A photo dump to remember our blessings

 So summers long gone n falls fading fast.
Before we rush into the holidaze I wanted to make sure I documented our many blessings.
As we become busier I often neglect blogging, but this is our family journal and we all love looking back at our life events.

We are THANKFUL for these memories.

As is our tradition we begin the celebrations on the last day of school with a summer fun goodie bag and trip to Baughers for ice cream. We were so proud of our kids who had gotten perfect report cards n test results as they closed out the 2012 school year! They'd had my favoritest teachers, Mrs. Luckenbaugh for Kindergarten and Burrows for 3rd grade!



This year we also drove down to buy another new pool on the last day of school as the one we'd bought last year became torn when we tried to cram it in the shed with the bobcat carefully rolled n stored it. This one was a bit bigger too and we could all play together in it!

We knew we'd soon need it for some fantastic (Jack's new word as he can write it himself (and did in a note to teachers describing his summer experiences) family gatherings.

Father's Day 2013

On Father's day we went to deadly, decadent delicious Dutch's Daughter restaurant for brunch. They must buy up all the lump crabmeat that the Chesapeake Bay produces! Their crab soup could be eaten with a fork! It's always nice for my little heathens farm kids to practice up on their best manners too and DD inspires us all.

We went from there to Hanover PA to gather with The Farmer's family for a huge 60th party for his Aunt Mary. It was so nice to catch up with that side of the family! We all took turns holding the newest bitsy baby in the family, Kelsey's darling "Brooke"(and gave her a farm n pony themed gift bag).

The next day we drove across the Bay Bridge to visit our cousins from Seattle and tube!

There may or may not be some serious hero worshiping now!

After that, we cleaned our farm house for the city folk. Remember my posts on various critters in the house? This time there was a TOAD sunning himself in the middle of my living room (ON my vacuum hose)!? And no, a little boy did not bring him inside. I'm guessing he likes our open door policy! (Guess it was slightly less bizarre than the groundhog under Sarah's bed!)

Again we enjoyed too much food much water play with cousins and porch time with Aunts n Uncles.
This was also when we began discussing my baby brother's big news!
***A move to VIENNA and a BABY!!!***
Later we had another goodbye get together.

We also FINALLY got to making hay after a very wet start.

Can't believe that I caught the shot of the bale kicking up into the wagon at sunset!

Then, the poor Farmer's newest tractor had a major sickness right in the middle of the road as he drove equipment between farms. TWICE!
Thank God for the kindness of strangers who helped and/or allowed a tractor to sit in their yard.

This summer was the season of little hay and LOTS of equipment breakdowns.
NOT a blessing for the balance sheets.

In June the kids were excited to attend VBS and see their preschool teacher (and friends).

We still really miss our preschool days but feel blessed to have the best possible school for us where the amazing Principal is also a horse lover and show judge!

Mrs Townsend judging at Lehigh n giving Sarah blues!

 We enjoyed the library's DIG into Reading program (my little boy is now a big reader)!
His favorite books so far have been Farmer Boy, Sounder, My Side of the Mountain, The Boxcar Children and Paddle To the Sea. He likes to read himself the vintage cowboy book "Johny Littlejohn."

Still, he'd rather do this kinda digging as he helped his Daddy fix a broken pipe in a stall.

(I am THANKFUL for a husband who can fix all that breaks in our lives!)

Speaking of my little boy. He's clearly growing up and is now SEVEN!!!

We had our friends the Mosko family over to share the celebrations.

Jack's still climbing, but looking more n more like a young man.

And already having beautiful young lady friends over!

The goat eating watermelon is still the center of attention tho!

The kids have had some fun getaways with both Grandmas.
Camping n fishing at Breezy Point with Nanny was a blast!

And YMCA camp at JoJo's where they loved learning tennis!

We've really enjoyed playing tennis as a family.

Jojo's taken them on many adventures, but rock wall climbing is a favorite!

 We had fun with our Carrollton Hounds friends too - walking hounds, trail riding, and naming puppies in honor of a long time friend, Joe, at a party.

Sarah got her ears pierced AGAIN.

(Last years holes closed before she could wear the treasured horsey ear-rings Mrs. Townsend gave her)

So as school and fall began we've been busy with more horse fun.

Sarah was Champion and Bella Reserve at Country Hill's show

Cleaned, clipped, braided and ready!

Opening Day with Carrollton Hounds

Pony playdate with Powells!

As I write this we're hoping to foxhunt on Thanksgiving morning, before hosting in the evening!

My Wedgwood china reflects our theme!

But most important now we're waiting for Ben and Casey's baby boy to arrive!!!
Clearly Uncle Ben's had great practice and will be a fun Dad!

Ben plays dress up much to kids delight!

I'll sign off as we say every night at Dinner ~
"Thank you God for our food, our farm, our friends and our family."

Blessings to you all this 
Thanksgiving!