, and finally jump in. The kids loved it. The air conditioning in that building wasn't so bad either.

Adding On

Yesterday we celebrated four years of living in this house, along with the hubby's birthday. It was a good day, and a busy one. We hosted our "Barn Raising- Take 2" day. Barn Raising-Take 1 occurred last fall, with limited success, for lack of labor. Take 2 was much more successful. All told we had eight friends and family helping throughout the day, and were able to get quite a lot done. Decking on the second floor, "nailers" on the first floor, and three walls up on the second story. My two days of cooking culminated with our feast yesterday: smoked turkey, brisket, and lamb, fresh bread, assorted salads and sides, and blueberry pies and cake for dessert. Lots of work, but worth it, along with lots of leftovers!

I should probably put a disclaimer below this picture- I wouldn't recommend my husband's methods of working on a ten foot ladder, balance on two boards on top of seven foot scaffolding, with hard ground and piles of lumber beneath.

We "added on" a bit more in the turkey department this weekend as well. Our turkey hen hatched out four poults on Friday, Nate quickly put a fence around her nest along the garage to protect them from the fox that are still in the neighborhood. Today the boys and I took a short road trip to trade an ewe lamb for 12 half grown turkeys. We'll be eating good this winter!

It's amazing to me when I look back and think of all we have done in the last four years to see how much we have accomplished. Sometimes in the "wanting more" mode I forget how much we have gained and completed. There are SO many things we still want to accomplish. Finishing the barn obviously, fencing in more land for the sheep, more remodeling and work on the house, landscaping, sauna, workshop, the list is endless. I am so thankful for what we do have, and for what I know we are capable of in the future. All with lots of hard work! The help and support of family and friends sure doesn't hurt either! Thanks everyone!

Happy Fourth of July!

Isaiah, Kohen, Braeden, and Chase, ready to roll.

Dave Manick ready for Kohen to throw some giant jawbreakers to him! What a guy! He told Koe he would drive up to watch him in the parade, and he did complete with his snowmobile helmet to protect him from all the candy Koe was throwing out!

Much of our celebration took place yesterday at Orr's 3rd of July Festivities. They have a great children's parade and we made the drive to participate. Kohen, Isaiah, Braeden, and Chase proved their patriotism. So well in fact, they won the grand prize for their entry "Four for the Fourth." It was very sunny, and hot, but we made it through. With the help of some cotton candy! This morning we awoke to a lot of rain. From 3-9 am our rain gauge registered 5, FIVE, inches! Yikes!

New Editions

It has been a busy spring. I finally feel as if I am catching up, just in time for summer to arrive. One more week of school, and then summer can begin.

Lots of news happening, I'll give a few bites:

• new editions: Manda lambed last Tuesday afternoon, in the front yard with the rest of the flock watching. This first time mom gave birth to a black krunet (white spot on top of head) ewe. She was licking her off as I pulled in the driveway. Both are doing well. Annalise, our niece, has been staying with us for the last week, and will be here until Friday. Her mom, Holly, had complications with the end of her pregnancy and has been hospitalized for over two weeks. Being 300 miles away the best way we could help out was to bring Annalise up for an extended visit. Having two 2 1/2 year olds in the house is a new experience; Annalise and Isaiah are only three weeks apart in age. We've been keeping her busy, and she loves all the animals. We'll bring her home on Friday when school is done, and get to meet new baby Gabriella as well.


• Nate's been busy with various small jobs this season, but no big building projects lined up for the summer. Anyone need a new garage, remodeling or additions?


• We've been rotating the sheep often as we wait for the grass to catch up. Having 30 ewes and lambs in two rolls of electonet makes for frequent moving. They did a great job on the front lawn though. We had them in the same area last year and that is now the nicest lawn on the farm. Good fertilizer plus the aerating effects of little hooves. It was an added bonus to look out the windows and watch the lambs three feet away. The kids loved it.


• Kohen had his preschool graduation last week. He looked quite something in his suit and cap and gown. I was only mildly frustrated with his on-stage behavior this year. In his attempts to counteract the bright stage lights he spent half the concert portion of the evening with his hands cupped around his eyes. Oh well, entertaining!


