There were three kitties that showed up during our week. One of them got himself under the tire of a moving vehicle. The other two were much sought after entertainment.

Rachel helps the kids catch and hold the kitty.

Caleb is very careful (and respectful) with the kitties.

On another "live entertainment" note: while Kenneth was weedwacking he came upon a young bird near the hen house. Josh was the only child outside, and he and Scott dug worms to feed it. It was close to time to leave and Heidi's kids were getting ready for bed. We all went out to get a quick look. Josh had the bird on a picnic table, and while we watched it flapped itself off the table. Sam dog, quick as a wink, scooped that little thing up into his mouth. Heidi and I immediately said, well, that's the way it goes... the circle of life... Scott, on the other hand, hounded the dog until he let it go and returned the bird to Josh. Scott then went back to work leaving me with these children trying to find a safe place for the bird where Sam couldn't get it. I was tired, the kids were tired. I was ready to go home, and Josh wanted to take the bird with us. I explained my predicament to Dennis, and he, as a voice of reason for the boys, suggested they take the bird over to the bushes and leave him. He said it just right. Caleb took Sam to the other side of the house so he couldn't see where the bird was being placed. Josh dropped off the bird and the worms he caught and all was well again in the world. I haven't heard another peep about it since.

Look at this boy. He rams right through the puddles. I wish I had taken a picture of my two boys at the end of this day. They were absolutely filthy! Caleb had splatters of mud all the way up to his hair. Instead of taking the boys home late and then bathing them (I actually didn't want them in the car or the house the way they were) I conned Daddy into taking a 20 minute break from "farming" to come in and see to the "cleaning" of these boys. It helped to lower my stress levels for the evening.

These kids have done so much running around! Here they take a much needed break to watch "Tangled".

This afternoon I kept the kids home after school instead of taking them to the farm. It was a mid-vacation wind-down. I gave them a list of things to do, including washing the car. Of course, Joshua's attention span was short - he's in the distance on the JD toy.

This morning I attended the Elementary School Memorial Day Flag Ceremony. I didn't bring my camera, but I picked up a copy of the words to the song that all the children sang together while gathered around the flag pole.

America, I hear you singing,
America, your old sweet song;
Our dreams and hopes; it seems are borne.
America, in your song.

When I sing out your joyous anthem,
Yes, every time of you I sing,
I join your song, America,
I join in your freedom song.

Now, this song may not be spectacular in itself, but when hundreds of little voices are gathered outside at the top of a picturesque hill overlooking our precious village...

The boys started singing it in the car on the way home from school the other day. It makes me happy that the school made this a priority, to teach the children about remembering our American soldiers and learn this song to share. Thank you, SE!

Another awesome story time put together by our Miss Cathy. Thank you so much! The kids loved singing, reading, making chalk pictures on the library sidewalk and, of course, snacks!


Lyd, Grant, Ben and Grace

Lyddie with our friend Evie on the old library steps.

With all the fun on the farm even those who don't run need a bath sometimes. Oh, we are enjoying getting dirty!

Happy is the child who is free on a farm.


Arianna models the work of Sam the Dog on the Kubota seat. Mom went in the morning dark to drive down to the barn and couldn't find the seat! From the shreds of seat, fuel vent hose and wire on the ground around where the Kubota sat we estimate that Sam was working very hard to reach a raccoon or chipmunk in the dump bed. Oh, that dog!

Rachel and Heidi really did have a lovely walk to the barn. (sorry girls for my lack of photoshop skill in narrowing down this shot to the happy Caleb)

Working on the mower - a family affair. All the Larchar boys are home to put up some hay. The weather has not been cooperative, but they are determined.

Happy are the days spent on a farm!

TWO little bookworms. Gotta Love it!

Seeing Double

It doesn't help that Jason is borrowing Scott's clothes for the day, but look at these two! All of us were doing double takes.

With Kenneth and Jason's families in town we had a lovely Sunday gathering at Diane's house. Lovely picnic, good kickball and running round, and of course, trampoline time.



Josh lost his first tooth last week. It was loose for only a week. He monkeyed with it as much as he could to get it out of their quick.

Nothing beats a few from the farm house. It's an amazing spot.

Lydia sometimes likes to stage a photo op.

Our backyard Lilac and honeysuckle blossoms along the back line.


Isaac got into the music at the library this week. He was even dancing when I handed him a shaker. Amy with McKenna, Brandi with Colton. Lydia in front, Garrett, Arianna and Emma.