..proof that Riley can be a girly-girl...

Riley, Paige and Hayleigh playing with Barbies (Jeff always says he's not going to post Riley playing with dolls...only wants the outdoorsy pics of her...she loves her barbies and has just recently taken another liking to baby alive...that goes in spurts.)

Riley feeding Baby Alive

Isn't she cute?!

Riley talking to her sweet little baby. I love it when Baby Alive...says, "I love you, Mommy!"

Visit from Jess and Danny...more work on the farm...

Jess and her daddy before we left for Quincy (I know the date is off on this pic) We had a great visit with The Shaver's this weekend...it always goes by way too quickly though.

Jeff and Danny working on the barn-extension

Thanks for all your help with the barn, Danny! It is well on it's way to being able to house more goats for this winter.

(...sure wish I had taken more pictures. But, I was busy trying to get some of the mowing done too...)

Allow me the priveledge to introduce......

our billy goats for the season. First off this is Willie. Willie is a Capricorn , likes rap music and is a secret Miley Cyrus fan. Hobbies include eating, pooping, and staring. With a large muscular neck, he will be the number 1 ladies man at Slater Creek Farm.

Our second bachelor is a sexy Sagittarius. He is a little more outgoing than number one but still likes to stare until you get close and then runs. He loves working on vintage muscle cars and believes that all work and no play makes him a dull boy. Ladies and Gentlemen....meet Waylon.

Waylon and Willie are kept in a seperate pen from the ladies. So they don't know that we have already picked Willie to do the honors this fall. Five months later, we should have approximately 8 new kids. If Willie is unable to fulfill his duties as Sire of this outfit, Waylon will step in and be crowned Billy Goat Extrordinaire.

I am here all week, try the cabrito.

First Day of School 2010-2011

Riley ready for her first day of 2nd Grade... Brandon ready for his first day of Freshman year...

Both of them and Champ outside... (I need to paint my door frame)

Walking out to wait for the bus...

The bus arrives...(B made me promise not to come out to the bus this year...you know how embarrassing moms can be...) :)

The latest.......

Although we talk about all the work that needs to be done, sometimes a snuggle with a good friend is required also.
We planted a plum tree three years ago and it finally bore fruit. Although they are small, they are so SWEET!

Riley also had her two best friends for a sleepover. H and P are twins and the shyest children I have ever seen. They were on my softball team this year as well.

More plums. They are so pretty. I had never tried a fresh plum before. Very good.

Some people think that Riley gets her wild side from me. They think that her goofiness and her outlandish behavior is all mine. Well......I think you get my point.

The work continues

Well, some play has to happen also. Champ just loves Riley. Actually, Champ loves anything that might scratch his belly.

The chickens are battling for the best boxes to lay their eggs. Here, last years Reds are taking up the number one and two hole while this years White waits. Why she doesn't go in one of the other four boxes, I don't know.

The two birds in the middle are Guineas. Very unusual looking but they devour ticks by the millions.

This is Chance. Or Chancers as we call him. He looked so pretty in the green grass.

We are using an old door for our gate to our new pasture. Today, we painted it barn-red. I think it is very striking.

This is Miracle. Some of you might remember us rescuing her in the deadly-cold of January. She now is doing great and will actually be bred in the fall to have her own babies.

This girl loves her animals. Madeline and Alice love her too. She is a big help on the farm.

I built this cart out of recycled wood and two old wheelchair wheels. It works great and it will be used for hauling sticks and firewood this fall.

We also added another room to the goats Summer residence. It was a little tight for all five of them. Alice likes it already.

Riley in the feed-trough I made out of an old barrel. She does play with dolls also, but I don't blog about those.

Brandons Birthday Party......finally

Well, B finally had his birthday party and invited three friends for the weekend. Not one night but the weekend! The boys and Riley enjoying our sweet corn. What an awesome crop this year.

These are his best friends. Two are from Carthage and one is from Southeastern. Their was an unusual odor most of the weekend. Scientists are trying to determine the source.
Deb handled the weekend with her usual happy self.

Me? Not so much. I want my TV back.

Slater Creek Happenings

Well, I am not sure what this is but it was hilarious. Good job at holding steady Danny!
I found a magic peanut butter sandwich with a hard boiled egg on top. It's good luck.

How cute is this......

and this? My family is wonderful and so loving.

Well, we are in the goat business for sure now. Brandon, Riley and I went and bought a used livestock rack to haul goats. It makes me very happy.

Brandon cooling off and making special moments with his little sister. He always finds time for Riley when she needs big brother time. Proud of you B!

If you have ever heard of the television show ICarly, than you have heard of spaghetti tacos. Deb surprised Riley Monday night with them.

They were pretty good. Very messy, but good. Everybody should try them........... Beth....Kelly....are you listening? Your kids will think you are the coolest moms ever. Riley was so surprised.