tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56017883930459597232024-03-18T21:10:44.735-07:00Fargo FarmsFargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-89202977024010447512012-03-25T19:58:00.000-07:002012-03-25T19:58:19.730-07:00Mid Year Curriculum ChangeAlong with our new classroom we are getting some new curriculum. There were so many things I loved about the Bob Jones curriculum, but for the same reason I switched Wyatt off the math I had to make a change with my Reading program for my younger set as well. The BJU curriculum is just to labor intensive and I find it a bit confusing with characters that represent rules and so forth. It is probably wonderful for a classroom but homeschool is so much more intimate. It was just not the right fit. It was not working for our family.<br /><br />Our first box came yesterday with another scheduled to follow next week. Everyone is switching over to "All About Reading" and I could not be more excited! I can't wait till Monday!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlkj30bh1oF6Q0zfPl80iOKVXvuyRkNPSQlnmOKuQuOJokJHs29Cq86vVGFt4rZVhKLKoafgtms8PIyq7mXuthQgr_6bwcZYPshDpaHgwzA0CHagSPIS4aD7XKiQn0-UyWgEwiN7suxw/s1600/late+winter+491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlkj30bh1oF6Q0zfPl80iOKVXvuyRkNPSQlnmOKuQuOJokJHs29Cq86vVGFt4rZVhKLKoafgtms8PIyq7mXuthQgr_6bwcZYPshDpaHgwzA0CHagSPIS4aD7XKiQn0-UyWgEwiN7suxw/s320/late+winter+491.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724034266414710130" /></a>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-90095234740262536162012-03-10T18:21:00.001-08:002012-03-25T18:49:04.641-07:00Our Latest Sensory BoxesSpring Has Sprung and Ocean Fun are our two latest sensory boxes. I have changed my set up a bit and I am finding these to be much more user friendly.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-yHTgc5cnjSqgWdlSHRUD1a2wtaT9zAbqVTSpd3Hwox2XCLsv3IcA6HU3yehWrVrpqXCdTR6gnetP8ttQFcaeT9wWrMBXPhAhwNr29BTXvc5BfJCFaYteqYKfwqOoGqhODUip-_pUUE/s1600/late+winter+377.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724010992205368370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-yHTgc5cnjSqgWdlSHRUD1a2wtaT9zAbqVTSpd3Hwox2XCLsv3IcA6HU3yehWrVrpqXCdTR6gnetP8ttQFcaeT9wWrMBXPhAhwNr29BTXvc5BfJCFaYteqYKfwqOoGqhODUip-_pUUE/s320/late+winter+377.JPG" /></a><br />As you can see we have lots of scoops and funnels and pots to plant things in. There are magnifying glasses and bugs galore. The dirt in this box and the sand in the other are made from a mix of wheat flour and baby oil. You just dump in a bag of flour and work in oil till it is the desired consistency. It feels a little like wet sand. I adore it because it holds shape for building castles and cleans up so easy. It also smells wonderful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoKZX-8dRMWpXLe5H7n0m-PerH5FnmKC6JM1syRkemJgwC7SrhxoTuJCBi23x3a1VD2ZFaih7z32mVd9ZF2321Mwl9Wc3etIR_yjKxoIIR4ARxmO5ddA50RCbcpQ4oiicygNi99YYuKI/s1600/late+winter+372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724010956704111682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoKZX-8dRMWpXLe5H7n0m-PerH5FnmKC6JM1syRkemJgwC7SrhxoTuJCBi23x3a1VD2ZFaih7z32mVd9ZF2321Mwl9Wc3etIR_yjKxoIIR4ARxmO5ddA50RCbcpQ4oiicygNi99YYuKI/s320/late+winter+372.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our Ocean Fun box is half "sand" in the form of flour/oil and half aquarium rock. I got a piece of coral from the aquarium section of Walmart and some sea creatures and buckets from a discount bin at the craft store. I also got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Safari-695104-Ltd-Ocean-Toob/dp/B000BNC9EQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1332726280&sr=8-4">tube</a> for added fun.<br /><br /><br />I used to use a shoe box sized tub in an attempt to keep them on the table top but it was not working for us. Little hands got frustrated in such small spaces and the tubs ended up spilling. Also with so many kids in the house they all inevitably want to play and there is just not enough room for that in a small box. I upgraded to three large thin tubs from Walmart. They are just what we needed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5W3T7bNPkxZcybBvEqECzXLyn4bOeSA0ARPOf4zXa1Z034zc4vRbTWxBDFVQ5pEiwDiv55KzR0K_dil6co4KbZ62rIjT-2zsvSATby_IlQqs-O_UBQPL_TUagpaO6GYcDaab_Bi36Rg/s1600/late+winter+376.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724010985157340530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5W3T7bNPkxZcybBvEqECzXLyn4bOeSA0ARPOf4zXa1Z034zc4vRbTWxBDFVQ5pEiwDiv55KzR0K_dil6co4KbZ62rIjT-2zsvSATby_IlQqs-O_UBQPL_TUagpaO6GYcDaab_Bi36Rg/s320/late+winter+376.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5UM5oGJzyvcEsUFmfRq8EJN0KAscMqx3UfkXP_ws1CUMQbvIG1j9I4uYh0N71WOcZFJVrGr31en1FPyzx8kAJ_VzHL-lErr-_eGpiCwg0wH0A5Vrkzh8PXNo2BJU8iA1KB8FaJSqSr0/s1600/late+winter+371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724010972304214354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5UM5oGJzyvcEsUFmfRq8EJN0KAscMqx3UfkXP_ws1CUMQbvIG1j9I4uYh0N71WOcZFJVrGr31en1FPyzx8kAJ_VzHL-lErr-_eGpiCwg0wH0A5Vrkzh8PXNo2BJU8iA1KB8FaJSqSr0/s320/late+winter+371.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I found these adorable monkey rugs at Target in the dollar section. I bought four and put them around the tub. The rule is you pick a spot and stick to it. everything in the tub stays in the tub. Period. Spills are ok and inevitable. The box is about exploring and fun, but no throwing or dumping allowed. Also no taking the toys elsewhere to vanish into the abyss.</p>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-89535911569186494212012-03-05T11:53:00.000-08:002012-03-25T14:40:32.686-07:00The Science Behind Our LaundryI have been making my own cleaning products for some time now. I got tired of the chemical smell and headache after cleaning. I hated the idea of putting all those chemicals into my environment. So I made the switch. Now with the wonderful world of Pinterest I have found even more recipes for homemade products. I also tried my hand at making my own detergent.<br /><br />My eldest son goes to a private school and is required to participate in the science fair every year. He decided this would be a good chance to put our new detergent to the test.<br /><br />His project consisted of taking 5 white rags and staining each with 6 stains. We chose grass, grape juice, oil, spaghetti sauce, make-up and soy sauce. We also tested Sharpie by default because we used it to mark the rags. The rags were left to sit for 24 hours and then washed in Tide, Arm and Hammer, Purex, My homemade recipe and for control we washed one in plain water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyu7AiOTTCiigsSCvTczccKwgMWJXE9kylIWpjEmmM8IQLa-LeS3N_MYQU6jn6o3JLxeg_0ntYnP4tv0fY0owoNcCKkBzKNUbK3JskiNKeCGaA_4Ojy6HLUMsqOfm7rNJ_HcRJpkfTOs/s1600/late+winter+424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723944565053105522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyu7AiOTTCiigsSCvTczccKwgMWJXE9kylIWpjEmmM8IQLa-LeS3N_MYQU6jn6o3JLxeg_0ntYnP4tv0fY0owoNcCKkBzKNUbK3JskiNKeCGaA_4Ojy6HLUMsqOfm7rNJ_HcRJpkfTOs/s320/late+winter+424.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHgHuUvxM5uxajt1XBagXvMDTif9fgWG9HczlUZbe9P2RTjjwSwl3tL7veV4CTSgR1sshhXaeWFFIvzTQP9P9dRXDR-I4iDyBy8HBD4uwBB4f-DtE711ExJ1hNKgs5wYOOT5YMdp-SJI/s1600/late+winter+435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723944585144608530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHgHuUvxM5uxajt1XBagXvMDTif9fgWG9HczlUZbe9P2RTjjwSwl3tL7veV4CTSgR1sshhXaeWFFIvzTQP9P9dRXDR-I4iDyBy8HBD4uwBB4f-DtE711ExJ1hNKgs5wYOOT5YMdp-SJI/s320/late+winter+435.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My son hypothesized that my homemade detergent would work the best because "mom rocks", bless his heart! We were surprised when all the rags were washed and dried. Not one detergent worked on every stain. I was actually very disappointed at how much material was left on all the rags. Tide was a clear winner because all of the other rags had a dingy quality. The Tide Rag was white as new. The biggest surprise was that Purex (which is very inexpensive) was a close second to Tide. It actually removed more of the stain but the rag was not as white as the Tide model. My homemade was third. The stain removal was adequate but the dingy quality was disappointing. Arm and Hammer even had Oxi power and was the clear loser in our experiment. <br /><br />As a result of our test I will not be making homemade detergent anymore. Not that I will need detergent in the near future. I bought 4 bottles for the experiment and I have three homemade bottles on the shelf. When I do need to restock I will be using Purex. With the money I invest in my clothes for such a large family (and the fact we love hand-me-downs)it is important to me to care for the clothes well. Purex just did a better job of cleaning then my homemade. Plus, it is just as economical as the homemade which made it a no brainer. "Wait," you might be thinking, "Tide won!"<br />The slight whitening Tide provided does not justify the huge price difference in my world. <br /><br />So there you have the sciece behind our laundry!FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-75907972056507702242012-02-25T22:17:00.001-08:002012-03-25T23:24:51.071-07:00Our New ClassroomOur new house has a big room off the kitchen that was perfect for a classroom. It has huge built in bookcases that go from floor to ceiling. It is bright and sunny thanks to a sliding door that leads to our backyard.<br /><br />I planned and planned this room so it would function as a inspiring learning environment. What we ended up with surpassed my expectations. We all love this room. In fact we could probably do away with the rest of the house. It is so amazing when your classroom is your favorite room!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhnpG3uNgsmOhndmsODajYP1iLutrMIa-75ZRe8IB-mK8VJ5bumO1HF8zEN9z0ACl9CcfoubW2w6nIhZOKW6MPyrS7o_sbpt4WOvW2DfcGS3e17cVuIH-EZsRhuvghAv0-BotidVYIPQ/s1600/new+classroom+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071005052950306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhnpG3uNgsmOhndmsODajYP1iLutrMIa-75ZRe8IB-mK8VJ5bumO1HF8zEN9z0ACl9CcfoubW2w6nIhZOKW6MPyrS7o_sbpt4WOvW2DfcGS3e17cVuIH-EZsRhuvghAv0-BotidVYIPQ/s320/new+classroom+001.JPG" /></a>This wall is made up of the largest and smallest "<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70116276/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">EXPEDIT</span></a>" units from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ikea</span>. They are perfect size for storing all of our learning tools and keeping then visible so we remember to use them! I did not have a red and black theme in mind when i started it just developed over time and I love the way it turned out. It is so inviting and vibrant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4bygU9_NgPzMgL26ESFi187OE5A78F6W3fdHcPFsQ-4DDWX3yEvs6k3H5_0xmmCoao9wWyGVFwLyULIByp0G0WwpDPQF_OlIwQRiSo9gSroz65EdXBHI3dSqjjvzAaKCq4kHjpCJ0Pg/s1600/new+classroom+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071019780210594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4bygU9_NgPzMgL26ESFi187OE5A78F6W3fdHcPFsQ-4DDWX3yEvs6k3H5_0xmmCoao9wWyGVFwLyULIByp0G0WwpDPQF_OlIwQRiSo9gSroz65EdXBHI3dSqjjvzAaKCq4kHjpCJ0Pg/s320/new+classroom+004.JPG" /></a>All of our manipulative's are labeled and in hands reach so the kids are putting them to good use and remind me to use them as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1bFk9gpawZZCuzWkv2_V5UZsI1avRYcxoaAcuEqNP6FYLZ5A8eP4UHbgNzZFw7V6zj1l2Pl6x11d4XCTHeK3QVujQ9ls2K9_WGqOOhFbJPjXuI5mlCEVwpRH9SivefMFdHaAu0XKiS0/s1600/new+classroom+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071012754626130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1bFk9gpawZZCuzWkv2_V5UZsI1avRYcxoaAcuEqNP6FYLZ5A8eP4UHbgNzZFw7V6zj1l2Pl6x11d4XCTHeK3QVujQ9ls2K9_WGqOOhFbJPjXuI5mlCEVwpRH9SivefMFdHaAu0XKiS0/s320/new+classroom+003.JPG" /></a><br /> I got these inexpensive file holders at Office Depot. They are the perfect size to hold all of our centers and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lapbooks</span> and our "<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__PNkZ0hVKgg/TDNotMB1ZmI/AAAAAAAADkc/LsO7UGqytGs/s1600-h/LOTWlogo%5B3%5D.jpg">Letter Of the Week</a>" that we love, from <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/">Confessions Of A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Homeschooler</span></a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LsmOJ1Z3jjoQBosGueljPVvtQqX3koKSPQlZaSDLYt4KHdiaPLSvKZy_QqJXLXv_hk_TcbGttiIN8RkS_zt_XtFXSd_Q799vdzTPcevTWkQCk-YJslrWhmzG-4qjZ9nlj26ZzQs1Sbc/s1600/new+classroom+019.