• We finished planting the garden yesterday. I'm happy with our efforts so far this year. In addition to the main garden I now have four raised beds along the waterline to the woodshed. They are filled with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. My parents are also planting their potato patch garden with the three sisters method this year, and have also started another garden that will grow potatoes this year. Hopefully we have a better season then last year.


• June is going to be a busy month with classes for me, a BWCA trip for Nate and I, bibleschool, and Isaiah's surgery at Mayo. I'm hoping the lambs and garden can keep growing well through it all.

Winter Fun

Here are some winter fun pictures from this weekend. I'm frustrated with blogger not allowing me to put these in the proper order, but bear with me. We headed sledding with some friends this afternoon to a large hill a short drive from our house that was created with the highway construction. It is located next to the snowmobile trail, so it was nicely packed, and fast!

This picture should be last. We enjoyed brownies and hot cocoa after our sledding (goat milk cocoa for the Briggs'!)

Nate and Isaiah, coming down.

Kohen's first run, face first of course. I think he's watched too many olympics! At the bottom of the hill he caught three feet of air where it hit the snowmobile trail.

The long hike to the top.
This picture is from yesterday, but so adorable. Isaiah found Kohen's skis while I was mucking out the goat shed. For a while he was even skiing across the driveway-with the skiis on backwards! He had surgery for tubes in his ears on Friday, and is doing pretty well. Hopefully we are on the road to a healthy, growing boy!

In other events, we've been busy adjusting to the new goats, and I've adjusted to an earlier alarm and milking schedule. We have only four weeks until lambs, and need to get more hay, so I'm feeling a bit panicky. No barn completed yet either, so the sheep will again take residence in the garage, unless Nate get's a lot of free time in the next few weeks. We finally put all the ewes together this last week, a day after Jimmer decided to break off a horn by getting it stuck in the cattle panel on the inside of their shelter. He should be in the freezer by now, but it hasn't happened. Does anyone one want some wonderful lamb meat?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! We had a wonderful day and I'll share plenty of pictures later. Enjoy the holiday! Eat lots of goodies (like persimmon pudding with gold sauce, heaven on a spoon!)

Country Christmas

Our little town hosts a country Christmas celebration the beginning of December. It is a great time that includes lighting of the hospice fundraiser Christmas tree, Santa, a bonfire, specials at area shops, and even a hay ride. Nate was out of town so the boys and I headed in and met my parents for the evening of fun.

After the tree lighting we ran to the local VFW to order burgers for dinner, and then to the town hall to visit Santa. Isaiah loved him. He never said a word, just stared with his big brown eyes. After the Santa visit it was back to the VFW to eat dinner with Papa and Papa Bud, and Grampa Elder. From there we decided to bundle back up and check out the hay ride. Kohen was SO excited when we got the the wagon and there was his buddy from this summer's farmers market with her family (Kohen regards her so highly he named his bunny after her!) Hugs and cuddling up close on the bench together brought smiles to all of us. It was a beautiful, cold night to listen to the bells on harnesses as we were pulled down main street and around for a short tour. It was wonderful. After a quick warmup and hugs goodbye by the bonfire, each of the boys chose an ice candle from the assortment flickering, and we headed home. A great small town experience with family and friends.

Thank a Vet

Thank You Grampa Butchy.

Thank you Uncle Mike.

Thank you Anthony, Correy, and Breanna!

I only watched a small portion of the memorial service at Fort Hood today, but it was enough to remind me of the sacrifices that many give for me to live the life I do. Those listed above have all served at different times, in different conflicts, but we all owe them thanks and honor.

Tractors like Candy

Blogger won't put my pictures where I want them today. Sorry!

