Cows & Cakes!

It's been a while since I've blogged so I will combine a few events. We've been quite busy the past couple of weeks. When Lacy's parents are away on business, we usually care for the livestock. The kids always look forward to 'chores' after Daddy gets off work. Ethan and Brianna takes turns driving the kubota (with parental supervision). Alana helps Daddy run the loader on the tractor and Justin sticks to mommy's side.

Ethan and Alana riding while Lacy dumps feed from mixer.

The kids have their shovels and help scoop the feed in at them smaller set of stantions.

Alana is admiring them from a distance. =)

Ethan is trying to hand-feed one.

Each day we have to scoop 8 buckets of shelled corn. The older three love to climb in the bin and play in it.

Alana topping off the already full buckets.

Ethan carries the full buckets to the door of the bin.

Brianna will end up with a boot full of corn.

When we get to the barn, the girls feed the bull some flakes of hay and carry on a conversation with the calves. It is so cute to see them holding hands and being such big helpers. This past week we had a calf that needed a daily shot. That involves getting in the pen and catching it, all the while watching out of the corner of your eye for mama cow. Ethan loves to get in on this action. The challenge is that with each day the calf feels a little bit better and gets a little bit faster. =) The kids are eager to help and we encourage it. I want to teach them to be good workers and to be a happy helper.

On a different note, Oct. 19 was Justin's first birthday. He had two parties. The first one was at my parents house. D. and A. and their little one came. My grandma (mom's mom) came with her husband, Thomas. They live in Indiana and only get to visit about once a year so it was nice for them to get to enjoy this event. The kids kept them entertained. My mom always gets the kids a cake with their favorite character on it.

Justin's cake featured Sesame Street friends.


Mommy and Birthday Boy


Justin enjoying the Caterpillar dump truck from Gammy & Papa

I hosted Lacy's family for a bash with cupcakes, homemade apple crisp, and homemade chocolate ice cream (compliments of Lacy's grandpa J.). We had a full house. For some reason no one wanted my 'out of the box' cupcakes. =) Everyone ate apple crisp and ice cream!

He's all smiles while eating his very own cupcake.

Which one do I wear first?

Brianna loves pictures!!

All in all we had a good time and appreciate everyone that joined us at both parties and the gifts they brought. Any time spent with family is a blessing! We love you all.