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mkpbIUE5weJUeO-USQSmNxobjw0z1yWsVshyphenhyphenPVTnSdnZ5B8DRkvk5IR9QostOHJAx1VuIwK_pPvJ01FDxsR1u-CUC2PVY8n6znHKcmiMvK4aGhfkrTFTHYlo8cqkvjuFZVV5PzfVXts/s1600/new+classroom+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724078458870669106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mkpbIUE5weJUeO-USQSmNxobjw0z1yWsVshyphenhyphenPVTnSdnZ5B8DRkvk5IR9QostOHJAx1VuIwK_pPvJ01FDxsR1u-CUC2PVY8n6znHKcmiMvK4aGhfkrTFTHYlo8cqkvjuFZVV5PzfVXts/s320/new+classroom+009.JPG" /></a><br />Our <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60117016/#/20117018">table</a> is really two tables put together. They are small table tops from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ikea</span> with red metal legs attached. The chairs I got from our school district. If you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> the property control staff at your school district should be on speed dial. I have gotten chairs, tables, desks, rolling carts, projectors and more from them over the years for pennies on the dollar. It has been a huge budget saver. These chairs were an ugly blue. I paid $2. each and spray painted them red to match my decor. For $15.00 I got 5 beautiful chairs!</div><div> </div><div>You can just make out our easel and reading corner in the back there. We have big red throw pillows we use for reading time and the easel gets a ton of action every day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5av8LXTJVaN9NLuWPZqvlCA8srVUiMaDgICzxM7pCea-IoVDRIHQe_Bf6g0bI2K3YeY6NN-VTO5rGmLDc4GeFimmRc8paMe_eigk6yXjQ4J32nRlKZyK-6s32Tnv3vJquHnzjG1f8Mg/s1600/new+classroom+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724081601596550114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5av8LXTJVaN9NLuWPZqvlCA8srVUiMaDgICzxM7pCea-IoVDRIHQe_Bf6g0bI2K3YeY6NN-VTO5rGmLDc4GeFimmRc8paMe_eigk6yXjQ4J32nRlKZyK-6s32Tnv3vJquHnzjG1f8Mg/s320/new+classroom+006.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is our calendar area and white board for our "All About Reading" and "All About Spelling" We also have our map displayed here for our Geography. We use a combination of "<a href="http://littlepassports.com/">Little Passports</a>", "<a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/world-geography">Expedition Earth</a>" and my own creations. I use the Little Passports only to introduce the country. It is not a school quality curriculum in my opinion and I was disappointed when it arrived on my doorstep. It has very cute items in it but the information is fluff. I immediately ordered Erica's Expedition Earth program and as usual have not been disappointed. We have made it stretch two years and we love it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCdWlZIr3gGvdvLCCN3ESrNdXrYBJMdl0o06-Odf6PGsbc7sBulD2RSv7chsztpeYycAPHlgAWok7ivp_3QIn2HCzsKWq2C9PqoWWKyLOZMscNHEstwTix9ZmAnCs4TKIk61VRJrzgp4/s1600/new+classroom+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071036459002850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCdWlZIr3gGvdvLCCN3ESrNdXrYBJMdl0o06-Odf6PGsbc7sBulD2RSv7chsztpeYycAPHlgAWok7ivp_3QIn2HCzsKWq2C9PqoWWKyLOZMscNHEstwTix9ZmAnCs4TKIk61VRJrzgp4/s320/new+classroom+007.JPG" /></a></div><br />Each side of our calendar area is bordered by those built <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">in's</span> so we use them as book cases and for our computer. Wyatt does research for his history and geography projects and his <a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/">Teaching Textbooks</a> math program on the computer. My little ones do learning games for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reinforcement</span> and typing practice. We all do the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> version of <a href="http://www.rosettastone.com/homeschool-spanish">Rosetta Stone</a> Spanish here as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_xhIbYTYPHyEvvLehgrGQ_793Pb6auiN4P6Fr2-ck__quPBLPzdzDBdgGVmRZWjmu7Bj2Qt52AGeBiepZtFokmcGJ5oK292KLdDHBnuvnE-tEsvTimX7o7dIiT7cRsDdJE9bbcPVsac/s1600/new+classroom+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071835374329618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_xhIbYTYPHyEvvLehgrGQ_793Pb6auiN4P6Fr2-ck__quPBLPzdzDBdgGVmRZWjmu7Bj2Qt52AGeBiepZtFokmcGJ5oK292KLdDHBnuvnE-tEsvTimX7o7dIiT7cRsDdJE9bbcPVsac/s320/new+classroom+016.JPG" /></a>I made this little clock for the wall out of a $3.00 clock from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Walmart</span>. I saw the idea somewhere on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pintrest</span> and fell in love. It is a great tool for learning to tell time.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqteHobohDzvnIY81igtRQqHRlGke8Vvt1wIsj7kz-1GUZ3slJiTKpOBXadJhT5CKYdYEI7XBPRRg7tgSgZMtFTYlafqw2m5Y_d1o37RePciBFlTEnT3gNjmcMVkQnHMUWdcZaf54Simo/s1600/new+classroom+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724071830896468530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqteHobohDzvnIY81igtRQqHRlGke8Vvt1wIsj7kz-1GUZ3slJiTKpOBXadJhT5CKYdYEI7XBPRRg7tgSgZMtFTYlafqw2m5Y_d1o37RePciBFlTEnT3gNjmcMVkQnHMUWdcZaf54Simo/s320/new+classroom+011.JPG" /></a><br />Our sight word wall was also a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinterest</span> score. We all <a href="http://mrsbremersk.blogspot.com/">high five our sight words</a> a few times a day. It just feels good!</div><div> </div><div>So there you have it. Our favorite room. I even study in here!<br /><br /></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-58361291810712337892012-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:002012-03-25T19:39:38.948-07:00San DiegoThe last few months have been filled with upheaval for us. Daddy went on the road and we do not get to see him everyday anymore. We moved to a new house. Revamped school and I decided to go back to school and finish my degree. We have been very busy and had a few bouts with some gnarly illnesses. So, when Daddy called and asked if we wanted to come to San Diego to visit him and our extended family, we jumped!<br /><br />My sister and her husband have a boat and we were fortunate enough to be invited to go out deep sea fishing for the day. What a fun adventure.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkU6RQhwFfhTufQ1WlkPL0iHmZb_Qq1q3XxWMMFfOZRWO7m99bxdbOUvVf5PSw67E1UQaruLCvSjUNUJFvZgkSZOysekPWcdyMX3DJOjXDq4nrgi63TE_Sl2S1mQLWOJRVlp5solxRJE/s1600/late+winter+030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723982205937655090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkU6RQhwFfhTufQ1WlkPL0iHmZb_Qq1q3XxWMMFfOZRWO7m99bxdbOUvVf5PSw67E1UQaruLCvSjUNUJFvZgkSZOysekPWcdyMX3DJOjXDq4nrgi63TE_Sl2S1mQLWOJRVlp5solxRJE/s320/late+winter+030.JPG" /></a></p><p> </p><p>The kids were so excited. They had never been out in the open ocean in a boat before.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycwjfA_LTlj-HEkrEWouf0w0XcR9nGVZsVxYjX0bLm-25FQu21Szru8_uzE_ieaO5YDd6xt9E3BmMRxUs-PuxPHbbg38nf8uZD12dPNAeybSkV7Rg6qgDXYHpivSZYSP_malhJUsyJ1Y/s1600/late+winter+052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723982871691500370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycwjfA_LTlj-HEkrEWouf0w0XcR9nGVZsVxYjX0bLm-25FQu21Szru8_uzE_ieaO5YDd6xt9E3BmMRxUs-PuxPHbbg38nf8uZD12dPNAeybSkV7Rg6qgDXYHpivSZYSP_malhJUsyJ1Y/s320/late+winter+052.JPG" /></a></p><p> </p><p>The baby was happier with Daddy in the cabin at first.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucI5oTg3T9aHfdF4tIbGbtwzQBQw_RaxVen0JVvlZpmNoxRFPsQ5Ap3PL_wL4LruVytonBwM87Sr6ohSxNsyGLjaLSLYt3dwIxmD8tT6Ao8q-fNPaWpFM-BJa72OEM4MCwjHnK_8kxCk/s1600/late+winter+047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723982865965162834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucI5oTg3T9aHfdF4tIbGbtwzQBQw_RaxVen0JVvlZpmNoxRFPsQ5Ap3PL_wL4LruVytonBwM87Sr6ohSxNsyGLjaLSLYt3dwIxmD8tT6Ao8q-fNPaWpFM-BJa72OEM4MCwjHnK_8kxCk/s320/late+winter+047.JPG" /></a><br />But after awhile she decide it was ok to lounge with me and soak up the California sun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5hEZCestNDBWsqO0c-mrsvyYZ5L-Ais2uKF6kenFX3iKX3b2Ozzxzu7wJkzps0vmmB_JGGrNRlg3MZuF6zff2VmiKEPx68kDMPwGLtYOYFyH8DUApEMrNYIFYXsMnLaCd0dXkMfD9xw/s1600/late+winter+119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723981509371373986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5hEZCestNDBWsqO0c-mrsvyYZ5L-Ais2uKF6kenFX3iKX3b2Ozzxzu7wJkzps0vmmB_JGGrNRlg3MZuF6zff2VmiKEPx68kDMPwGLtYOYFyH8DUApEMrNYIFYXsMnLaCd0dXkMfD9xw/s320/late+winter+119.JPG" /></a><br />The bait fish proved to be way more fun than the actual act of fishing.<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7oF50R3gMnjhJ9NpiJit5LeQh7hHK9xucnF37XN8XMiDXfPnq4ty379L_cP7lk5gw8bJp1SHpt4IUMdX4oeBTVJXuruyv3td2QRDw7vMheI9rxg4PtvoAyPBHrUA3NxdgLyV4h4KSBc/s1600/late+winter+069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723982215745129138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7oF50R3gMnjhJ9NpiJit5LeQh7hHK9xucnF37XN8XMiDXfPnq4ty379L_cP7lk5gw8bJp1SHpt4IUMdX4oeBTVJXuruyv3td2QRDw7vMheI9rxg4PtvoAyPBHrUA3NxdgLyV4h4KSBc/s320/late+winter+069.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnmBk-FBgNLwQZe_K9UwQsGEHsVF3_XHM6T7lzi6Wh2NzA_8gFj13x_dmWSS6sR0z7zF_AXpArbyfzRnMz4tpCPVSwaCoXveyiiuRZFv8wI7RVJgZlq8flUesJ-_SuH84t43Pgclkeek/s1600/late+winter+128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723981519651023874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnmBk-FBgNLwQZe_K9UwQsGEHsVF3_XHM6T7lzi6Wh2NzA_8gFj13x_dmWSS6sR0z7zF_AXpArbyfzRnMz4tpCPVSwaCoXveyiiuRZFv8wI7RVJgZlq8flUesJ-_SuH84t43Pgclkeek/s320/late+winter+128.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The kids decided to try to catch birds instead.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPcWyCLe1O8_TcYrcigz-Ua2Ejhl2sm6ADh2CdLdy5r9J961ClHCl1iTeICJxC8RnyQlwYga-I9VfkRBtHv8uwsCMcfU7ZIxX2B5uiNYRMzPMNyEhAHtear7Kx4_uVk5f_w3epiazuFE/s1600/late+winter+104.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723981503271476034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPcWyCLe1O8_TcYrcigz-Ua2Ejhl2sm6ADh2CdLdy5r9J961ClHCl1iTeICJxC8RnyQlwYga-I9VfkRBtHv8uwsCMcfU7ZIxX2B5uiNYRMzPMNyEhAHtear7Kx4_uVk5f_w3epiazuFE/s320/late+winter+104.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTo8dWErG2-ttDljqRbZCgPbTJ4M1ptX7jwvTmzbsmcYH7wg1t67CRviEKpzOkOZrbc5WCPr0uqUKCfOcLkH2oXgE-ENIIN03d5Boarcc-vZGT6FTqApCtGbFYTDxSZ-eDwj2k9p8J1w/s1600/late+winter+077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723980923536964306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTo8dWErG2-ttDljqRbZCgPbTJ4M1ptX7jwvTmzbsmcYH7wg1t67CRviEKpzOkOZrbc5WCPr0uqUKCfOcLkH2oXgE-ENIIN03d5Boarcc-vZGT6FTqApCtGbFYTDxSZ-eDwj2k9p8J1w/s320/late+winter+077.JPG" /></a><br />Anna decided she had no fear and was running all over the boat which caused me to be terrified and enjoy exactly zero relaxing in the sun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhzNOAanaayOJw6LQcHWPh8uj3gJhSjGMG_EibluW8cClXvQ8pP6P27n3FE5bO3TOrOwyiRLXU-1BiXPzNvo4qZIDB2g4dq4B5D7S1wg88RLOz_Qp6MfWZXzbG-T4utahuc_XUyTcHC0/s1600/late+winter+103.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723980918293884834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhzNOAanaayOJw6LQcHWPh8uj3gJhSjGMG_EibluW8cClXvQ8pP6P27n3FE5bO3TOrOwyiRLXU-1BiXPzNvo4qZIDB2g4dq4B5D7S1wg88RLOz_Qp6MfWZXzbG-T4utahuc_XUyTcHC0/s320/late+winter+103.