They ride.....

All of A's therapist have suggested that we look into equine therapy for her due to the numerous benefits it offers, especially improving trunk control in kiddos w/low muscle tone. In fact, her physical therapist even has a "fake" horse (think mechanical bull, but in a horse version) that mimics the natural movement of galloping. I was a little scared to put her on Bunny at first (don't worry....we walk right next to her while holding her at the waste), but they both seemed to love it. It's become a family affair, too. Miss M is in charge of leading, while daddy walks along side Bunny.

Just farmin'......

Yes, that is a chicken on M's shoulder.

J'man and his favorite chick. :)

Love these overalls. All of the kids have worn them.

Building a "home" for the chick.

Sweet Princess L' and A' sitting under the tree.

The weather has been AMAZING around here this summer.....sunny and very pleasant. I have thoroughly enjoyed not having to drive to town except for grocery runs, and we haven't really done a whole lot other than lay around under the big walnut tree. Here are a few pictures of the kids doing what they do best.....farmin'.

Bunny....

J' and M' brushing Bunny.

So, this is the adorable little mare that we just got on Thursday. She is SO sweet and the kids can't get enough of her (which would explain why Maddy is wearing her pj's in the pictures, hair not brushed, etc. she wakes up and goes directly out to the barn.) They have been brushing her, walking her around, riding her, and doting over her like crazy, and Miss Bunny seems to thoroughly enjoy all of the attention. Our other horse, Stuart isn't as impressed. Can you say "JEALOUS"? He spent the greater part of Thursday tormenting her, but now he seems to be getting more used to her sharing his space. Poor old man......just grumpy some times.

Since she has had a little weight issue in the past (haven't we all :), her previous owners suggested that she not be on any, or very limited pasture grass....just hay. We weren't really set up for her dietary regime, but my hard-working husband(who has been farming until the wee hours lately....14-15 hour days....no rain+dried up crops=irrigation time) put up some fence posts for her in the dark last night, and now Bunny is happy and content in her new pen. Thank you to my amazing husband for getting the kids Bunny and all of your hard work last night. I'm sure hubs would of rather been sleeping. :)

Farewell friend......

One last hug from Mom Vk

:*(....sniff, sniff. Love you and miss you, Bri.

I guess this means that she is ready to go???

Goodbyes at Mom and Dad Vk's.

Bri and Heidi

Um...awkward. Neither Uncle J', nor Bri are big "huggers," so this was so funny to watch.

My favorite 19 year old niece from Idaho.

Bri and Miss M

J'man and Bri .

D' giving Bri a goodbye kiss.

Bri squishin' up to Princess L'.

Bri w/A'....her bestest friend.

Today was a very sad day around here (and in Idaho, too), but so exciting at the same time. My niece, who just recently wed the man of her dreams left to move to Hawaii for the next three years. Dan, her adorable husband left yesterday. I had a hard time saying goodbye.

For those of you who do not know my niece grew up about eight hours away from us. We always felt close, but we missed seeing her grow up, other than the occasional visit here and there.

Last year, when she asked if she could move in with us to go to college we jumped at the chance to get to know her better.

During the past year, she has been an absolute joy to have around. She made us laugh, helped out A LOT, forged tight bonds with her cousins....especially A'(who has a special place in her heart), and shown what a lovely young woman she has become .

We feel very blessed to have been able to get to know her better. We will miss you so much, Bananarama. We LOVE you! We wish you all the best, dear girl!

My girls....

Pool fun w/cousins....

Darlin' D' thought sunbathing sounded more relaxing.

J-man catchin' air.
Mathew.

Miss A' has her own pool.

Kyle

Friday, my sister decided to come up and visit w/two of her three boys. We had a great time having "sister time," and the kids had a great time in the pool. Thank you Amanda, Kyle, and Mathew for spending the afternoon with us....very fun afternoon!

Self portrait by Dan....

This is what happens when you leave your camera unattended at my house. I like to call it "Dan, by Dan." :)

Pool fun.....

The boys taking a quick break from swimming.

It has been HOT around here lately, and it seems like the only way to logically escape from the heat is 1.)to head somewhere with air conditioning....not appealing w/5 kids!, or 2.)find water. We chose the latter....

She's quite a budding artist......

Miss A' is quite fond of playing w/different textures. She loves the way it feels to squish everything between her hands. She loves to "draw" in shaving cream, pudding, applesauce, etc. Above, you will see that she was quite fond of green fingerpaint. Apparently, she figured it had to be a "full body experience" and applied some to her face. I'm thankful for non-toxic products with this girl! :)

Princess L' is 3 months old!

Nappin' in the sunshine.

Ah...life is good!

Daddy's little princess.


Princess L' on her 3 month birthday. Isn't that tummy impressive? She is so delightfully squishy. :)

Hard to believe, but our precious little princess is now 3 months old. L' is now able to hold her head up really well and holds it upright very nicely when on her tummy, but much prefers to lay on her back. She coos, giggles, and makes all kinds of funny little noises. She loves to be held, cuddled and snuggled. She loves to listen to mommy sing songs and watch everyone make silly faces at her. She raises her eyebrows in the funniest way when she is "conversing" with us. She and Miss A' love to gaze at each other and smile. She is a huge fan of her bath time, and sleeps quite well for a 3 month old. She normally goes to bed around 9-10:00pm., and normally gets up around 5-6:00 am. for a quick snack and then back to sleep she goes until 8:00-9:00 am. What a fun little girl she has been so far....very blessed!