June-July

Once again we are far behind with the posting. June for us, like many others, was a very busy month. We started out getting ready for conventions...then got sick. It kept us home and busy with the kiddos for two weeks. And we missed all but the weekend of our convention. We also finally got a bit of rain so Daddy planted sunflowers and millet. So...after 'our' convention the kids and mommy went up to Montana for convention. Auntie K was there along with Papa and Momma Bear and Uncle R. Was a very good trip and thankful for the company (some of Daddy's relatives) on the way home. We got home, unpacked, washed clothes and began work on the garden...then made a quick trip to York to be with friends there who lost their son.

Then home again to get caught up on the garden. 

There has been LOTS of wind this year it seems...and most of it from the south, not common around here, but it has done some damage. We woke up one morning to this large branch in our yard.

 Here are my little helpers moving the heaviest part of the branch. Big Guy has loved this trike-wagon set up and hauls stuff all around the yard for me! Little Lady pushes from behind whenever the going gets tough :)

 There have been many water/mud days due to weather that seems to want to stay in the 90's and occasionally makes a visit to the 100's.

 Daddy has had to fight a couple of fires this year. Both started by lightning and no rain. This one pictured was around 7 miles from our house. It burned a pasture that had soap weed in it and the flames were enormous! This picture (not a good one) was taken right out front of our house...the night before we left for York.

 This is what has occupied Most of our time since coming home. The garden no longer looks like this as the garlic was ready to be harvested, the beets and carrots were ready too. Green Beans have been picked once and need it again this week. Peas have been picked 3 times and are about finished for the summer. Spring started early this year and so did the garden. Most of it should be done by our harvest time!

 The kiddos helped pick beets (in the wheelbarrow behind them) and garlic.

 Kids holding up the garlic after it had been braided and ready for hanging to dry.

 AND Little Lady's birthday...she is now 3 years old. A tractor cake at Grandpa and Grandma's after Sunday meeting.

 Cousins having fun with a sleeping bag! :)

 Little Lady got a swimming pool for her birthday...they have all enjoyed splashing around.