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Wyatt decided to be king of the world and had an absolute blast seeing how far he could hang out of the boat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvODEBDjVWpP3nEDhxwF-Hp5GCCLFZV4KESHB_dal2KNeMS6bXMw3HPe2cszmV6_SXh9XLP4E1eEm1j0VxvTYIHzx4bBtFQDTxJnh1Be7GDFoJUG2WtUQuPEbQw0jik1Iu27ij5gEzOs/s1600/late+winter+057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723980903210542418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvODEBDjVWpP3nEDhxwF-Hp5GCCLFZV4KESHB_dal2KNeMS6bXMw3HPe2cszmV6_SXh9XLP4E1eEm1j0VxvTYIHzx4bBtFQDTxJnh1Be7GDFoJUG2WtUQuPEbQw0jik1Iu27ij5gEzOs/s320/late+winter+057.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuWiOPOnr1kWEtLUaLqcBFrQ5jorlh9x60Y6Qv3_QXHU0gzdnTUL1p5Zl8S_5SB6tcNWNTAh3TcDUGYepembmw7oQnp7U6-Zx6_5Piip1jqx9pYEZnsCccabndFB4OectmlQ26rr2M3I/s1600/late+winter+041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723980898147079650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuWiOPOnr1kWEtLUaLqcBFrQ5jorlh9x60Y6Qv3_QXHU0gzdnTUL1p5Zl8S_5SB6tcNWNTAh3TcDUGYepembmw7oQnp7U6-Zx6_5Piip1jqx9pYEZnsCccabndFB4OectmlQ26rr2M3I/s320/late+winter+041.JPG" /></a><br />It was an amazing day and we were so blessed to get to experience it! Thank you Captain Matt.FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-30436402751699988632012-01-20T20:00:00.000-08:002012-03-25T20:20:25.822-07:00The Beach<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_dA_02Ed9wC_WujMkLNDEC7CyWgis7v2rjL3czDT7OLk_GJxoThidiUvsOQtmWXKyvHqOtraMCWtdS7IXXVBZL_GuKz2jeVNW51ZilNcgep3ruVNgcmv8PV7FD49qP1WleTm3nsQS2M/s1600/late+winter+239.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036033206248562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_dA_02Ed9wC_WujMkLNDEC7CyWgis7v2rjL3czDT7OLk_GJxoThidiUvsOQtmWXKyvHqOtraMCWtdS7IXXVBZL_GuKz2jeVNW51ZilNcgep3ruVNgcmv8PV7FD49qP1WleTm3nsQS2M/s320/late+winter+239.JPG" /></a><br />What a wonderful thing it is as a parent to watch your children experience the beautiful earth we live on. To see them wonder at God's creation. To see pure joy on their faces and sand on their feet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQJhEhQstBH-8Vsnj4pgWP3wGfB89BYktwnwZ2BERyZgx3x7X8O1m4YxUeA1nMOZjye96q7MYPB0NVlMlpaE4hI1kA-ruvzB_nkcdAy7P4Jq2ivxJHQCqJuSyf7Z-L0rBaUl9BTT70nM/s1600/late+winter+155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036567998492002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQJhEhQstBH-8Vsnj4pgWP3wGfB89BYktwnwZ2BERyZgx3x7X8O1m4YxUeA1nMOZjye96q7MYPB0NVlMlpaE4hI1kA-ruvzB_nkcdAy7P4Jq2ivxJHQCqJuSyf7Z-L0rBaUl9BTT70nM/s320/late+winter+155.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7FPIUymUGTOnB93Ketp820slhp1kmQ-dIDTC_VpGerBvh2DkYX3Hs1-J4qrSWqF1mHD6Ts1MAbi2IYWUj2UIaVbpH9yOG9ihwsg9U96aeCslHw6k08MRaSVONyxjZm3FK3lUxgzB1AY/s1600/late+winter+166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036559121907762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7FPIUymUGTOnB93Ketp820slhp1kmQ-dIDTC_VpGerBvh2DkYX3Hs1-J4qrSWqF1mHD6Ts1MAbi2IYWUj2UIaVbpH9yOG9ihwsg9U96aeCslHw6k08MRaSVONyxjZm3FK3lUxgzB1AY/s320/late+winter+166.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrziA5wVvH5vYIgSzpoumq31c-7w-KzE34WiJjUSfuZvHWt7Zz4UbSOrCp-h2FMpznIGAX6QO9HciVBzt5f6eJN8iUvubATEl2RbhpE27f73qjNJVKsW1roIR3JRuIMZgiAl91JTFVsL8/s1600/late+winter+148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036554317124226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrziA5wVvH5vYIgSzpoumq31c-7w-KzE34WiJjUSfuZvHWt7Zz4UbSOrCp-h2FMpznIGAX6QO9HciVBzt5f6eJN8iUvubATEl2RbhpE27f73qjNJVKsW1roIR3JRuIMZgiAl91JTFVsL8/s320/late+winter+148.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mWWdezC_MCQB3ei2YwDAxTAKHTtoFPpvE1rEMl0JQFlS4WXEtfRW9C3IjFoKOfapjiaBkA_1DJ4l0JWR7chJW_f4wTR03aW0BkiswMzErm3E9ahoGKvkUgic42Nph6Md60TzLZAYVao/s1600/late+winter+154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036011631252482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mWWdezC_MCQB3ei2YwDAxTAKHTtoFPpvE1rEMl0JQFlS4WXEtfRW9C3IjFoKOfapjiaBkA_1DJ4l0JWR7chJW_f4wTR03aW0BkiswMzErm3E9ahoGKvkUgic42Nph6Md60TzLZAYVao/s320/late+winter+154.JPG" /></a>There is no toy or T.V. program or video game that will leave the lasting memories that time well spent will. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be home with my children. To teach them myself. To watch them grow every step of the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiB7TvUyCZys366i9L5qyJCxWVdpSvJRwdVBK3UakT0pLhnMahSaWAEzSL-8XRjr583Il_clS_cO7TyPJIa7qpiTG2d1bozhfFijdhFMBlbHDf5qBkC_z2NTE7H3RA3bqkPutivavaQE/s1600/late+winter+226.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724036024445754738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiB7TvUyCZys366i9L5qyJCxWVdpSvJRwdVBK3UakT0pLhnMahSaWAEzSL-8XRjr583Il_clS_cO7TyPJIa7qpiTG2d1bozhfFijdhFMBlbHDf5qBkC_z2NTE7H3RA3bqkPutivavaQE/s320/late+winter+226.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfL3QDzEN62x2Cq6aSn0VR3zelOgGrpkeVjuZANxo6ODz5fL2dAYCqttP1zRmKRDjUy0t6RWIL6OhmEi3FYaZ57xse4ELyPPPD9j488O_U5vAEu3SvT3p4rVAhXBHAYwbBtRksOsfp4s/s1600/late+winter+173.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvLdcKSBhL4MkUe9mGG400obpgiHbO7tznV_2A7WfFVmW1qq4vTfXQKk4903EEdojVvssHFMMyDjD2DivBWJOrFM-z2Zve8EkfUTFO7zTC6le4xYaoi6_EbMYwIU-24P6tYfQ7jrnBO0/s1600/late+winter+224.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatbf3IH3tdT9nNlbrQVzDFeD6yV92oyux6Cd3pdJATsAg64ZOhHRYE8d9Gd-UgR0_J2DodaUuOxFb8ezADlP9OVA5ZNDnFDmw5W7Ox3smAYhIRV5GLSOeeDzGZz3wkg0fayG4iNvvEBU/s1600/late+winter+141.JPG"></a></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-55504048344873040162011-12-27T12:57:00.000-08:002012-03-25T22:13:46.466-07:00Saying Goodbye To The Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHyX52Uwjx5a8HXTs2cwUdfNb6ZUyn_41CiQE3MEVKIHP2b1fHvE0iDEmBGKlBka3xnGnZuyiASPOS4hClHpAaxg2bCt31co0GDW6fLlz-sWPw7_tkmkVhNtJB4DT7h7bG35c0qZFUDY/s1600/goats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724069414071517730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHyX52Uwjx5a8HXTs2cwUdfNb6ZUyn_41CiQE3MEVKIHP2b1fHvE0iDEmBGKlBka3xnGnZuyiASPOS4hClHpAaxg2bCt31co0GDW6fLlz-sWPw7_tkmkVhNtJB4DT7h7bG35c0qZFUDY/s320/goats.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>This post is sad and hard to write. We have had to make a lot of hard decisions in the last few months and one of the biggest is letting go of the farm. The expense of running the farm, the way the animals deserve it to run, has become prohibitive. Hay is up to $18 a bale so that alone with our long winter season is beyond our means. There were a lot of personal things behind it as well. We gave our beloved goats to a friend so we will still get to visit and see our spring babies born. For now though the best interest of our family is to move to town and scale back. I will be doing my best to urban homestead and provide my children with the same values and lifestyle we have established.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-20311533395289778832011-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:002012-03-26T13:12:26.015-07:00Reno Children's Museum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkUQzHsuuCdTKOdttWctyaj4AZ5TZCalLcy0v5tQ5NDu90r7t7iGaw-nE9ot81JOj9F10hNXmFc8YnJpTlrfSYkNhU6iOOWYQO3M_o5-zT_PELMVEDIyEuJIgRhQeC2B-Yvy2SMXmZGw/s1600/planavisit_building.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724274690239945490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkUQzHsuuCdTKOdttWctyaj4AZ5TZCalLcy0v5tQ5NDu90r7t7iGaw-nE9ot81JOj9F10hNXmFc8YnJpTlrfSYkNhU6iOOWYQO3M_o5-zT_PELMVEDIyEuJIgRhQeC2B-Yvy2SMXmZGw/s320/planavisit_building.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgTYGOrN_Nie7gPv2Ht7_l3B0nJ7s8rWJNO5hzoqru6QS1i8u7yztl1vpILfj5dyCQ9zl0VIv5z3FJ7a_jpT7ZE3DBM7CcFW51RIZreGVemC61I8e5EYOMl5bcNBxwgsmIL4cnUJt6EE/s1600/The_Discovery.png"></a>My prayers have been answered Reno has a children's museum. Wait, it gets better, the family membership is $85. and for once in my life with a big family that covers all of the kids in your household! I was ecstatic!<br /><br /><br />The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Da Vinci</span> Corner has a clear canvas and arts and crafts area. Ava shut the place down and talked the assistants out of extra supplies to take home so she could keep crafting.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3sJfBMVj6vpeAWdWgVYv_z8hxY0eYPHZiNADDt5510GQvFF53MJI901N2oPc1wdYxQ5XeCLdzAyA1bq2lWXOpPyNv38rwTRUjIZdj5o3WkxkgxwXAJ7LbyFB6KGglyrXxubn9C0MxOM/s1600/fun+times+9-11+039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724271398361650994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3sJfBMVj6vpeAWdWgVYv_z8hxY0eYPHZiNADDt5510GQvFF53MJI901N2oPc1wdYxQ5XeCLdzAyA1bq2lWXOpPyNv38rwTRUjIZdj5o3WkxkgxwXAJ7LbyFB6KGglyrXxubn9C0MxOM/s320/fun+times+9-11+039.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANdDBdkHU6VLdNRe_-ermqB_nTXGVDunOHxkxYLU5gk0dG5ww4gMqvL91Xpr6wh_C-ZaNzXPT_arMS-Db2kYgtsSqMMi3Yzd0wwcO-WP_xsbLXFaPAbz62TtmQ6Tp3UNywYsszunmLaA/s1600/fun+times+9-11+037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724271379507376738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANdDBdkHU6VLdNRe_-ermqB_nTXGVDunOHxkxYLU5gk0dG5ww4gMqvL91Xpr6wh_C-ZaNzXPT_arMS-Db2kYgtsSqMMi3Yzd0wwcO-WP_xsbLXFaPAbz62TtmQ6Tp3UNywYsszunmLaA/s320/fun+times+9-11+037.JPG" /></a><br />The Under The Stars exhibit is like camping outdoors at night. There are tents, gear and wildlife to touch and explore.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd0yDIth57K_w06jbq62cH27pNA-hOA4uszETFyM8BZDZIkULFs81fF67L1bnkd8KFZC0Bq3nF9LOW1LvxU-fX7bLJ2iNKAyzaGibZMKntD0y-YRzZkHthe1ZeBiy7DYY3J3bygsVKho/s1600/fun+times+9-11+033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724295169873290402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd0yDIth57K_w06jbq62cH27pNA-hOA4uszETFyM8BZDZIkULFs81fF67L1bnkd8KFZC0Bq3nF9LOW1LvxU-fX7bLJ2iNKAyzaGibZMKntD0y-YRzZkHthe1ZeBiy7DYY3J3bygsVKho/s320/fun+times+9-11+033.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWM30iHJU2qAVdd2roYVfb8bNyw2J0NZ-VDDmZpVFk11_L1qDWokA8Yxk2FiN4rrwnEGTQxIbellS1_IgPCL2KHPajIOyIXDfFlWf3AS_tAk1116iCKQQ6KpYUO1n7zJJeCMghui9Lkk/s1600/fun+times+9-11+034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724271375956809634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWM30iHJU2qAVdd2roYVfb8bNyw2J0NZ-VDDmZpVFk11_L1qDWokA8Yxk2FiN4rrwnEGTQxIbellS1_IgPCL2KHPajIOyIXDfFlWf3AS_tAk1116iCKQQ6KpYUO1n7zJJeCMghui9Lkk/s320/fun+times+9-11+034.JPG" a="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_5RlaH9QaZPkjUh6TZyQshP8cisMI3Hz9fpVGKpAuRKerT3YkX3gDmk_Dt4M1zHBof6_8niPKf0IZmC6wkTGUsHBkPej385mJAmktlvWRA48hpDMC7er8K0qCfQ7vlK0BjfV76m8Xs/s1600/fun+times+9-11+025.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724271361249714786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX_5RlaH9QaZPkjUh6TZyQshP8cisMI3Hz9fpVGKpAuRKerT3YkX3gDmk_Dt4M1zHBof6_8niPKf0IZmC6wkTGUsHBkPej385mJAmktlvWRA48hpDMC7er8K0qCfQ7vlK0BjfV76m8Xs/s320/fun+times+9-11+025.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR9nMu0_GNlWdXYhxBMEcMLTTWPU6xDhT-FQ9OyuaSVZ32zMdkABGTy0bSVXhlPCHNN2FZh1X7yegBIDFsLrLQbY1plY6sWzPCzZxqDtNox4Tmc7BTxUAyvXid5xBFVUkWoeR_SzIhU8/s1600/fun+times+9-11+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724297098323560610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR9nMu0_GNlWdXYhxBMEcMLTTWPU6xDhT-FQ9OyuaSVZ32zMdkABGTy0bSVXhlPCHNN2FZh1X7yegBIDFsLrLQbY1plY6sWzPCzZxqDtNox4Tmc7BTxUAyvXid5xBFVUkWoeR_SzIhU8/s320/fun+times+9-11+020.JPG" /></a>You can go fishing and dance in a digital stream too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ19HVXv9wtuyn_FjHGzzq_Q-KijWtCam0ZqulN42oUfzLrUQGgWuIXpSCwcRNSrvrZdhGpYPcw1LAIIRmVS_XisbyyPcVKi2ADNwPhvgA0MQDNCmiu06KwguWFzPlR2ye47xwCo7nPw/s1600/fun+times+9-11+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724297817341714514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ19HVXv9wtuyn_FjHGzzq_Q-KijWtCam0ZqulN42oUfzLrUQGgWuIXpSCwcRNSrvrZdhGpYPcw1LAIIRmVS_XisbyyPcVKi2ADNwPhvgA0MQDNCmiu06KwguWFzPlR2ye47xwCo7nPw/s320/fun+times+9-11+016.