"Peeks" of the weekend.

Sun was shining. Lots of outdoor time . Perfect weekend hanging out together.
Update: We finished the maple syrup - yum!!
Already we're dreaming of bigger and better ways of making syrup next year....

Sitting on HER log.

Rowdy games of kickball through the woods brought about HUGE smiles!

Sips of the sweet stuff as it neared completion.

First pony tails!

Mooooo!!!

We buy our milk in the old fashioned dairy bottles from a local dairy, Shetler's Family Dairy. Ben didn't have school yesterday morning so we decided to go on an adventure to see where our milk came from. Despite their crazy mom going the wrong direction for a bit, the kids had a ball meeting all of the cows (who had delightful names like Nelle, Sandy, Mildred....), seeing where they bottle the milk, and coming face-to-face with a calf that was born only two hours ago and was still learning to stand.

Ben was thinking on the way home.... "Mom isn't it cool that the cows make candy flavored milk?" We had a little discussion about that!


PS.... Amelia was in the barns too but I was carrying her, the cows were just a little too close not to be in mommy's arms when you are just the size of their head. Any picture I have of her is too blurry - bummer.

Construction Zone!

Our projects are nearing completion and we are SO excited to move home.

Let the count down begin!

Progress on the attic. Just needs paint, carpet and new windows. Ugh....

Multiple view of the kitchen.

Making life a little sweeter still....

How we love maple syrup at our house. The kids put it on their yogurt for snacks, have it on their "Pop's Pancakes" almost every morning and try to convince mom to add it to just about anything else they can think of!

Since we have turned our house into more of a construction zone than a home, we have been staying at my Mom and Dad's for the last month. Since mom and dad have lots of woods around their house we thought we would take advantage of the warm weather we've been having and try our hand at making our own maple syrup. We have been busy tapping the trees, checking them everyday and have finally been able to work on boiling the sap down to syrup. We have more to do!

Gathering the supplies.

Let the tapping begin!

The boys at the fire.

Memories of Winter

New careers and subsequent traditions of cheering every time we see one of Daddy's signs.

Ice fishing the Poppy, Parker, Trevor and Uncle CT.

Checking the holes for fish.

Running full speed down the hills to burn off energy.

Family photos.

Best friends.

First time down the hill.

First time on skis for our little girl. She's hanging out with her biggest fans!

Lots of time on our snow shoes.

Popcorn parties.

All our gear.

Hanging out in the trees.

So sweet.

Cooking time.

Construction, ahhh.... it's almost over!

Peaks of the sun through the trees.

Painting time.

Happy doggies.

Outdoor smiles from my beautiful girl.

First moments on cross country skis.

Sweet moments mommy couldn't pass up.

Happy moments together.

Sledding through the woods.

Candlelight dinners.