IPM

Since the International Plowing Match was practically in our backyard this year, we thought we should make a day of it and go. So we ventured out on Saturday (which was definitely the coldest day of the week). Parking was a ways away, so we began with a tractor/wagon ride (about 15 minutes long) which brought us to the tented city. That was one of the chillier parts of the day (somehow it was a lot warmer at home and so we were a bit underdressed for the weather).

Lots and lots to look at. We didn't see it all and we were probably there for about 6 hours. There was lots for the kids to do and look at and popcorn, apples, and candy along the way helped to make an enjoyable day . . . not to mention bags, stickers, tatoos, pencils, and activity books. We came home with lots of loot.

Taxidermy stuff.

In one of the kids tent they had a performance and of course the kids could go up and make music or sing. Kylie, being our girl who LOVES to sing, really wanted to go up. She did and stayed up pretty much the whole time we were in there . . .

Kevin raised his hand when asked to name an animal on old McDonald's farm. He chose horse and then he was "forced" to go up and make the "neigh" sound when it came to that part of the song . . . he found it all rather embarrassing and decided he was never going to raise his hand for something like this again . . . (none of the other kids had to go up when they named their animal)
But he kept a big smile on his face the whole time.

More face painting. (they had to hear the story of Noah - the story of sin, grace, and salvation - and then they got to have their faces painted.)

And the MAJOR highlight of the day . . . .

We first passed the booth at about 11:30am and the first available time slot was 3pm, so figuring we'd still be around then, we signed up. (Kevin wasn't so sure about it at first, but Kade was ready to jump right in, so we convinced Kevin that he would be jealous when the time came, if he didn't sign up . . . .and we were right. So he jumped aboard.)

They did a bit of training and explaining,but the kids got a 1/2 hour to learn and practice.

They LOVED it and they did well too.

Though Kade did edge Kevin out of the boundaries . . . or so Kevin tells it. I was just snapping the picture below when all of the sudden I see Kevin zoom out of the opening between the bales. He had a rather sheepish look on his face, but did a big circle and rode back in like nothing ever happened.

It was a fun day and I'm glad we went. Though it took me most of the night to get the chill out of my body . . . and hot water bottles for all the kids in bed that night:)

Summer Leftovers

We are settling nicely into routines over here. There is something nice about that. Although I'm sure I could manage the carefree days of summer year round;) Most activities have started up again and we're right back at (or about to be back at) Bible Studies, Sunday School, piano lessons, and meetings. It's good. I also been motivated to get things in order in my house - things that haven't been done for a while because there was just never enough time. Things like Spring Cleaning. This too is good and so far its been fun. As long as I stay motivated, it should be good - a little bit every week. I got all my windows and screens washed this week (twice in one year!!! I think that's a record!), so that felt really good. Then there is a cupboard here and a drawer there so far that I've been tackling. The big job will be my bedroom closet. It needs some serious decluttering. (So I can fill it back up again!) One of the joys of living in a small home is making use of every nook and cranny and using those nooks and crannies to their very fullest. When I think there is no better use of space, I always seem to come up with just one more idea. (Maybe I should just stop filling my house up, but then I'd have to give up my second hand shopping addiction:))
Anyhow, that is my late night ramble for now. And now here are some leftover summer pictures that never made it into posts:

Hunter at Anna's birthday party

Supper and fishing at Waterworks Park

Lake Lisgar day with the girls from church.

Summer and Kylie

Timothy

Kylie and Summer

Saige

Landon

A few pictures of festivities at the church picnic:

The winning team:)

Back to School and other "Fallish" Happenings

Kevin and Kade started school this week and were fairly excited about it (though of course permanent summer vacation still ranked a little higher) We're off to the bus stop just down the road by 7:30ish. Early to bed and early to rise has taken on a whole new meaning for this family of night hawks.

Their first week of school has gone well. They like it, though they were happy to have a day off today so that they didn't have to go to bed so early:) I don't hear too much about the academic aspect of school (except what I manage to drag out of them), but recess, lunchtime, and the bus rides sound like fun!

As for Kylie and I at home - we haven't been a bit bored yet - and don't expect to be anytime soon. We have lots to do and Kylie is adapting slowly but surely. She is learning to play on her own - but she sure makes a big mess while she does it! (So much for having a perfectly neat house now that I only have one child at home;0))

In other news and notes, I'm sure you've all been wondering if our cats/kittens survived our being away on vacation. You may remember that previous vacations have been very helpful in diminishing our animal population. It's how we got rid of our dog, and at least three cats - and we do get someone to feed them - they must just really miss us and start searching for us:) But our luck must have run out . . . b/c all three animals were still there to greet us when we drove in - Correction! There were three kittens plus the mama cat to greet us when we came home. We gained ANOTHER kitty. The kids have named it Robin Hood and figure now there is one kitten per kid.

Getting to be too much of a cat plantation for my liking, (but the kids love them soooo much;o()

These are Kylie's best playmates now that the boys are gone, and she holds them and plays with them just like they are dolls . . . it's pretty cute. But if anyone feels the dire need to have a kitten - or four, please let me know:)Last night our YP held a fundraiser fun night as a fundraiser for the Haiti Mission trip. Besides volleyball and soccer, there were smaller wagon rides through the woods . . .

. . . and a bigger hayride for everyone at once.
And of course yummy food and a campfire.

Then, today we took a little visit out to Family Flowers Fall Festival.

The kids enjoyed the petting zoo . . . .

. . . some from further away than others:)
. . . the maze (which was fun for all three, though of course the best at Kylie's height) Yah, I think she's pretty cute:)
. . . and face painting which was a definite highlight!

As much as I love summer, I've got to say that Fall is a close second. I'm still hoping for some summer weather back myself . . . fall and winter will be here soon enough. But Fall is really beautiful and I love the cooler nights, wonderful colours, and most everything else about Fall.

(and now I must go get my kids off the roof . . .where they get these ideas I really don't know!!)