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf1DHLVQ4sCCoGiJ2SFuKdkCNxzJwFWPgtkQvp5J_-oOP5thPyTk-ISAqJwAUfBSn6_Q3at4jaDBnkeCEW95wYGUTAaoC_nQge_jt8p4iNgTrFHqfSC9AyL3S-p403rEffe1WA1vFf6E/s1600/fun+times+9-11+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724297814769444786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf1DHLVQ4sCCoGiJ2SFuKdkCNxzJwFWPgtkQvp5J_-oOP5thPyTk-ISAqJwAUfBSn6_Q3at4jaDBnkeCEW95wYGUTAaoC_nQge_jt8p4iNgTrFHqfSC9AyL3S-p403rEffe1WA1vFf6E/s320/fun+times+9-11+014.JPG" /></a>Playing in the 80 foot long model of the Truckee River is a huge hit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTG2YVYXBmmbJ4nDyAKZlLdLoWiB_FSzp1ghPFvatBu90Br5_v6uOKA7qchURjhifIX2cuMzQovBRzNvo5qcjCCvSAJPQ3YV0ewaWu3_6rbo_3VgFv4G3fzyvCPJ4MCSot-hLvxD2PTI/s1600/cloudclimber.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724298843391313698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTG2YVYXBmmbJ4nDyAKZlLdLoWiB_FSzp1ghPFvatBu90Br5_v6uOKA7qchURjhifIX2cuMzQovBRzNvo5qcjCCvSAJPQ3YV0ewaWu3_6rbo_3VgFv4G3fzyvCPJ4MCSot-hLvxD2PTI/s320/cloudclimber.jpg" /></a>So was climbing in the clouds although it gave me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">claustrophobia</span>.<br /><br />The Nevada Stories exhibit was interesting too with a ton of information and hands on learning about mining, the railroad and local <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Indian</span> culture.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1_rx6P7a9X2tXFmXrcN4tQ5ZUoOuUuFA1JTmzPNlGjF2Bj_2T0gYrGCh8Yl9hUdjaEzxu91mq8LcptOCm24bIl-qdqhuHo-UVwwnUKR4VhCojVUIbz70GLQqQSGBwWtTtSnvm41aoLI/s1600/fun+times+9-11+012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724270484571385330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1_rx6P7a9X2tXFmXrcN4tQ5ZUoOuUuFA1JTmzPNlGjF2Bj_2T0gYrGCh8Yl9hUdjaEzxu91mq8LcptOCm24bIl-qdqhuHo-UVwwnUKR4VhCojVUIbz70GLQqQSGBwWtTtSnvm41aoLI/s320/fun+times+9-11+012.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMwfudkqGkFdalYf4_5WASUZkxXx7i8xML62cTjSMeHojTOkL0OM4Lcl3fhnJJREuLxRLaWAOmfV9A3oPSVwd6_O7oBPG34iB7YzwCbMK3N9qYlvP8bMDyH8iWZk5jccZfURuIopRiiE/s1600/fun+times+9-11+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724270474893456450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMwfudkqGkFdalYf4_5WASUZkxXx7i8xML62cTjSMeHojTOkL0OM4Lcl3fhnJJREuLxRLaWAOmfV9A3oPSVwd6_O7oBPG34iB7YzwCbMK3N9qYlvP8bMDyH8iWZk5jccZfURuIopRiiE/s320/fun+times+9-11+004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggkb65yvD4f93Z2G_6WudR2BbKvWO4op4AyIxFoscP2_VmTZpm6h4AZZygluXmeuxgbAqWHU4Ie390pUeTXj6ZE8P4aMN4H6T8g9KWP1-T6Xy7M-39W23N22XTvZqOjsSTpUE0hxP4nY/s1600/fun+times+9-11+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724270470590833746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggkb65yvD4f93Z2G_6WudR2BbKvWO4op4AyIxFoscP2_VmTZpm6h4AZZygluXmeuxgbAqWHU4Ie390pUeTXj6ZE8P4aMN4H6T8g9KWP1-T6Xy7M-39W23N22XTvZqOjsSTpUE0hxP4nY/s320/fun+times+9-11+002.JPG" /></a>There is a lot more to see so we will be going again and again with my membership. The kids had a ball and the environment was clean and relaxing.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-61568003511155287882011-12-15T23:40:00.000-08:002012-03-26T00:05:30.256-07:00Family Visit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rX4ghUcvnpzNx1aJ9iebPWIXLE-hhtIF4upsvdG2yNRMFPEY59_RS0ocLB8GMsniOFPhUJ1x_EejDDtYZ4RGN_k5PVXfs5Es6LvSDaEii40UDuAR_CHVohuBpTlA9lUMe_aDP8ztOok/s1600/stuff+065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724092685122604882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rX4ghUcvnpzNx1aJ9iebPWIXLE-hhtIF4upsvdG2yNRMFPEY59_RS0ocLB8GMsniOFPhUJ1x_EejDDtYZ4RGN_k5PVXfs5Es6LvSDaEii40UDuAR_CHVohuBpTlA9lUMe_aDP8ztOok/s320/stuff+065.JPG" /></a><br />Christmas felt a little empty this year with Rob on the road and so many changes on the horizon. When I heard that my grandparents were in Sacramento visiting my aunt Susan I tossed the kids in the car and went over the hill to impose on their visit. I am so glad I did. A dose of family is just what I needed. My Aunt Susan has been a wonderful support to me over the years and it always feels better when she is there.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaHYNexAvPNqGvH0tv8ONTxGLttAA_1lrhvs9AUkc4_I2S38CdlzKF8PlkHzU3qYyAr1gHMuQZh6rQc9WoUVaIRWqNA1cCPG281dtIzF2Kw3IUOEcvzV3HQvzv0WcjXLfeTHXUBlXhUM/s1600/stuff+039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724093283836353698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaHYNexAvPNqGvH0tv8ONTxGLttAA_1lrhvs9AUkc4_I2S38CdlzKF8PlkHzU3qYyAr1gHMuQZh6rQc9WoUVaIRWqNA1cCPG281dtIzF2Kw3IUOEcvzV3HQvzv0WcjXLfeTHXUBlXhUM/s320/stuff+039.JPG" /></a></p><p>The kids got a chance to reconnect with their cousin. There really is nothing like cousins. They are great. Best playmates ever. I was lucky growing up to have a huge extended family with a ton of cousins to play with all the time. They were my best friends. My kids live far from family so cousins are a special treat. It makes even more special to just gt to spend time together.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ai4mMwKwVgrh-66Cpl8DPLLesqxyHZ_m5lX28sHLq3Towf0ORuoR9ewOa8C_l957Lbcx9vZGywB3fQeY09rH_5kUssl0FUQcCWLsnTEv6NrBJNGLSCGTSWV9WEc4kBJefUpEtCc-9Do/s1600/stuff+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724092659188267714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ai4mMwKwVgrh-66Cpl8DPLLesqxyHZ_m5lX28sHLq3Towf0ORuoR9ewOa8C_l957Lbcx9vZGywB3fQeY09rH_5kUssl0FUQcCWLsnTEv6NrBJNGLSCGTSWV9WEc4kBJefUpEtCc-9Do/s320/stuff+014.JPG" /></a></p><p>The kids even had a chance to play trains with Papa which is always a special treat. It is hard living far from my loved ones and I miss them all so much. I am so blessed I got this little visit. It will hold me over till next summer and camping!</p>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-87812053476411486782011-12-05T16:57:00.000-08:002012-03-25T11:28:18.710-07:00Christmas Tree Hunt<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZyG42S_RIWN7KeVIW3Wefw7vKmFRqPy36UZ_ffEso5mMsh_fiWvMRF94F0-qZx3FsTWfj-UeUTgoYsek1f7pHKY7n8n4AKlpY4VypxBziEymW-ne_OP6KZcdTerxUqoMcB5eQ9gCcms/s1600/sale+020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723892644184434530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZyG42S_RIWN7KeVIW3Wefw7vKmFRqPy36UZ_ffEso5mMsh_fiWvMRF94F0-qZx3FsTWfj-UeUTgoYsek1f7pHKY7n8n4AKlpY4VypxBziEymW-ne_OP6KZcdTerxUqoMcB5eQ9gCcms/s320/sale+020.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Our good friends invited us to go with them to cut down Christmas tress. I am normally opposed to cutting our own because I am a tree snob. The last time we cut one down it became the garage tree and I went and bought the perfect tree on a lot anyway.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjuhCL0j0z4vFXwIKFPnCA4d9jsZSSeMZltPUv4qaoOQ75lCNPvVbIh14WpuNOZ8wmEmPcWTJhcwJbTCn05XyINiHmq9cRPkd43KWSYcpsLvrrxOQhEj_AJAr2CdHovCltg74XtASl4c/s1600/sale+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723892636614578466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjuhCL0j0z4vFXwIKFPnCA4d9jsZSSeMZltPUv4qaoOQ75lCNPvVbIh14WpuNOZ8wmEmPcWTJhcwJbTCn05XyINiHmq9cRPkd43KWSYcpsLvrrxOQhEj_AJAr2CdHovCltg74XtASl4c/s320/sale+010.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We love our friends though so the chance to spend time together hiking in the snow was to good to pass up.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUog1_nVJ0Kg8MuKSHzAbkAyZS_UtkiS3sBU34VwJ8kDTCoZxqUNK7uDSONZmJNvxg5JUJ4z0cptlh9gTQXEPHlUmV6G3lezVaD2f9PxcgCNsBHl2YAsTok942m1pBS_2G4Od108V9VLA/s1600/sale+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723892627472354786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUog1_nVJ0Kg8MuKSHzAbkAyZS_UtkiS3sBU34VwJ8kDTCoZxqUNK7uDSONZmJNvxg5JUJ4z0cptlh9gTQXEPHlUmV6G3lezVaD2f9PxcgCNsBHl2YAsTok942m1pBS_2G4Od108V9VLA/s320/sale+011.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />My beautiful daughter is a tree snob in training and said no to her fair share of picks this year. We finally found a absolutely beautiful tree in the worst location.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeHB9Ne1NwpfFtonfsaNu9xhHX5C4paegfNNeqz9CrCQX6PkfQS9IYh6-PdvobAf8bsEQ7ztUHp54NnteBPWYIWQTra_W7FRdCUt_BbWJyBhoFqEp9MTlgkgg1VtBGKNUJMNlsR0O4zk/s1600/sale+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723892652594287650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeHB9Ne1NwpfFtonfsaNu9xhHX5C4paegfNNeqz9CrCQX6PkfQS9IYh6-PdvobAf8bsEQ7ztUHp54NnteBPWYIWQTra_W7FRdCUt_BbWJyBhoFqEp9MTlgkgg1VtBGKNUJMNlsR0O4zk/s320/sale+024.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><div><br />Jake was left to climb into the cluster of trees and chop it down. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />As everyone was settling on their family tree our German Sheppards decided to get in a fight to the death. It was very random as they had been playing nice for hours up till that moment. Their female "Sara" growled at my male "Gator", and it was on. Thank goodness for David's cool head and mad dog skills. Gator had a death lock on Sara's neck and would not let go. Even after she submitted. He was set on killing her. David is a fit of super human strenght lifted both dogs over his head and body slammed Gator to the ground. After several more body slams and some serious domination Gator was David's new best friend. It was a tense moment to be sure and it will always be remembered around our Christmas tree. </div><div>*Note to self, up David's "street cred"*<br /><br />When we finally got the trees down, hauled out and back to the house we realized how huge it really was! We had to cut it in half! I have to admit though it was the best tree we ever had. If not for the tree itself, for the memory of the hunt.<br /><br />This is Mr. Dominant as soon as we walked in the door. his masculinity in question he opted for some cuddle time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA6lAcBDasNOm_dEgiVZ7ceyoQzqt8I0uO2GWsAEEfkcq5TWw70Xe1v5fdYGKfqsARkhYwb8mmr2Z-YCHWBxrxQzHVcLg_Z436uhhKw9HQLvUr9Tt6vguQZmq-VP43ncQDDo-y-aDS9c/s1600/sale+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723902020616339810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA6lAcBDasNOm_dEgiVZ7ceyoQzqt8I0uO2GWsAEEfkcq5TWw70Xe1v5fdYGKfqsARkhYwb8mmr2Z-YCHWBxrxQzHVcLg_Z436uhhKw9HQLvUr9Tt6vguQZmq-VP43ncQDDo-y-aDS9c/s320/sale+001.JPG" /></a></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-2418718248269087812011-11-01T11:28:00.000-07:002012-03-25T11:52:30.088-07:00How Much Wood?How much wood can a lumberjack chop if she has never chopped wood? A LOT!<br /><br />After a few years of buying cords of wood to heat our house in the winter, we decided to pull tags and cut our own. Neither Robert or I had ever felled a tree much less chopped and hauled cords before. So we packed up the kids, the dog, some lunch and headed to the mountains. <br /><br />I have to say it was a blast. I know I am a bit odd but I just loved it. It was so invigorating working out doors. The excitement and danger of felling trees was a huge contrast to the usual homestead work I am used to. It was thrilling.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZs-ppX7R2C7HUKofqfUEA-qMBCsDQJ0gCZCrAsQmGnDJNJw2yWo5OAV1N9QFELSfeBiKGZsOBtVIY5L0MCfOlQhAjlfmu6wM-csWEhs5W6v2eZ5bOgMMi7Gn2hIe7F-5IKQ65qK5lkCU/s1600/fall+2011+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723905195680674274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZs-ppX7R2C7HUKofqfUEA-qMBCsDQJ0gCZCrAsQmGnDJNJw2yWo5OAV1N9QFELSfeBiKGZsOBtVIY5L0MCfOlQhAjlfmu6wM-csWEhs5W6v2eZ5bOgMMi7Gn2hIe7F-5IKQ65qK5lkCU/s320/fall+2011+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H4I86Xt6qrOuL_uiQBHGBrlMkw2FjopfnYSHKOvjbSaKWHqIeoxje8k7lLEihZvwiUL2B3C3BkrZxg3yHQ9_VYSqsd5Sn6S8hizxwTacHXgfcRwwIgK0Fp6Gas-XMhaCCOKTeFNdjzM/s1600/fall+2011+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723905186982512802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H4I86Xt6qrOuL_uiQBHGBrlMkw2FjopfnYSHKOvjbSaKWHqIeoxje8k7lLEihZvwiUL2B3C3BkrZxg3yHQ9_VYSqsd5Sn6S8hizxwTacHXgfcRwwIgK0Fp6Gas-XMhaCCOKTeFNdjzM/s320/fall+2011+008.JPG" /></a><br />Poor Rob couldn't get the chainsaw away from me. In actuality, it was all we could do to get it all done. It is amazing how much muscle it takes to get that power saw through a tree.