Farming in all Forms

Fall and Winter "Sporting"

dodgeball-dead deer (named Miley)-basketball- catching snowflakes-learning to fetch-

brother wrestling

Scenes from L.E. Phillips Scout Ranch

Mid-July Joe went on his first adventure as a Boy Scout.  His troop loaded up and headed out to north of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  There were many hours of packing, repacking and shopping for just the right gear.  Justin gave him a superb pep-talk about homesickness and he was on his way.  We had a very quiet week without sibling rivalry rearing it's ugly head.  

Joe loved camp. He adored fishing with Jorge, catching a snapping turtle off the dock and lots of little fish. He SAYS he read every night-and he did finish two books! He learned about working with leather-Justin got a new wallet & I have a key chain. He had one tick on him and thanks to his Mom's Pinterest tick-kit he got it right off!  He shot a rifle.  This is a great source of pride for him.  There were a few homesick moments, but blonde-blue-eyed Jocelyn the nurse seemed to cure him!  

Fuzzy but fun.  These are Joe's bunkmates...Sam, Ben & Jorge.  Great kids.

SNAKE!

Bass Lake

Summertime

Big swim day, with older kids mentoring younger ended the Whitecaps season's practices. I am not sure what we will do come Monday morning with no swimming to run to!

Joe practicing his start for the backstroke.  He swam with a few other 11 year olds in the 15+ age group relays and medaled!  He also improved his time by a few seconds in the breakstroke-his favorite.

Ben has worked hard this season on his starts & strokes.  It is crazy to hear him talk "swimming" and he asks me to watch his "streamlining."  His coach has done a fabulous job motivating this stubborn little man.  We watched him swim from the hill above the pool in Cherokee and it is amazing to see his starts now...he really understands how to moooove!

Nick.  What a great friend.  Joe is so lucky that he enjoys swimming and they can spend their summer mornings together.

Summer Whitecaps Swim Team!  

The day after I took this picture, the kids had an amazing day, WINNING the AHEELA conference meet!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Yes!

Nick!

Mrs. Flink

Mrs. Holt

Stacey

more fun...

i have no explaination

iron men.  bvu triathlon

egg dye

easter fun

nature center near sioux city

great bird watching

he is going to love that i posted this....egg hunt

the now annual pinata beat-down

lotsa love for a fabulous cousin

Faces of Owen

Sweetness

groundbreaking for the new habitat for humanity house in SL-former student's family
Justin has joined the board this year & it is his first house to help build

another day older-another tooth gone

these two would not quit posing for the camera-grant is a fun friend

the old 300 looks new yet again

damn the may snow

10 days of school left-this feels like ages ago

back to smacking the ball-oooh it felt good to watch this!

joe's ink artwork on display at the middle school-purple ribbon recognition

50 yard dash

discus throw-60th annual little tornado relays

alta tourney-5th grade team

playing 1st base