Tuesday, October 28

Blogging Binge...

I feel like a bulimic blogger. I starve myself of blogging for such a long time that I have to binge to hurry and catch up with all that we've been up to!

As I mentioned before, we took a last minute - fast as can be - trip to Iowa two weeks ago. There is a gravitational force that pulls Dennis to Iowa in the fall. It must have something to do with harvesting, football, and family! We spent some time on a family friend's farm... Dennis and the girls drove a couple tractors, rode in the corn combine, and then we all played in one of the corn wagons when it was full. That was the best! It was like a huge sandbox, but with billions of corn kernels instead of sand. I've been wanting to do that since we got married, so this year I finally got my chance.

Dennis and the girls in the John Deere 4455... headed off to take the wagons to be filled with harvested corn

Dennis and the girls in the combine, filling up one wagon - this is so cool to watch! I loved it!

I wanted to show what the field looks like after the combine picks the corn - all the stalks are shredded on the ground, and the ear of corn is left without the kernels. FYI: this is field corn that is used to make corn meal and a million other things - it is not the sweet corn you buy at the grocery store and eat off the cob.

If you look really close, you can see Dennis and the girls in there.

Andrew didn't realize he was missing out on some of the fun - this kid is so happy!


Three VERY happy people here...

Andrew thought the corn wagon was pretty cool, although he did try to eat it the whole time!

Our best attempt at getting all three looking at the same time

Love it...


Last weekend, there was a circus in town. I don't know what I was thinking, but I've never been to a circus before. I had in my head these amazing acts and huge animals (ie. lions and elephants). I forgot to factor in the fact that we don't live in a huge town so a huge circus wasn't realistic for our town. Oh well, the kids had a good time. It was all worth it in the end.

The kids and me all prepped for the big event

Sarah took a little pony ride outside the show. She named her pony "Bella," and talked about her for a couple of days afterwards


For Family Home Evening this week, we did what everyone seems to do this time of year. We carved our lonely little jack-o-lantern. Sarah was a pro and remembered what to do with all the "yucky guts," so she showed Emma the ropes. It was so much fun watching them clean out the pumpkin together. I wish I had video I could put on here to show just how great it was.

What's gonna work...? TEAMWORK!
Andrew: the innocent bystander taking notes for next year

Our finished product. I know, I know... we're really boring with the carving!

Boo!

10 comments:

Aleese and Scott said...

I love it! You have been up to a lot! Looks like you had a great time in Iowa. Andrew is getting so big! I love the pictures and I like traditional pumpkins I think it is cute!

Kimberly said...

I like the farming pics. I miss the smell of corn during harvest time in Indiana.

smithsmiles said...

The farm looked like so much fun! At least it was corn Andrew was eating & not dirt! Sarah is such a great big sister.

Eric and Jenny said...

It does seem like it's been awhile since you have posted. I love that picture of Andrew in his hat, what a big boy he is getting to be! That corn does look fun to play in, I can see why the kids loved it, I think it looks like great fun to play in!

O'Keefe Family said...

Oh my goodness, your family is so cute! Drew's picture in the corn wagon is darling! I'm glad you found our blog, too; and yes, I did make the Halloween costumes, I've become quite domestic since I saw you last; I even bake pies from scratch :) Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Ashley and Devan said...

You're back! I've been missing your posts ya know. All cute photos. I can see why Dennis loves Iowa so much. I just love farms. I bet your girls had the best time riding the tractors with their Dad.

Jennie's bunch said...

What fun memories you are making!! I can see now where Drew gets his huge smile from...check out his daddy playing on the farm equipment!!

I love boring pumpkins!! Thats all we know how to do around here!!:)

Jon and Melissa said...

I was thinking it had been a long time since you had posted-I just checked and turns out I missed this HUGE post! I was starting to worry about you, but looks like things are going great! Love the corn and tractor pictures and the family one of you guys with the pumpkin. I miss you!

geeno said...

what a fun trip to the iowa farm!! I've heard the harvesting is awesome - we missed it here in Missouri so I'm glad I get to see it on your blog - so cool! Sarah is a girl after my own heart on that pony - she's living my dream. You guys are such a cute family!

suds2004 said...

Benjamin would have been in Heaven with those tractors. He seriously Loves tractors, his favorite are John Deere tractors. Great pictures!