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpkEXLiXpegCBummBRIpmpAD2R3KNHrUYXKibyDBZAnmka-0yjHiSIjpWr-Cg9GZagHphyQ3nIQuEIglUwIEWcoiz19kFQ6ZmxHKoLDx1YnVClwbQvkOVoWc9md7rIX3M6ibylT-hbUQ/s1600/september+2011+095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723904803517572258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpkEXLiXpegCBummBRIpmpAD2R3KNHrUYXKibyDBZAnmka-0yjHiSIjpWr-Cg9GZagHphyQ3nIQuEIglUwIEWcoiz19kFQ6ZmxHKoLDx1YnVClwbQvkOVoWc9md7rIX3M6ibylT-hbUQ/s320/september+2011+095.JPG" /></a></p><p>The kids loved it to and ran and played tag in the trees all day. Dirt, sticks and woodland flora are very underrated as playthings and I think boxes of sticks, dirt and pine cones might just be under my Christmas tree!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTVR3AHYXrgW0bIze8rgoZnI61lAvJh7x4ODZfZQZGiUzrhnaZjhvrkXgqkuS4u_n98FVvPTmAhDHl2hfuqIccAkXAyMvI1viQN0HlmzxokHLCe1pMtYKh7uZ8ngH-QcxcNm4aDtKuWc/s1600/september+2011+114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723904787994082370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTVR3AHYXrgW0bIze8rgoZnI61lAvJh7x4ODZfZQZGiUzrhnaZjhvrkXgqkuS4u_n98FVvPTmAhDHl2hfuqIccAkXAyMvI1viQN0HlmzxokHLCe1pMtYKh7uZ8ngH-QcxcNm4aDtKuWc/s320/september+2011+114.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZQ9k3UmS0l980MXIJn-5mwAwGvFwc9VrFZhNyNLkLxwgZ96ch7cJGBiX6M71bWHmRQmI5FywTWsdlCn23qTfjf2VDxC56q6asFYvgEK15_zDGqI2nE83Bo-CUkS0cgeH8LSvqF3Wipk/s1600/september+2011+083.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723904782079699458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZQ9k3UmS0l980MXIJn-5mwAwGvFwc9VrFZhNyNLkLxwgZ96ch7cJGBiX6M71bWHmRQmI5FywTWsdlCn23qTfjf2VDxC56q6asFYvgEK15_zDGqI2nE83Bo-CUkS0cgeH8LSvqF3Wipk/s320/september+2011+083.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSZ87oa9B51XYdlHtVC9Lqx0oT09jqRexnrbPrXhU9ZP_RXxwGdkhGt1WCB0EUsYHDWgYIz5P0F55uc8ElIMeFB-J-qlFe9J7-I-SsOtGXc4uOT_jX-Jrpd6x8VmlxrQukYjzqA20D9Y/s1600/september+2011+082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723904767208782066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSZ87oa9B51XYdlHtVC9Lqx0oT09jqRexnrbPrXhU9ZP_RXxwGdkhGt1WCB0EUsYHDWgYIz5P0F55uc8ElIMeFB-J-qlFe9J7-I-SsOtGXc4uOT_jX-Jrpd6x8VmlxrQukYjzqA20D9Y/s320/september+2011+082.JPG" /></a><br />We hauled 6 foot logs home and I spent the next two weeks chopping and stacking 5 cords of wood. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijykSdA5SdtLzHzDV7u2FYhGbQAqxdeEh4etZbakYkyNEnGLjIYTlHc6iN7tWEp_qlZfA8bD6cGsbyucX6mOAbugcJHklh1f8akf6pxmSFMfBbrpS6LuZUMWBjx_j0ebksEbij3SV9mDc/s1600/stuff+082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723905555605103122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijykSdA5SdtLzHzDV7u2FYhGbQAqxdeEh4etZbakYkyNEnGLjIYTlHc6iN7tWEp_qlZfA8bD6cGsbyucX6mOAbugcJHklh1f8akf6pxmSFMfBbrpS6LuZUMWBjx_j0ebksEbij3SV9mDc/s320/stuff+082.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CoZ_304Di5eO3oQXz0hV9l0XpVI_s20zH-AqWajLnu9Cl_B6-t-1l_IFMDkCz8QbdsEwgs3q_CHyj_o_NDedbwodlfM-pF9k9IOF6QTbbmxy4AxBmb17iJk6jI1iYmQc1R0-MVYYwxc/s1600/sale+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723905549535691730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CoZ_304Di5eO3oQXz0hV9l0XpVI_s20zH-AqWajLnu9Cl_B6-t-1l_IFMDkCz8QbdsEwgs3q_CHyj_o_NDedbwodlfM-pF9k9IOF6QTbbmxy4AxBmb17iJk6jI1iYmQc1R0-MVYYwxc/s320/sale+010.JPG" /></a></p><p>The wood shed was packed so I had to make a second stack on the side of the house. I get all excited everytime I see it.</p>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-49289186033322298272011-10-31T16:17:00.002-07:002012-03-24T16:38:39.494-07:00Happy Halloween<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_HI-Zs_T5bDRRYrTTSD-87zbjTJkMcoadJdtYzOzyiFtSFFtg1-KgtfmzrGgzPCYfy62EzVQ9BuQmh_VJClYQIp9cVSWRnpmDJ4_3f8_C-DZ8dcVWpgVqVu9THGp5YgIlVK7ByDpzZQ/s1600/fall+2011+099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723608652761917666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_HI-Zs_T5bDRRYrTTSD-87zbjTJkMcoadJdtYzOzyiFtSFFtg1-KgtfmzrGgzPCYfy62EzVQ9BuQmh_VJClYQIp9cVSWRnpmDJ4_3f8_C-DZ8dcVWpgVqVu9THGp5YgIlVK7ByDpzZQ/s320/fall+2011+099.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> Happy Halloween from The Boo Crew</span><br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr21Ers7kTkpllhWWg2KNxU4pBGAinXq6umRcrKNj4CBm0OzXeHW4pCJ0K0DFUnFTZ3RCoNqqOdrQ4BToTOz9YZ5UcuwbQlweaVSl4GE416aquzPIUAnVnKqSpeVHMwze8lHKbvDapr4I/s1600/fall+2011+110.JPG"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqkFChFMxjhhDKGibFBNxfrsK6EJTXo9SnRcRwwuM4tIYByFbzJJL5huUi40GxXCZIbeVpJifvKUm5PnY2CHuWtxo8T8aZT48WBB7WF51hQ7V9ZTmrqa9nZ9K1tuOsY84N_SVIiEN0HM/s1600/fall+2011+100.JPG"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOT0vGc_gYNxULDIWqeunrH-gS0M0N1spA3wTbnh5tIkUwTMejqqisPvAFbB4us_LgypNvUzWHsNuzcjJ1hJF0IqMw4IhXuGC_oX15RqKZltbm8-dm_0qkUEECdo_ef0gMqkedQ5yxOE/s1600/fall+2011+119.JPG"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBuDXhlN5hNfUZJaXmtH0O_wqUpMPg_CNZxqB0UYJFrGzkPyVfKzwZvsrRXrdpNd6c70DPdqIIbx4OKDxao4JBoC-5BcXV3K0YlefUYUeLVmXmQ9UMDCXUod7bkXakj6uNn_6bQvxAlk/s1600/fall+2011+097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723608225027263634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBuDXhlN5hNfUZJaXmtH0O_wqUpMPg_CNZxqB0UYJFrGzkPyVfKzwZvsrRXrdpNd6c70DPdqIIbx4OKDxao4JBoC-5BcXV3K0YlefUYUeLVmXmQ9UMDCXUod7bkXakj6uNn_6bQvxAlk/s320/fall+2011+097.JPG" /></a></div><div>I have a few basic rules about costumes. This young son refused to participate unless he could be something I had said no to. I called his bluff. This is his "I am trying hard to look angry" pose.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOKZCU7tf6hrcelTG9HNM9GNVrBFtBXm3oFE_wt9gDJG-xIsmR64h5f1tjOS2hrG2ehPdQwHYXmEqktAk2iRvBtdHVe3B9ZPC5RNXDxte7PbdodqEbdzPU4lDe_kia86rkMMP66XWi5k/s1600/fall+2011+104.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723608224539874258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOKZCU7tf6hrcelTG9HNM9GNVrBFtBXm3oFE_wt9gDJG-xIsmR64h5f1tjOS2hrG2ehPdQwHYXmEqktAk2iRvBtdHVe3B9ZPC5RNXDxte7PbdodqEbdzPU4lDe_kia86rkMMP66XWi5k/s320/fall+2011+104.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>She was just so amazed that they were giving her candy at every door!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvG0ioIZ8kc66Z38b5JQhyphenhyphengTcoQIccq1uqfYqV8Zjzx9fhV_yQdMH1HsrYf7JOPxazcE2kzKI2Jbdu_2JTHkUtbudjNcPwUOYnwtxKThmkCYzRVP_Nf2By196GNXHCBFm_kYPbr2kNXs/s1600/fall+2011+084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723608649704501090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvG0ioIZ8kc66Z38b5JQhyphenhyphengTcoQIccq1uqfYqV8Zjzx9fhV_yQdMH1HsrYf7JOPxazcE2kzKI2Jbdu_2JTHkUtbudjNcPwUOYnwtxKThmkCYzRVP_Nf2By196GNXHCBFm_kYPbr2kNXs/s320/fall+2011+084.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CJf3o1vhXLGAbMACd04nK35a9LPEuZl1Al5FShT2mLmg7ne_jCznyC-RH6FD9WgAx28cqXQvgN0ogrfLKwcWrDlvZuki3avhIngJCjY_jfjzmQiFHnVBAXIcLy-pziV5UolfMFyCKvE/s1600/fall+2011+090.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723607515365116306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CJf3o1vhXLGAbMACd04nK35a9LPEuZl1Al5FShT2mLmg7ne_jCznyC-RH6FD9WgAx28cqXQvgN0ogrfLKwcWrDlvZuki3avhIngJCjY_jfjzmQiFHnVBAXIcLy-pziV5UolfMFyCKvE/s320/fall+2011+090.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVObU2Yc4rt9jhUa7iLVFT3E6BvhwQWcNy9_cin3RQF9GX22AmcoInZY6QWsc1A1P1NkauIXzDcF0Ss8j4jMx5j_AARFRhguhtEEkiUngbqq9dHkQTrFKcZyqjUDGD-T6fVnBIUmytKU/s1600/fall+2011+082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723607506731414994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVObU2Yc4rt9jhUa7iLVFT3E6BvhwQWcNy9_cin3RQF9GX22AmcoInZY6QWsc1A1P1NkauIXzDcF0Ss8j4jMx5j_AARFRhguhtEEkiUngbqq9dHkQTrFKcZyqjUDGD-T6fVnBIUmytKU/s320/fall+2011+082.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX3g9MbsrwKXEhl9D2fRIq8YQUA1XIGWdWxITfmG8Jq9NizftyPPw81QG6dktlHqDmm8CulPdm0l7hZuKTzVsUdTrrMgITxmCTF9bUUdN7UpoV5AoX-ek-qG9UfwZrBl7dag2LoudKuE/s1600/fall+2011+082.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCKeri9olAu1hfdWWvy1h_vBLpEJiT94LjgWp-CjH3K_LZ96mwJuOh5tRxA2y20QM9fv9qBRl3fb0GtgpkLieqO47CIV5_UH82yGSMld0Y4xfvcMwQKWmRKvAEJSNrVd3m6Qsj1_8FCw/s1600/fall+2011+080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723607490435852834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCKeri9olAu1hfdWWvy1h_vBLpEJiT94LjgWp-CjH3K_LZ96mwJuOh5tRxA2y20QM9fv9qBRl3fb0GtgpkLieqO47CIV5_UH82yGSMld0Y4xfvcMwQKWmRKvAEJSNrVd3m6Qsj1_8FCw/s320/fall+2011+080.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49nDuqhm2qIdfhgHE5B6EOFhn-UmBPWntI1hd1o68aaRiMIZdDfWIWAECN9k4ILG1bipX-Oet9b_jAzzhqgmgY_lgRjdDFR5cVfaYpJ7ykP8pfWirFtIEv1hXpt7HaLAYCvSrX2lZbg8/s1600/fall+2011+077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723607483409087026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49nDuqhm2qIdfhgHE5B6EOFhn-UmBPWntI1hd1o68aaRiMIZdDfWIWAECN9k4ILG1bipX-Oet9b_jAzzhqgmgY_lgRjdDFR5cVfaYpJ7ykP8pfWirFtIEv1hXpt7HaLAYCvSrX2lZbg8/s320/fall+2011+077.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-54494976095575473342011-10-25T16:42:00.002-07:002012-03-24T16:57:24.350-07:00A Visit To A Retirement CommunityDaddy decided it would be fun to go sing songs and spend time at the retirement home down the way. So we scheduled a day to go. It was very special to spend time with the ladies and gentlemen who live there.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcsR0DZWEWtmfuQvLKhq23Yuto0IBJB5rRSZYzcNB8vCzQ06fYHXnRlVkumpHXvJabdK7W6g4gCC_C7ylQeZuYwU_KmezSjiQj6N58fmaVOm0Dktil8YjEXc10YUQ5V4IYL_2OxoUzcw/s1600/fall+2011+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723613755820652594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcsR0DZWEWtmfuQvLKhq23Yuto0IBJB5rRSZYzcNB8vCzQ06fYHXnRlVkumpHXvJabdK7W6g4gCC_C7ylQeZuYwU_KmezSjiQj6N58fmaVOm0Dktil8YjEXc10YUQ5V4IYL_2OxoUzcw/s320/fall+2011+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br />While Daddy sang and played guitar the kids and I took turns talking with the residents and listening to their stories. The kids love all the attention and I think the residents did too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw93lesnzkFouwFXnHxpvaITAXecfCuzyDwP30TgBC9-1JwhwLgHuyLt9A9QFRqOVR00bHpCPRL8-D5N88WiTx2mfgsVhHsH1fLBMTPS2kb4gmOkx2qqbo7JoVED90uXkfwIhmckg9PJc/s1600/fall+2011+014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723614470435728066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw93lesnzkFouwFXnHxpvaITAXecfCuzyDwP30TgBC9-1JwhwLgHuyLt9A9QFRqOVR00bHpCPRL8-D5N88WiTx2mfgsVhHsH1fLBMTPS2kb4gmOkx2qqbo7JoVED90uXkfwIhmckg9PJc/s320/fall+2011+014.JPG" /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgEZmv986kwTTGAK-WgVRV9L4k86uMWSex7CoL80DAW-H6XGKVsF77cI8zh5yl_WYLL4WybmNrSktajIUiqhJRoAsggVl2qrP5hCwYmD4Xa0n0FY-QlKkBWaDeYUWgFF2iujU13BbGro/s1600/fall+2011+005.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8VEhBWD4z6zLrRYCYPxt6PsFuVaNHfRbZuyokL7l_t_JnqFv-GMbpTfm0374WSr_LWRsO1Nmx5Kn2Bxu6ZfnUzhcIaOdHjmpcEKLNTgkn-OgMi2A7IiwT6t1Ju_4fPORDX8vjzWJdQU/s1600/fall+2011+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723614452910855362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8VEhBWD4z6zLrRYCYPxt6PsFuVaNHfRbZuyokL7l_t_JnqFv-GMbpTfm0374WSr_LWRsO1Nmx5Kn2Bxu6ZfnUzhcIaOdHjmpcEKLNTgkn-OgMi2A7IiwT6t1Ju_4fPORDX8vjzWJdQU/s320/fall+2011+007.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After awhile the girls could not resist the music any longer and took to the floor for an impromptu dance recital. It was great!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2uvFK0CPt1SAwaMhuyxIfp4W16notCUCUxzk7ptvNipQP0Buonv8yM-EeFfTIdkNNuqpjXKsb2_6qK5DuN-qjTKvydWTuKu68xRF96ucxEM7lPSwDqDEQEPx4gcikoOC2ZjlSYHqr0M/s1600/rob%2527s+phone+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723614037867287970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2uvFK0CPt1SAwaMhuyxIfp4W16notCUCUxzk7ptvNipQP0Buonv8yM-EeFfTIdkNNuqpjXKsb2_6qK5DuN-qjTKvydWTuKu68xRF96ucxEM7lPSwDqDEQEPx4gcikoOC2ZjlSYHqr0M/s320/rob%2527s+phone+068.