Bring on the Summer Sun and Fun

     I feel like it has been a long time since I have posted on this little blog. It's not due to a lack of things going on in life or on the farm, on the contrary it may be due to an abundance of happenings in life. The kids and I are running full speed into summer and all the excitement and events that come with it. We know that these "days off" will fly by so fast and it is hard to believe that 2 weeks of summer vacation have already passed.  So lets see what what we have been doing so far.
     Our summer started with a graduation, from Kindergarten that is. David has officially mastered his first year of school and at our school that calls for a big celebration. This is a tradition that has been going on for years. I still have my kindergarten graduation hat and often at high school graduation receptions I will see kids placing these hats on display. David was so proud and it is so fun to see him growing into a wonderful little man.

      Great job David. We are so proud of you and all the hard work you put forward this year in school.

        To kick off summer we headed to our favorite beach and swimming hole close to our house, Camden State Park. I love state parks and this one is very special to our family because it is where I spent my summer swimming and playing while I was young, it is also where my husband and I had our first date and later he proposed to me here, and it is where my kids love to spend hot summer days.

         The kids spend endless hours digging in the sand, swimming in the cold spring few water, caching frogs, and just enjoying nature. With Camden being only 6 miles from our door step we like to go here as much as possible.

        There is also a wonderful playground next to the swimming pond and Camden. I had to capture some of the joy as they kids enjoyed the slides.

          While visiting a nearby larger city the kids and I took some time to visit the zoo there. We have been to this zoo a number of times but the kids always enjoy seeing the animals. These little squirrel monkeys were a favorite this time. I have to admit they were very cute, playful, and fun to watch.

              I love this one of all five looking at the big fuzzy grizzly bear. They are all getting so big. I know that we have a fun eventful summer ahead of us and it will fly by all to fast.

Frost Warning

There are a few things that strike fear into a farmers heart as much as the words frost warning when they have new seedlings poking their heads out of the ground. A killing frost can be devastating to our new crop wiping it out before the season even really gets underway.  This picture above was sent to me by my dear friend in eastern Montana. They have only been growing corn in her area for the last few years and a few nights ago the temps dipped down to 25 degrees. I feel for them and the anxiety and uncertenty they must be feeling seeing their hard work and livelihood in such a state.

    Here in Minnesota we have been having unseasonably cold weather also. Last night the alerts went out that a killing frost could hit our area. We all said a prayer that this might not happen. Hearing of the chance of frost my thoughts went to my "field" or garden and all the plants that have been growing in there for the last month. 

    I knew that the farmers are at mother natures mercy but there was something I could do to protect my garden. I had the kids help me stretch some extra tarp over as many plants as I could. I needed to protect the tender little leaves from having the frost settle on them. We then went inside, made hot chocolate and hoped for the best. By morning we could see that we had been spared the harsh effects of frost and we breathed a sigh of relief. 

        Once again we are reminded how much faith and surrender it takes to be a farmer. I had a fellow farm wife tell me that as farmers we don't need to go to the casino to gamble because we do that every year we put those seeds in the ground. Farming is a gamble but I guess you could say we are addicted to this life and keep coming back for more. 

Piggy Love

We recently brought the fair pigs home that the kids will show for 4-H this summer. They are so cute and fun. Luke my youngest just loves them. Here is a cute viedo of him and the pigs. 

    Click this link to see viedo. Enjoy. 

http://magis.to/JyEtUVdCRAN8fzkHDmEwCXt2?l=vsm&o=i&c=c

Birthday Party on the Farm

     My daughter Mary is a lover of the farm and farm life. So when we were deciding what she wanted to do with her friends for her birthday party she didn't hesitate in asking if they could all come to the farm and play. We sent out the invites letting the friends know to dress in cloths for fun on the farm.  I have to admit, some of the moms were a little unsure what a farm party would involve. We assured moms that there would not be any horse riding and that we would make sure the kids were safe. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun and I think it was a memorable party for them. 

    Part of the part was spent out in the barn where we let the kids meet a calf that was born earlier that day. We locked the cow out of the pen so there was no risk of the kids getting hurt. We had each one pose for a picture with the calf and as a memory for their time on the farm. Look at all  the big smiles.

 

    Rose had to get some time with the calf too. She is another farm lover in the making. She looks up to Mary a lot and I'm sure animals is a passion they will share.

       Another thrill of the party was taking a ride in the tractor with Mary's dad. He took them around the yard showing them how the loader raises and lowers and let them honk the horn. The kids also burned off energy running around our new shop and climbing on some round bales looking for baby kittens.

        For a take home gift from the party we had the kids decorate pots and then repotted some spring flowers into them. Mary's dad who used to be a classroom Ag teacher gave the kids a short horticulture class on how to repot plants. The kids were so proud of their flowers and were anxious to show their mom's when it was time to go home.

      To finish the party we had supper, cake, and presents out on the porch. Mary was glowing with the pride of sharing her beloved farm with her friends. She told me later that they talked about the party in school for the next few days. Being on the farm everyday can be routine for us and not seem that exciting but when you are able to see it though the fresh eyes of children. Happy Birthday Mary.