Riley is growing up

Riley decided it was time for some hair to go. Deb wasn't so ready.

Yikes! It was only supposed to be about 10". Turned out about 15".

It will be going to Locks of Love. She said she wanted to help a little girl with cancer.

She was such a big girl. Brandon was embarrassed by mom's tears.

What a smile. Now I can maybe comb thru it a little easier.

Slater Creek Update

These are our friends, Brent and Emily. We stopped and had lunch with them on our way to Kansas City. I don't know where a slender gal like Emily puts all that food. Whew!

This is one of their daughters. Gracie is a year younger than Riley and they use to go to Sunday school together before they moved.

The Boz at a historic site. At $7.50 to get into the museum, I just stood by the sign. Jesse grew up outside of Kearney, MO.

Buddies! We hardly saw these girls all weekend. They were constanly busy with each other.

Mom/Grandma bought them matching outfits. As an aunt and a niece, is that right? Well, Jane and Aunt Betty dress alike.

Brandon knew entertainment was going to be hard to come by. He brought his Playstation and chilled out on Danny and Jessi's new couch.

This is the new dog house we built when we got back. I know it is huge, but we built it for 2 labs.

It is insulated in the walls and the ceiling. The floor is stuffed with straw. Tess and Champ really like it. They crawl in the door and lay down on Tucker's old bed.

The puppies are home

We made sure to give momma some attention before taking Tess and Champ from her. That was actually harder than I expected. I felt very sad for her.

Tess got her foot right in the water bowl. So stink'in cute!

Riley with Tess....

They both love Riley's outdoor desk.

Brandon with Champ...

Welcome home! They are so sweet and have been very good for the first couple days that we've had them. The dog house is finished...we just can't move it without the help of dad and his tractor. YES...we built it to last. For now they are sleeping in Tucker's old dog crate at night. and during the day they are free to run...although they haven't. They have miraculously stayed within 10 foot of this tree. We are all happy! ;-)

What in the world are they building now?

Work never stops around here. The chicken coop is done, so its not for them. The goat barn is also near completion, so why all the wood being hammered and cut.

What could get Brandon involved as well? It must be.............
PUPPIES!

On Monday we are picking up 2 yellow Lab puppies. The little lady with the blue collar is Tess and the big strong tuff guy with the red collar is Champ. As you can see, they won Deb over pretty quick.

Update from Slater Creek Farm

Well, as you can see, the chickens are doing their thing. Delicious brown eggs. Their yolks are dark gold. So much fun.

The garden is doing well. Big, red tomatoes. You can't beat them.

What....how did this get in here? I am kidding. This is a good friend of mine. Lynn went to grade school and high school with me. We ran into her when we went out for Debs 25th class reunion.

Deb looking fine for her class reunion. You don't look like you have been out of school 25 years babe.

The chicks are definitely chickens now. After getting rid of the three roosters, we have these 9 hens left. We also have one guinea which is one weird bird, but her main food is ticks so we like her.

Last but not least. A lot of hard work is being done, and some of it by Brandon. He pounded in about 25 fence posts for the goat pasture. It was tough work but he did it all by himself.

We went to Quincy last night for church and then met up with Joe and Cindy at Sprouts. The meal was good and the company was excellent. Thanks for listening guys.

Happy Birthday Deb!

I know it's not until tomorrow.

Last year, I forgot her birthday. This year, no chance.

Doing the John Bozarth napkin trick at a wedding. I love her.
Snuggling with Lou. I think she looks so beautiful.

Man, she does something to me. Blue eyes and blond hair with a twinkle of mischief behind those glasses.

Deb with Danny and Jessi's niece on their wedding day. Deb enjoys holding babies.

Farm girl loves her baby chicks.
Deb so enjoys the same things her Grandma Lora did.

Deb and Riley love to go out to the coop. She has taught Riley so much about absolutely everything. I love her teaching heart.

I appreciate that we work so well together. We both are happy to be right next to each other for the next project.

I love you so much Deb! Sorry, when I screw things up. Sorry, when I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!

Fishing fun

After Brandon and I went fishing and spent the night at Johns cabin a few weeks ago, he has really got into fishing. He goes every chance he can. He bought a rod and reel with a birthday gift card that Josh and Jenna gave him for Cabela's. Now it seems Riley has caught the fishing bug as well. She casted and reeled these bluegill in all by herself.

Brandon asked how I know so much about fishing. I told him when I was in my teens, I use to take my brothers fishing all the time. I use to get off work and by the time I got home, Joe and John were waiting, just hoping I would take them.

Later on we even took Jay and Jimmy. I taught my brothers all I knew and they now are almost as good of fisherman that I am.

Just remember.....When you go outdoors, take a kid fishing.

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My kind of weekend

Everyone was here Saturday except Hailey. She was at a wedding with her mommy. When a gang is here, I WANT PICTURES!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for so many.
The guys doing the sexy look. It's kind of frightening.

Daddy's girls. I make em cute.

The whole gang in one chair. Ouch!

Just the kids.

I love this picture.

I think they could be sisters.

Have to have a goofy pic.

Everybody got their shades on.

The guys thanking Deb for an excellent lunch. Josh's request was baked breakfast and coffee cake. She also cut up some fresh pineapple and watermelon and it was delicious.

Deb and I love a table full of our family.

Cub fans.

Brandon is getting taller....

Crikies. Two wild farm kittens not even given these chickens a second look. But things on the Hancock County plain can turn deadly at the blink of an eye.

Snooze fest. Riley and Lou cuddlin.

We had so much fun this weekend. Josh and Danny and I went golfing in the morning. We had a wonderful lunch, followed by games and Rock band on the Wii. God has blessed us with great kids and can't wait to see them all together again. Thanks for letting me share our family with you!