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYhrmN4xU26BhgvmpSfJmNY3GgGY_kSKByBe_cSBJ0hRPSyNj0EYQuO9Uf8gs_VWAgYXqfD5iQVXeEbhwVFPYFUNaQsLRQR7GJ3bV4ocH2bTAjpM1LTpsi00rYcvDIkAqALKWVj208cs/s1600/rob%2527s+phone+062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723613796780348770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYhrmN4xU26BhgvmpSfJmNY3GgGY_kSKByBe_cSBJ0hRPSyNj0EYQuO9Uf8gs_VWAgYXqfD5iQVXeEbhwVFPYFUNaQsLRQR7GJ3bV4ocH2bTAjpM1LTpsi00rYcvDIkAqALKWVj208cs/s320/rob%2527s+phone+062.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfj_DRmP8zL3VZzceYGuOmxOA_nLWXhM1UnpOjfqpD-UwS40AWuF601nlyFZlqZA3FzTBpPCYZ_Xf5kl11LUNaDYfrtP9-lmK_1x0rH96aEovrlPDf25dvL2gX-ZAZA_Ms2SgST9nQUM/s1600/rob%2527s+phone+054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723613787809688242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfj_DRmP8zL3VZzceYGuOmxOA_nLWXhM1UnpOjfqpD-UwS40AWuF601nlyFZlqZA3FzTBpPCYZ_Xf5kl11LUNaDYfrtP9-lmK_1x0rH96aEovrlPDf25dvL2gX-ZAZA_Ms2SgST9nQUM/s320/rob%2527s+phone+054.jpg" /></a><br /><br />All except this one who is a little shy. We talked quietly in the corner instead.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl9nCtDjz4jHJKR9uLgkgxMTChYb7CZQ_QKAM77aymdlYyI4MlWruNj1h4xF8U1G9NneVJ93aXzcc9UeKsRH5JQjsEXBrZZGYjXm0CnPvLEVHdZ5RwYAE6gqSc3elYB4DENSGp7kPFE4/s1600/fall+2011+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723613780537607778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl9nCtDjz4jHJKR9uLgkgxMTChYb7CZQ_QKAM77aymdlYyI4MlWruNj1h4xF8U1G9NneVJ93aXzcc9UeKsRH5JQjsEXBrZZGYjXm0CnPvLEVHdZ5RwYAE6gqSc3elYB4DENSGp7kPFE4/s320/fall+2011+016.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-78868705030775746432011-10-20T14:33:00.001-07:002012-03-24T15:15:21.120-07:00Taylor Creek Salmon Run<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yc5HSNyiVaxnQyHFHsweOE9FFzyGKiP4gO8ttYGm5aWMB4Ha4Z8zMLKB8blJ6OV7XsVrgrgufIKuMt4_lvqjHKXCZvfbRovkZ48BOdJx820K0LTkBY2fGcGmtbt_5hS_bgLhj9lmzHQ/s1600/september+2011+058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723583827128164706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yc5HSNyiVaxnQyHFHsweOE9FFzyGKiP4gO8ttYGm5aWMB4Ha4Z8zMLKB8blJ6OV7XsVrgrgufIKuMt4_lvqjHKXCZvfbRovkZ48BOdJx820K0LTkBY2fGcGmtbt_5hS_bgLhj9lmzHQ/s320/september+2011+058.JPG" /></a><br />My Grandparents were close by in Lake Tahoe this Fall. Visiting them there is always a special treat for us. We get them all to ourselves and get to enjoy all of our favorite place, TAHOE! They were camping in a different spot than usual and there were trees that were climbable everywhere. The kids had a ball giving me a heart attack.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU54S5uMHvEUfFD6TX19yPUv1BIw9N7OGUMKnZLfn5drEi7ydH4uabh5QJ6ShxOmTXbfHOEnXS8znbq-nYDaboGshKDY62gQiRQOxG6utTKI13GEh5VeWFhhorzBjQukBKu51pZMV7190/s1600/september+2011+054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723580880421823666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU54S5uMHvEUfFD6TX19yPUv1BIw9N7OGUMKnZLfn5drEi7ydH4uabh5QJ6ShxOmTXbfHOEnXS8znbq-nYDaboGshKDY62gQiRQOxG6utTKI13GEh5VeWFhhorzBjQukBKu51pZMV7190/s320/september+2011+054.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One of the things on our bucket list has been to make the trek to Taylor Creek to watch the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kokanee</span> Salmon run. Somehow we manage to miss it every year. My Grandparents visit was timed perfectly for us to go all together. Taylor Creek Visitor Center has a short hike called, The Rainbow Trail. The hike is beautiful, easy and has a steam profile chamber, where you can observe see the creek from underwater and watch the fish in action through a panel of windows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH6O7CrMpd7gzFRgUmIH66tr37BoEF-tMb3tNYWSVqf5FQwJjnj-NCyvwZLNPxqe1p3b0c7lIxnmBg_ZVdMXrjKcqD-8krIAS7t1WeSONylOccetBxv9zL-kG4cHKFLftFf-HkFEJZSc/s1600/september+2011+167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723586584244054642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH6O7CrMpd7gzFRgUmIH66tr37BoEF-tMb3tNYWSVqf5FQwJjnj-NCyvwZLNPxqe1p3b0c7lIxnmBg_ZVdMXrjKcqD-8krIAS7t1WeSONylOccetBxv9zL-kG4cHKFLftFf-HkFEJZSc/s320/september+2011+167.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The hike is shady and stunning. There are markers explaining the different plants and animals you might see on your way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtJmTWLHarLvulxLzme6iNZUKiWl5JPigJLFUdHzyLa1O1oRx3ROcoiNnK4ww9sX9aMzXR0qbKg70I9wXqGpEFVFLdaP3XyMooFRaMIm8ooPqk2F6P-RKIQ2ZJiCwNe-affoBAal8rmc/s1600/september+2011+184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723582592854714754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtJmTWLHarLvulxLzme6iNZUKiWl5JPigJLFUdHzyLa1O1oRx3ROcoiNnK4ww9sX9aMzXR0qbKg70I9wXqGpEFVFLdaP3XyMooFRaMIm8ooPqk2F6P-RKIQ2ZJiCwNe-affoBAal8rmc/s320/september+2011+184.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There are a ton of areas to get right up to the waters edge and you could reach out and touch the thousands of fish filling the creek.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5_qUeWD9N4gE_drk4f9Ktelniz1IBU2OpKXjLp8B8Dl9eDPipsjAvIM2kYdrPRdXELyDKUSzEapDQ6EQ1vcOsPM_y87PJ5n_kWAsLGkXNEw8wAbxkpdlYFrUA5fU9Hs3KMCnyhzAqnY/s1600/september+2011+127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723580888322626098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5_qUeWD9N4gE_drk4f9Ktelniz1IBU2OpKXjLp8B8Dl9eDPipsjAvIM2kYdrPRdXELyDKUSzEapDQ6EQ1vcOsPM_y87PJ5n_kWAsLGkXNEw8wAbxkpdlYFrUA5fU9Hs3KMCnyhzAqnY/s320/september+2011+127.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhQyapRRA7l34kPCvUXRXR4v_V0VTbow_enfOoIaHub4WLW1HgGqHdz0gKp0zUpds674pZEAe1xByDegJd5QUjHkAH81Fp4EqpIZQBwDp1Le7L5oX8sTSqrCuGc8nJERzwo27Fau42RM/s1600/september+2011+135.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723580903252753842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhQyapRRA7l34kPCvUXRXR4v_V0VTbow_enfOoIaHub4WLW1HgGqHdz0gKp0zUpds674pZEAe1xByDegJd5QUjHkAH81Fp4EqpIZQBwDp1Le7L5oX8sTSqrCuGc8nJERzwo27Fau42RM/s320/september+2011+135.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There were also plenty of bugs! This little guy was a huge hit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owTodUdNnH1JQQyf3Dye3Vk7GOvidZqHjucVYmSSxhmCQ9VRq30nAx6lHEMgp4x3HypHIX8U0W_8lY7spcLnJBrhIL_InUELeBus7Km5ZelMlwnWU6gr0MT_iTEGK44nx8ZUPtRPQ4A/s1600/september+2011+150.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723580910229099394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owTodUdNnH1JQQyf3Dye3Vk7GOvidZqHjucVYmSSxhmCQ9VRq30nAx6lHEMgp4x3HypHIX8U0W_8lY7spcLnJBrhIL_InUELeBus7Km5ZelMlwnWU6gr0MT_iTEGK44nx8ZUPtRPQ4A/s320/september+2011+150.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7tqg3TNlJkAX6AGsAyjjZTejwFcHRfiMR-TLTz1RX7bOlNlD431pWYEVUHS9pEGRV3EZAv-Np1em7F-1kJrLN9KWAuiQGoVB1pcRbRPVe8yVww6fDY1SbQswd5qRNaRGLDk62ByrUUg/s1600/september+2011+154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723580917058705858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7tqg3TNlJkAX6AGsAyjjZTejwFcHRfiMR-TLTz1RX7bOlNlD431pWYEVUHS9pEGRV3EZAv-Np1em7F-1kJrLN9KWAuiQGoVB1pcRbRPVe8yVww6fDY1SbQswd5qRNaRGLDk62ByrUUg/s320/september+2011+154.JPG" /></a><br /><br />They were just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fascinated</span> with how he moved and how soft he was. We spent a good twenty minutes examining him. It always amazes me, the wonder of children!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9pfWfFB8UOhjjiUgusLsUrJE0Gk9w7qbErOyid3sGlNmIxa7tRFMyd6gIp4MjXJIcHB0zpvIwgnj4J4F_A2PwZ5A5mfrhUcBln3FdAPoWsVQmkSYgDzMvKDaQ1djZEAo_9PKeyM5FDs/s1600/september+2011+162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723582568947203618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9pfWfFB8UOhjjiUgusLsUrJE0Gk9w7qbErOyid3sGlNmIxa7tRFMyd6gIp4MjXJIcHB0zpvIwgnj4J4F_A2PwZ5A5mfrhUcBln3FdAPoWsVQmkSYgDzMvKDaQ1djZEAo_9PKeyM5FDs/s320/september+2011+162.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My Grandparents took the kids into the viewing chamber but I had my dog in tow so I had to stay on the trail. I went around and found a beautiful spot where a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">butch</span> of fish had accumulated. When they can out the other side I brought them to my secret location.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br />As we sat there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ooohhhh</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhhhhing</span> the fish, I heard a very low <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">guttural</span> growl. I looked at my dog and back up to the creek and saw the BIGGEST bear I had ever seen in Tahoe! This picture does no justice to how close and giant this guy was. Jacob snapped this photo as I quietly gathered the kids to leave. The creek was maybe a foot deep here and it would have taken seconds for him to cross. I was so proud none of the kids screamed!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl-sIm03hTF_LJH2fOpNA0x2ktFSkC0Hlwmkpuxe2atflZqsF0UM5WW8hyLLDbw0dCu4eDNNIk4DN1oPZCFTuBlAh4bzQQ1bTYaED6uvLDqPYFwCJWlaABqqFm2p0Rd_XZOxo1LlK2W8/s1600/september+2011+174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723582575570360546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl-sIm03hTF_LJH2fOpNA0x2ktFSkC0Hlwmkpuxe2atflZqsF0UM5WW8hyLLDbw0dCu4eDNNIk4DN1oPZCFTuBlAh4bzQQ1bTYaED6uvLDqPYFwCJWlaABqqFm2p0Rd_XZOxo1LlK2W8/s320/september+2011+174.JPG" /></a></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-67008434737139883352011-09-08T20:59:00.002-07:002012-03-18T10:39:45.588-07:00Work DayFall is fast approaching and that means it is time to get the farm ready for a long winter. The chore list can be daunting. We have to shore up fences, build new shelters, cut and stack wood, clean and store tools for the season. It is a lot of work and a lot of fun.<br /><br />The Fall animal routine is special. Fall is breeding time on the farm. Goats and sheep are seasonal breeders and usually only come into season in the fall. That being said, we did have a complete surprise this year. Our sheep had delivered twins and triplets in February. They should not have come into season again until October. Despite breeding science and a 5 month gestation period, they managed to pop another set of twins out in July, 3 weeks short of a full term gestation. The twins are robust and healthy. We are floored at the miracle but we will take it. <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />The sheep are out for fall breeding but still need the yearly work up. The goats are due to be bred, so decisions need to be made. Sarah's dairy goats need improvement if she wants to show the offspring. We order up a buck from a local breeder for her goats. We need a buck with good udder formation in his pedigree. My fainting goats are easier but we did have one pair I won't breed again, the baby was not as quality as I like. In preparation for mating we trim hooves, vaccinate, worm and fix fences. Bad fences are a farmers nightmare when bucks go into rut! <br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrh0OYCZRHiAywz1L-qfp1CoUzdvQL02nXgbyXu8vhMEd1qLSjO3r0qsEJJM5JhXDRHUJlTj8VmZGeipUbAwf6L1rmeVI-82ZFApvoDDyw_JgXtsEaE496kc1nBVRruprkSCTy6v1ijg/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 214px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650938063081446530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrh0OYCZRHiAywz1L-qfp1CoUzdvQL02nXgbyXu8vhMEd1qLSjO3r0qsEJJM5JhXDRHUJlTj8VmZGeipUbAwf6L1rmeVI-82ZFApvoDDyw_JgXtsEaE496kc1nBVRruprkSCTy6v1ijg/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+323.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jacob preformed his annual acrobatics while catching the goats and ended up covered in goat berries!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QUvxwVtwsuKMrpFu-HMyBMIJ_sIPVhZ-GxgyquUlEjaEKqXiub2Nsym22eCYwV856rPt7oKCB13dGlWYlmqKjz5RL0RViI8QXX3_gDT2gc_X27vFXOZmsD_oUmx5iuzxaWt1hnd6AgM/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650938062061835234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QUvxwVtwsuKMrpFu-HMyBMIJ_sIPVhZ-GxgyquUlEjaEKqXiub2Nsym22eCYwV856rPt7oKCB13dGlWYlmqKjz5RL0RViI8QXX3_gDT2gc_X27vFXOZmsD_oUmx5iuzxaWt1hnd6AgM/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+317.