Sam and I had the privilege of accompanying Abbey and the 1st grade class at Petra Academy as they went to the local dairy farm. it was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time. Here are a few photos.

They started out listening to the farmer's wife Mrs. Klompien as she told about how the dairy farm worked.





Then they went to go see the animals. Sam latched on to one of the little girl's hands as they walked.













They all got to see a calf which had just been born but had not stood up for the first time. We have a video of it trying the first time but then settling back into the straw.





I think their favorite part was a toss up between bottle feeding the calves and getting ice cream at the end.

Practicing with Borrowed Chimes

I was able to rent these chimes from Hope Lutheran Church for my music class. I brought them home to practice with them over the weekend. (It's great to have a large family at times like these) :-) After an introductory lesson we worked together for about ten minutes on this song to get to this stage. (BTW Abbey has never read music before!)

Family Pictures at the Pasture

Losing Joker . . .

Late Saturday night or early Sunday morning we lost our companion and faithful friend Joker. I printed a picture of each of the ids with Joker and they each wrote him a note and then buried it with him. Here they are holding their notes.

Nathaniel reading his note before dropping it in the hole . . .

Ellie reading her tear filled goodbye . . .

After Daddy starting filling in the hole . . .

We will all miss you Joker . . .

Ellie's Ride with Dad

Ellie was able to go with Daddy on a full day ride for her Birthday (even though it was a day early). She is rising Cisco.

More 2010 Portraits

2010 Portraits

We went to get Abbey's birthday pictures yesterday and just ended up doing all the kids. I was so excited when I had the option to buy the whole session and copyrights on a CD so if any of you would like a certain size let me know because I can print them myself! I thought they all came out so well. Here are a few of my favorites . . .

Abbey's 6th Birthday!

We celebrated Abbey's birthday all day long, but began with a morning party since Mommy had to work that day. She had requested Chocolate Chip Oatmeal and Cinnamon Rolls for her menu.

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

Ellie, Abbey and Sam
Abbey with her presents

Good Morning Ellie!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal!

Abbey and Daddy

Look how tall she is getting!

Nathaniel reading Abbey her card he made

Abbey reading her card from Ellie

Her new pack saddle and panyards loaded with her doll house camping dishes:-)

Roller Skating from the back . . .

. . . and from the front

Opening a package from Grandma and Grandpa McClaflin

She loves her new backpack

Sammy enjoying watching Abbey

Bike Riding

We have been going over to the next block to ride bikes on a much less busy street. Once Abbey had a little room she took off on two wheels like a pro! A little more practice staying on the side of the road and I might be brave enough to take a family bike ride . . .

Nathaniel

Ellie

Abbey
Sammy

The whole gang!

Sam riding his scooter

Ellie, Nathaniel and Abbey