Last Thursday found us paying a visit to Nate's Aunts and Cousin's farm. Kohen's first stop was the sweet corn field, where he promptly husked an ear and bit into it. (He had been talking about eating raw sweet corn for the last three weeks!) Then some time on the pedal tractors and a quick gator ride from Elaine's over to the farm to check out the tractor "shed" - I use that term very loosely! We spent twenty minutes visiting with all the tractors, plows, and the combine. My boys would have probably been content for at least another 20 minutes, with no keys turned or movement. Just eyeing up the huge machines and climbing ladders to sit in buddy seats. Kohen is still trying to figure out the mechanics of the combine, something his mom was unable to enlighten him with (the corn stalks go in here, the corn comes out up here and the waste comes out back here.) I'm sure Rod will be able to give him a much more detailed explanation to satisfy his engineering senses. It was cute to see Isaiah enjoying the equipment as much as Kohen always has. Plus, we had to take some pictures of Isaiah to add to those of Kohen with all the green and yellow machinery on their bedroom walls.

Happy Birthdays!

Happy Birthday Braeden! Braeden turns three today.

Happy Birthday to our Daisy girl who turns one today! Kohen asked for a party, complete with a cake. We'll see what I can do about that. Daisy is turning into a wonderful donkey. Since she was weaned and we sold her mom Lucy, she has really come around and is very friendly and great with the kids and sheep. She still has her obsession with Scar, one of the shetland ewes. She will follow Scar around and chooses to graze right next to her most of the time. It's bizarre, but she is very gentle and never hurts her.
We've been trying to figure out how we were going to choose and get down to one donkey. We love Hee-haw, but having an intact jack donkey around isn't the best idea. We don't want Daisy bred when she is too young, and Hee-haw has a tendency to be unpredictable. Two days ago the boys and I were feeding some excess lettuce to the critters and Hee-haw decided to grab Isaiah's hand along with the lettuce, and hold on to the little fingers on his hand with his teeth. Not a good situation. Isaiah is fine, but I was not happy.

Well, things work out and I received a call last night from someone who had seen a photo and ad we had posted on the board at our local feed mill a year ago. She is very interested in him, and coming to see him tonight. We talked it over with Kohen, and he was not happy. Nate and Kohen finally reached an agreement- after the whole livestock are not pets explanation- that if she does buy Hee-haw, Kohen will get half the money, enough to buy a new bike "with a brake."

In other news, the boys and I painted the chicken coop yesterday. A nice deep barn red. Now to add some new white trim, and one more project is crossed off my summer list. More paint is needed before I can get the duck shed painted. I've also added updating the mudroom to my to-do list. New paint, cabinets, and maybe some curtains. Not sure what possessed me to add more to my list, but a girl's got to have goals.

We finally had a nice day weather-wise yesterday. But it got down to 40 degrees again last night. Temperatures that certainly do not help my garden grow. I processed and froze a batch of beets that Auntie'Laine sent up from Kasson. Thank goodness for relatives with gardens that actually produce. On the kitchen list for today is turning 1 1/2 gallons of pincherry's into jelly. Pincherry jelly is one of our favorites.

County Fair

The St. Louis County Fair. We went this year. With additional children in tow. We had a great time, and everyone was happy, stuffed, and tired. Gramma Jan even made the trek with us.

Kohen, Lily, and Kelly loved the stunt dog show. So much so that they plotted on the way home how they were going to train Shep so he could be in the show and they could do the tricks with him. Shep must have heard their plot. Picture this: pulling into the yard, three kids piling out of the car, letting the smart dog out of the mudroom. Suddenly he is surrounded by three children aged 4-6, armed with a leash and training treats. He didn't stick around to discover what behavior was necessary to earn the treats, but crawled to his safe place, well under the deck, where no skinny arms could reach him. Enter plan B: Catch the dog. Ropes, leash, coaxing voices, ring frisbee being used like a trap, to no avail. It did keep them out of our hair for fifteen minutes before we had to head out to bring the girls home. Shep the wonder dog. Smartest dog on the farm.

Activites enjoyed at the fair included petting a variety of animals, cheese curds, chocolate milk, corn dogs, cotton candy, rides, free balloons, and the Stunt dog show. We even met up with our friend Steph, and spent some ride time with Alex and Addison. All in all a busy, fun afternoon.