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br />Anna was very interested and wanted to do the shots herself.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXAl-fcZcSmIbQr1XyPbqZY3sO088i_t1KmLTQOOVtxWfIP5_fsJQQr4zN79vTyfR_wzhNOqlTzJdTijz_fgHtHgn_AMFcOBwXLruxNEE436JwOaXNRlEZbLv_Hd644akhklyYH_evMk/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650938055381309154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXAl-fcZcSmIbQr1XyPbqZY3sO088i_t1KmLTQOOVtxWfIP5_fsJQQr4zN79vTyfR_wzhNOqlTzJdTijz_fgHtHgn_AMFcOBwXLruxNEE436JwOaXNRlEZbLv_Hd644akhklyYH_evMk/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+314.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />Dixie was also very interested, in eating everyone else's share of grain.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AA_s2INZf5HJ9tjdLbJnMNTJu-JjqdJKeuG8feB_6k08xFeyCkBNVozNJGREUl0CphJgul7_fTdJOGeopqIV4mvZZsjzCDxGNqhBGCeFfhkQ-nrcTGYe6gS92FvReMlE-z7u6fqHkeA/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+312.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 214px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650941230177772066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AA_s2INZf5HJ9tjdLbJnMNTJu-JjqdJKeuG8feB_6k08xFeyCkBNVozNJGREUl0CphJgul7_fTdJOGeopqIV4mvZZsjzCDxGNqhBGCeFfhkQ-nrcTGYe6gS92FvReMlE-z7u6fqHkeA/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+312.JPG" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />Jacob and Sarah handled the shots and wormer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetpHGj-DuTCKiCFlma27KQaoJcDSV0Y8905fzpIEPkTRAkzJ4rXTNo9ZP-hrGeSpieo4LkBvoldpCswXn16dZlh4AkJ8iS8ZNkclg9S96okpacVi5DcjfqpJZE50g9HXUcToljzxRRig/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650941232697327858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetpHGj-DuTCKiCFlma27KQaoJcDSV0Y8905fzpIEPkTRAkzJ4rXTNo9ZP-hrGeSpieo4LkBvoldpCswXn16dZlh4AkJ8iS8ZNkclg9S96okpacVi5DcjfqpJZE50g9HXUcToljzxRRig/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+325.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Sarah, Wyatt and I went out to shore up the fences. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorKDK5WF09L71t6lSINM47qR2ZPfn1VfQTVdxuW7dEYPW5FkA3g891VrcQS4Z_XWsjgrrg_PB_bT6tF-Vgl3kf_h6xdhtkMOSc_6-yjcEihsstCTO5pUnUDHY5eiCe0wKodxBT9UafL8/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650946622109235586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorKDK5WF09L71t6lSINM47qR2ZPfn1VfQTVdxuW7dEYPW5FkA3g891VrcQS4Z_XWsjgrrg_PB_bT6tF-Vgl3kf_h6xdhtkMOSc_6-yjcEihsstCTO5pUnUDHY5eiCe0wKodxBT9UafL8/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+334.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br />The T-post driver weighs 50 lbs. <br /><br />I am super woman!</div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIPL6A-c5bMhsxmDJm-LA3lsRPD_8RWqEoi7XBjLyHac6Nx_rnkZdA7F-weo8K5STXrb6LAV3-028K8tEw4MUJc5IuoDCRpGEIO3OYrTrkQT3qKJp6gA9-N9s2YKavqgkjYilauEJd7g/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650941242884500210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIPL6A-c5bMhsxmDJm-LA3lsRPD_8RWqEoi7XBjLyHac6Nx_rnkZdA7F-weo8K5STXrb6LAV3-028K8tEw4MUJc5IuoDCRpGEIO3OYrTrkQT3qKJp6gA9-N9s2YKavqgkjYilauEJd7g/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+336.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />After all the T-posts are finished I am off to find all the little rascals that disappeared during the hard work.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDj6sz_edfNT65XptqZX4ao-CZnn3hkOee0AIJWcW03yVYKNc5Y-1T7X-OnM3lejmrhlCEJx4ZoBdYXCz6jVXRs2CN_YGoYgGUSRbDaQDbQVq-WDGL7rTi9QmISChuGVaFIfhdFa5Dzw/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650943387408246082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDj6sz_edfNT65XptqZX4ao-CZnn3hkOee0AIJWcW03yVYKNc5Y-1T7X-OnM3lejmrhlCEJx4ZoBdYXCz6jVXRs2CN_YGoYgGUSRbDaQDbQVq-WDGL7rTi9QmISChuGVaFIfhdFa5Dzw/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+360.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />Riding BIKES?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrmgJcBbAiR0Zhyphenhyphen6UmOlH8Zyh4QLyJdkwPjoSe0zW0boCDNJ6BKit-6vUnS6j2h2IhSr95s1ShU576LTF9B9n267z6tI7Pl92mjOxjXfho-dwsNZamslgMGADoX8T88II31rBTegbuVs/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+346.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650943386684930946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrmgJcBbAiR0Zhyphenhyphen6UmOlH8Zyh4QLyJdkwPjoSe0zW0boCDNJ6BKit-6vUnS6j2h2IhSr95s1ShU576LTF9B9n267z6tI7Pl92mjOxjXfho-dwsNZamslgMGADoX8T88II31rBTegbuVs/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+346.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />What?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3Ty3o0UNYkRknU71IcQtFz9EBSV1qiQk9FwwSNBj0qYOYMWl7MjGdmaNmeH7BUEkcEi56dMG9AGO6bDtJ9nnRCrfTzQ8SNlQRhjMVPKlqyYRdW8vjG0PPRFZAs27qZn5xG_QqipysiY/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650943384575107378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3Ty3o0UNYkRknU71IcQtFz9EBSV1qiQk9FwwSNBj0qYOYMWl7MjGdmaNmeH7BUEkcEi56dMG9AGO6bDtJ9nnRCrfTzQ8SNlQRhjMVPKlqyYRdW8vjG0PPRFZAs27qZn5xG_QqipysiY/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+339.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br />But who could be mad? Look at that face!</div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-7217084026600282942011-08-05T22:14:00.000-07:002012-03-24T14:31:12.514-07:00Seattle Science CenterWhile in Seattle we spent at lot of time at the Seattle Center. From all the awesome museums, to the live musicians to the fountain that is timed to music, we were awash in culture and did not want to leave. After our first amazing trip to the Children's Museum we knew we had to go back for the Pacific Science Center. They have a butterfly exhibit that I knew the girls would just tremble over. I am so glad we went because it was a great adventure.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721322392224986210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uTmT-A55W7cOxmR5tXW5JbrM9uq7ej-h3L4f2Iy7C6wuz4XZNz5Zd2X-jdrcRDTVTrDRm0BqjoOem-Aj5vh0wf-74QNuNqrpq2U-7HDFyCuiggBhY0nkUCRLYPXWtxWQ8I6Gdme0pBQ/s320/last+days+of+vacation+097.JPG" /><br />Sarah was a trooper in her "boot". She broke her foot in three places right as summer started. She told me she tripped on the stairs but she later confessed she did a kamikaze dive off the balcony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIUEYqhpdxuVKJFWmGw_uTRn9Wtv82o5Zqt_iZpffueZtq4GDMLebzZeI9QNO3hIastdu8s8QI4RZeRgRX5SueifhNM_o7EVWLCuIc4ykeOys4Sb3q9-4XFG4LJ-ct91wzmQagNaaPWQ/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721320453088030226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIUEYqhpdxuVKJFWmGw_uTRn9Wtv82o5Zqt_iZpffueZtq4GDMLebzZeI9QNO3hIastdu8s8QI4RZeRgRX5SueifhNM_o7EVWLCuIc4ykeOys4Sb3q9-4XFG4LJ-ct91wzmQagNaaPWQ/s320/last+days+of+vacation+089.JPG" /></a><br />Bugs are always a boys favorite right? The bug exhibits were very interesting and had just enough of the "ick" factor to entertain the teenagers. The Butterflies were a huge hit as I expected. It is very warm and humid in the exhibit and there were a lot of rules to follow. Watch where you step and sit, butterflies are everywhere. No touching and if you are lucky enough to have a butterfly land on you, stand very still till it flies away. The girls were wishing with all their little hearts a butterfly would land on them but as hard as they wished the butterflies stayed just out of reach. Owen was a butterfly machine though and several landed on him. The first time he was thrilled but by the third time I think he was wishing they would go for the girls. Poor kid ended up standing stock still the whole time we were in there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo7gmZ3DSSwdd6uggUS-JBS6bSr-AUG4mMZd9fWLdEJQ7ENL2yerWLDdpIOizs3wsh8CGVJa2nXhPPWlQUUpyQK-_MoMPojOoJhCBN0yeYF_0ybIBs5wi1tpJiXbKVQb4z3_T6XrGUQ4/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721320443651986114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo7gmZ3DSSwdd6uggUS-JBS6bSr-AUG4mMZd9fWLdEJQ7ENL2yerWLDdpIOizs3wsh8CGVJa2nXhPPWlQUUpyQK-_MoMPojOoJhCBN0yeYF_0ybIBs5wi1tpJiXbKVQb4z3_T6XrGUQ4/s320/last+days+of+vacation+087.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifCJf7byeGf7GVDD9-VheCEmPMm9_9xYrNe-H6XhQJ07auHW5MVWUz3V4v0wBt8LiAdpTPQ3cTF2uZj7mlE8m0XUypGJheLhTszkNuqHcHM6VSpPpMqB_CMqNmyAqf7oodb3alothePg/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721320436786134818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifCJf7byeGf7GVDD9-VheCEmPMm9_9xYrNe-H6XhQJ07auHW5MVWUz3V4v0wBt8LiAdpTPQ3cTF2uZj7mlE8m0XUypGJheLhTszkNuqHcHM6VSpPpMqB_CMqNmyAqf7oodb3alothePg/s320/last+days+of+vacation+074.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyejt16HHLUHX-3RZOfi5yPf06hj2_ZOQq_FG6f2f8dAVlslvP6aNMW1MYTgf444f2-6CKMlR5b6xqViL3IalJD30a6WW5uipWqKzlYUx-yUu1oR2T_0P6rEkQGG1RBUA7PDCWmfzOlc/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721320431070355442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyejt16HHLUHX-3RZOfi5yPf06hj2_ZOQq_FG6f2f8dAVlslvP6aNMW1MYTgf444f2-6CKMlR5b6xqViL3IalJD30a6WW5uipWqKzlYUx-yUu1oR2T_0P6rEkQGG1RBUA7PDCWmfzOlc/s320/last+days+of+vacation+073.JPG" /></a>The Baby area was a big hit with the littlest ones. There were things to climb. Water tables to splash in. A music room to make lots of loud noise and a quiet area to read and relax. The Grandparents and I played with the little ones in there for a bit while the older group went off to explore the tide pools and other amazing exhibits. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqf5omRu8sgKT66MH_yhFKDEB1tKphrM8A8D7Tvz0V88Wzo83e-dPJq7pQs5QjnjqqDhjC1LtZZFi772Cz8o-xPP66VEfza0lepfpw2aMy9pL5coYUQ_rkiFE2OJGYmwSLPa1YnSx4j4/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721319262471832450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqf5omRu8sgKT66MH_yhFKDEB1tKphrM8A8D7Tvz0V88Wzo83e-dPJq7pQs5QjnjqqDhjC1LtZZFi772Cz8o-xPP66VEfza0lepfpw2aMy9pL5coYUQ_rkiFE2OJGYmwSLPa1YnSx4j4/s320/last+days+of+vacation+064.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgini9XI7ysOGv3ND4s1hwSMlzoYzWuV5xcnqQR4-xPPYZSgWP4STRYmoztpbtRfBMyHsQ2NgvU5G3vzFwo-Ou12qeHF28D8TdL0sm1kAmzslB4ZDwU9zWdj4u36GKlHK5vYftgUSXlU/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721319253149477938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgini9XI7ysOGv3ND4s1hwSMlzoYzWuV5xcnqQR4-xPPYZSgWP4STRYmoztpbtRfBMyHsQ2NgvU5G3vzFwo-Ou12qeHF28D8TdL0sm1kAmzslB4ZDwU9zWdj4u36GKlHK5vYftgUSXlU/s320/last+days+of+vacation+062.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlnB8Gl7OOUazmAY5cUh7UpcAG5LZ0hkMyUL9Qykn6rvY1xJBwZhJJXdkqUuswcMTqdO8GxWOIPbEqwuOChvJxSe5Cjc-mIge-EkFIcQvRa0B45wEVBsC1cPahKUUFkXNxdhAtRz6hMk/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721319249499983410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlnB8Gl7OOUazmAY5cUh7UpcAG5LZ0hkMyUL9Qykn6rvY1xJBwZhJJXdkqUuswcMTqdO8GxWOIPbEqwuOChvJxSe5Cjc-mIge-EkFIcQvRa0B45wEVBsC1cPahKUUFkXNxdhAtRz6hMk/s320/last+days+of+vacation+057.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYEFssqvu1lbGfGJIAR4LeqXpo4T_j9A15evlh1q0QHxIC1ClT0h8EDhf4mozETrruR8c1I0I2oOR8zBa_5_V1HvmFZPgCNZaA4Qwrjwun6EZ75PE_kmKQSOecx3WgpY4QNuX5OkaGCI/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721319240255752530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYEFssqvu1lbGfGJIAR4LeqXpo4T_j9A15evlh1q0QHxIC1ClT0h8EDhf4mozETrruR8c1I0I2oOR8zBa_5_V1HvmFZPgCNZaA4Qwrjwun6EZ75PE_kmKQSOecx3WgpY4QNuX5OkaGCI/s320/last+days+of+vacation+050.JPG" /></a>After all that education who could resist playing in the fountain. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair. It is a wonder to be sure. Covered in spouts the water shoots in time with music playing through the park. After looking on in envy last time, we came prepared with our swim suits. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5cyUE1pDONillmMzKReVs_sS_xg-AYM4A-8svFIK4erWk9SOZPPE2gGV1vrod2rCxJ1YN4gUxnCstmxOPEoNSYH0WbwKV72wjmVQj5MEMdvY6GDDTKHryPWSGMzNqzE7hc7XAs0mIC4/s1600/last+days+of+vacation+044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721314994234331266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5cyUE1pDONillmMzKReVs_sS_xg-AYM4A-8svFIK4erWk9SOZPPE2gGV1vrod2rCxJ1YN4gUxnCstmxOPEoNSYH0WbwKV72wjmVQj5MEMdvY6GDDTKHryPWSGMzNqzE7hc7XAs0mIC4/s320/last+days+of+vacation+044.