Two Wheeler (Retro Post)

I can't believe I forgot to post this!  Paige can now ride her bike.  I wish I could take credit for this amazing accomplishment in our family, but I can't.  Actually, I am quite proud that she (Paige) gets all the credit.  One night about a month ago we were playing outside and I said, "Hey do you want to get your bike out and practice riding?"  I even said it a little sarcastic because I was sure the answer would be, "No way mom!  I'm never riding a bike!"  That's the usual answer we get around here when it comes to bikes.  I had basically given up for the summer and decided to try again next year.  Anywho, her response was quite different.  "No Mom, I don't need your help I can do it myself."  Then she jumped on her bike and away she went!  I was totally shocked.  I believe I even teared up a bit and then I started jumping up and down and cheering.  Trevor came running from the back yard and we just stood there in amazement at our daughter.

I'm glad I thought to run in and get the camera.  It is a little hard to see because it is so dark.

Now Paige is an expert.  She loves to ride her bike and the feeling of freedom it gives her.  She is getting much faster the more her confidence grows.

peaches anyone?

The past few days I have been canning peaches and some other stuff.  It has been a very rewarding chore.  I say chore only because it is a lot of work, but I really enjoy canning.

We got our peaches from some friends in the neighborhood.  All of the kids were very good pickers.  On the way home the other night we loaded up the peaches in our wagon.  There was just enough room for Emery to squeeze in the back.  I was worried she would pull the peaches out of the bucket and drop them over the side.  Ought Oh is her new favorite game.  I was pleasantly surprised when I looked back and she was holding one peach nice and steady in her hands.

 About half a block later I looked back and...

Here she is helping me today with tomato soup.

My house has been totally neglected because I'm too busy putting things in jars, and Emery is busy taking everything out of the cupboards and the garbage can!  (That is a rotten tomato that she got out of the garbage can, which was conveniently located in her reach.  I decided to let her make a bigger mess while I got out the camera.  She was proud of her smashterpiece on the floor!)  Honestly though, I have amazing children who have been very very helpful.  They love to pick the garden and see our home grown food all lined up in bottles!

Happy Birthday Dear Emery and Garrett

Emery had her first birthday on Sunday and Garrett turned four yesterday.  We didn't do too much on Sunday because I was making a farm cake for Garrett's Birthday.  So last night she had her first glass of milk and cake.  Here are a few pictures...

"Hum...how did I get cake down there?"

In the sink for a little clean up after her cake.

I can't believe my Garrett is four!  He keeps me laughing and smiling all the time.  The night before his birthday when I kissed him good night I told him,
M- "This is the last time I'll kiss you when you're three."
G-  "Then you better give me three big kisses."
This morning when he woke up he said,
G- "I need my first four year old kiss!"

He had two of his friends over for a play date and then he went to Boondocks with dad.  This is his first year getting to go to Boondocks with dad.  This has become a tradition in our house and he has really been looking forward to going.  All day he has asked me when daddy will be home.  Sadly, we didn't get too many pictures this year but here are a few...

We had a busy day.  It was also the first day of school!

Happy Birthday Kiddos!