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721314978782289570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0xOlxonJMwCDadhcnzBLcDPcbH9sMPLTcqVZ3OD5UjZ5c5rdku_JMld4ZH9XIN9Me2ADhWDgtPK68uUAgheFkLRqJ1ToEwWfVJW_zm0FtIO5b70sK8b8fpWWorXYkUivobV6XaqYV5M/s320/last+days+of+vacation+025.JPG" />FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-50239170439011959692011-08-05T22:07:00.000-07:002012-03-18T11:05:41.004-07:00I've Got a Daisy On My Toe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-EAT5Uu3HUhT8BDVu-NaJOUFDTj00zZY8gjFzWJVdsFDjYXts63uPpGW0J1Ukgb7JOlqYljXu-DRAuWTQ-xaDraQBJrFLqmywsmCfGX3QiJdkREp-wUCPlmpRjse0cMlQ90lamqfCzw/s1600/september+2011+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-EAT5Uu3HUhT8BDVu-NaJOUFDTj00zZY8gjFzWJVdsFDjYXts63uPpGW0J1Ukgb7JOlqYljXu-DRAuWTQ-xaDraQBJrFLqmywsmCfGX3QiJdkREp-wUCPlmpRjse0cMlQ90lamqfCzw/s320/september+2011+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721299287671191922" /></a><br /><br /><div>Ever since I can remember we have camped. We camp at Fallen Leaf in Lake Tahoe. Some of my best childhood memories are of camping with my mom and her family. Hiking, fishing, swimming, getting dirty, cooking smores and singing around the campfire. Those are some of the things my childhood was made of. I am so blessed to be passing the tradition to my own kids and they love it as much as I did.<br /><br />Over the years my Grandparents hauled 11 children camping. Their friends the Castanso's camped with them as well. Campfire songs were a Castanso specialty and they wrote the one that we have passed down the family tree.<br /><br /> <strong>I've got a daisy on my toe<br /> It's not real, it does not grow<br /> It's just a tattoo of a flower<br /> So I look neat taking a shower<br /><br /> It's on the second toe of my left foot<br /> A stem and flower but there's no root,<br /> cause it wouldn't look good!<br /> I got a daisy on my toe, <br /> my right foot loves my left foot so</strong><br /><br />This song represents a lifetime with people who mean the world to me. It reminds me of singing and laughing with my mom. It reminds me of the undying, unchanging love of my Grandma and Papa. It reminds me of my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. It is funny how a simple campfire song can bring so much emotion. So in honor of all those memories and my Grandparents and Mom, I got a daisy on toe.<br /> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RijQ1Cz6vhn9ej6mcT8jL94e0evkuJeXQCWpw8Wi3o2aApFaqOCTT6lANrPmTI4QxPm058IMb3TnD0kFiZjgEcA5_DX3KoHRWWAhPgltcPinu7mkrl2i6cW_8ywRFLeI4rJk0W-4BK8/s1600/september+2011+140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RijQ1Cz6vhn9ej6mcT8jL94e0evkuJeXQCWpw8Wi3o2aApFaqOCTT6lANrPmTI4QxPm058IMb3TnD0kFiZjgEcA5_DX3KoHRWWAhPgltcPinu7mkrl2i6cW_8ywRFLeI4rJk0W-4BK8/s320/september+2011+140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721298907674876258" /></a>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-13057903448414599372011-08-01T11:50:00.000-07:002012-03-18T11:55:47.377-07:00Seattle Children's MuseumWhile we were in Seattle we visited the Children's Museum. We almost got turned away at the door because they have a weird policy of 4 children to an adult. Even teenagers count as children. Needless to say we were over the limit and they had to call all sorts of people to get a pass to let us in. We were told is was only allowed that one time because it was very slow and we would not be allowed to do it again. I was pretty put off and considered leaving but swallowed my pride and took the leap.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NtGDd5efHUMH-KfN87uGlXfrlQOmRLYbfQyfPNCPheRSP8Wn6DCKwhrmc0UrQnWbYPxKP3rrCGb531kvPiywA8NOUEqAgO5MasX78DOkeOQTCM20ofUh6LjxMVAeavQ2lApHfkinaiw/s1600/Seattle+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NtGDd5efHUMH-KfN87uGlXfrlQOmRLYbfQyfPNCPheRSP8Wn6DCKwhrmc0UrQnWbYPxKP3rrCGb531kvPiywA8NOUEqAgO5MasX78DOkeOQTCM20ofUh6LjxMVAeavQ2lApHfkinaiw/s320/Seattle+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721305535190361346" /></a><br />I am so glad I did because it was a pretty cool place. There was so much for little ones to do and explore and although it was a bit young for my older kids they had a ball too.<br /><div>There was a Lego room where you could build just about anything and there were employees there to give the kids a helping hand.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vYh2GCcuzMKCewbv5jEYuUcNbNkkTwoKGsmT_GsrM3VzRcuaPSvAI-u5WMZ9jDSYLNGiSg_zn4bpnHX-CqfAjtodttmU7OqmuuqNYa3IWTFYmwMxVdkgybYa6amtjlqq5qK4rQ0Zue4/s1600/Seattle+037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vYh2GCcuzMKCewbv5jEYuUcNbNkkTwoKGsmT_GsrM3VzRcuaPSvAI-u5WMZ9jDSYLNGiSg_zn4bpnHX-CqfAjtodttmU7OqmuuqNYa3IWTFYmwMxVdkgybYa6amtjlqq5qK4rQ0Zue4/s320/Seattle+037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721307554828598866" /></a><br /></div><div>A mini grocery store with shopping carts, isles, food and check out lines. We played here for quite awhile.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4niR_1nmBktg-S6Ze-awn7DT7ZBwKDmWm1QIqRa39v7KpUF47ihs2r_IU4gef0Z5PglQOlH3CV-z6E3RG0ad0Cz9y0gW5XSAZfT6s1oGVvgGBQDr-LvotlESaWDyCtMU13ln2v7P2LU/s1600/Seattle+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4niR_1nmBktg-S6Ze-awn7DT7ZBwKDmWm1QIqRa39v7KpUF47ihs2r_IU4gef0Z5PglQOlH3CV-z6E3RG0ad0Cz9y0gW5XSAZfT6s1oGVvgGBQDr-LvotlESaWDyCtMU13ln2v7P2LU/s320/Seattle+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721305555094141314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E2RVidk84JuRLUYlbJe3vZWts30bTAeAMgjb6v56Pj9PlKEPax0zA3TL4dsIsHIn0lsoUx-beji6clebxVz2B-kzIZ-6Tdb5OZ3ou0mHIWjQiW8ZaFfOpZ0SGLKeBGQPUkVygGd19Fw/s1600/Seattle+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E2RVidk84JuRLUYlbJe3vZWts30bTAeAMgjb6v56Pj9PlKEPax0zA3TL4dsIsHIn0lsoUx-beji6clebxVz2B-kzIZ-6Tdb5OZ3ou0mHIWjQiW8ZaFfOpZ0SGLKeBGQPUkVygGd19Fw/s320/Seattle+046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721305546018404674" /></a><br /></div><div>A stage with costumes, lights, curtains and seating. The kids invented a story and put on a play for me and the baby.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v1yIsZAWGHp8bkOLqed2IP-ctNj7-7ArwULTiy1yEjtIk5-sfTxF_0Vuy3j8cOQnTeKPWZ6BQRn1lEnwktOC4Bt5OEbfw14OrSbwaQ_T4Gs3HYr-YzsDKZiUAmxdtSyZXLUb-UWcS6I/s1600/Seattle+063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v1yIsZAWGHp8bkOLqed2IP-ctNj7-7ArwULTiy1yEjtIk5-sfTxF_0Vuy3j8cOQnTeKPWZ6BQRn1lEnwktOC4Bt5OEbfw14OrSbwaQ_T4Gs3HYr-YzsDKZiUAmxdtSyZXLUb-UWcS6I/s320/Seattle+063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721308599749068754" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>There was a construction store where you could build, a restaurant where you could be a customer or a chef. There was a trip around the world with houses and stores from different countries. There was a nature walk, a toddler area and our little artists favorite a real live studio!</div><div><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4QrWOBG8OBBF2uZXee_1Nsn14cYClJ1ITyctSmgAPogzbWup4Yoe-BO7u8ZulnovOV3IVPMLqMLdAyg22ATHzPoFcs-AzElh1i1jhMlxE4Mlhd8Uf_5lrXksTWOPo4Zk2oOPRBj81QU/s1600/Seattle+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4QrWOBG8OBBF2uZXee_1Nsn14cYClJ1ITyctSmgAPogzbWup4Yoe-BO7u8ZulnovOV3IVPMLqMLdAyg22ATHzPoFcs-AzElh1i1jhMlxE4Mlhd8Uf_5lrXksTWOPo4Zk2oOPRBj81QU/s320/Seattle+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721307547387495746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvQp94-Kc5owTD72yg8yKpsQhFrHpa4GAWS5V-fJHSQWPozUoaw7NhReq5KlAix9YuIi10neNXCe5lA9ymKOWdSAHiHUuikWYJvPwMa4Y8ykT49Ni6Tvtql5S87tFneQd4fklcm5xkSo/s1600/Seattle+067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvQp94-Kc5owTD72yg8yKpsQhFrHpa4GAWS5V-fJHSQWPozUoaw7NhReq5KlAix9YuIi10neNXCe5lA9ymKOWdSAHiHUuikWYJvPwMa4Y8ykT49Ni6Tvtql5S87tFneQd4fklcm5xkSo/s320/Seattle+067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721307528251173346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxtTiqtd5mcdd51F90Y7wteeADkJHo_Bd-rT-lCoBGirJ4rrYt5n70b-1BLq8mmBLNOwynvD2fCn_Vln3ser5BZaMq1KjvZhiN8PjaASo3Q98Gq8Lnlx9I33ZqYAcICh9_og-gZyyFUY/s1600/Seattle+098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxtTiqtd5mcdd51F90Y7wteeADkJHo_Bd-rT-lCoBGirJ4rrYt5n70b-1BLq8mmBLNOwynvD2fCn_Vln3ser5BZaMq1KjvZhiN8PjaASo3Q98Gq8Lnlx9I33ZqYAcICh9_og-gZyyFUY/s320/Seattle+098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721307535740480818" /></a><br /></div>We actually shut the place down and had not done it all. Once we got past the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gestapo</span> at the door, the employees were all very friendly and wonderful to the kids. I wish we had a place like this at home in Reno.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EjLQDaOhUGUnKmWFQUqsumDxkCIYI6bN-joToZRkfbTm0OmzpXOiXACRriVi96HmZk6a5x9icRV4JOQgr0zz5Luy3yhMzQd6rOzphNZJ-cl8YgWqksXV-f4AYOHF6XbcwKRGOv6CDik/s1600/Seattle+079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EjLQDaOhUGUnKmWFQUqsumDxkCIYI6bN-joToZRkfbTm0OmzpXOiXACRriVi96HmZk6a5x9icRV4JOQgr0zz5Luy3yhMzQd6rOzphNZJ-cl8YgWqksXV-f4AYOHF6XbcwKRGOv6CDik/s320/Seattle+079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721305526081527106" /></a>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-87659565447557506112011-07-18T21:10:00.000-07:002011-09-10T21:42:34.267-07:00Turtle BayWe were lucky enough to get to take a trip to Washington this summer. My Aunt and BFF was getting married. The drive is long, like 15 hours, So knowing I had all the little ones to entertain I planned a few stops. <div><br /></div><div>Turtle bay is in Redding, CA. There are outdoor exhibits like the Paul Bunion Forest Camp and the walk through aviary with beautiful Lories.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_4ixHT9yCpG3WLJZ-eI3XEbWuNx3Y92X6E_7uAraNOG7col6GIifPc0vlTYE9_C814shxv9QbN2A_J4BSpO8RDXsinh9vjpJS9J4aX5-Ekp1qelztz_bzVQaPFfqcSm2IS2uxCoGsVw/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_4ixHT9yCpG3WLJZ-eI3XEbWuNx3Y92X6E_7uAraNOG7col6GIifPc0vlTYE9_C814shxv9QbN2A_J4BSpO8RDXsinh9vjpJS9J4aX5-Ekp1qelztz_bzVQaPFfqcSm2IS2uxCoGsVw/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650953308678261250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckgrAkwKZoJxld5GxQanRyMGNtD_CHxpJNIwEypuJa4Ei6ZfJqPEWEMUsgEDh25fmpOmZTISz4vLn5Q8OV_u2RON1HviTyh1uxQRZLDgyG7oqHA2iGs1IxUQpCATa-wxVbQ-pVwM1GCo/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckgrAkwKZoJxld5GxQanRyMGNtD_CHxpJNIwEypuJa4Ei6ZfJqPEWEMUsgEDh25fmpOmZTISz4vLn5Q8OV_u2RON1HviTyh1uxQRZLDgyG7oqHA2iGs1IxUQpCATa-wxVbQ-pVwM1GCo/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650953304213802098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArYHYe_g_nSGRGkhcJVp5nQUDZ3enaHc3ptbP9hZ8ElUw8W7fHBz328mD2ty53aHZrfqWtQC7WVg770z2XphM72gtScKMMOyNvx27MFerZ_1Y-WZVq6k56wafe_pITuYsVP-1NwVMAwE/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+197.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArYHYe_g_nSGRGkhcJVp5nQUDZ3enaHc3ptbP9hZ8ElUw8W7fHBz328mD2ty53aHZrfqWtQC7WVg770z2XphM72gtScKMMOyNvx27MFerZ_1Y-WZVq6k56wafe_pITuYsVP-1NwVMAwE/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650953299865434354" /></a>They give you a cup of nectar and the birds land right on you. Ava was a magnet and had about 7 on her at one point. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is also an indoor museum with interactive exhibits like underwater fish viewing, a tree situated on a glass floor so you can see the whole root system, and historic recreations of the Sacramento Valley. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSgr4EvDLNAfHBuwD5YUQikzbmpfsZJrWCzSQHbQJWuK3ZBK4IdfjFJd5xfLqDiZ_f5qmrYHd2s7yDBPYV9ulpqNKulArivDXzEDhgw_B1blNBSKcXhFciMkgOXRV7Mxr97XrDUQhUZY/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+237.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSgr4EvDLNAfHBuwD5YUQikzbmpfsZJrWCzSQHbQJWuK3ZBK4IdfjFJd5xfLqDiZ_f5qmrYHd2s7yDBPYV9ulpqNKulArivDXzEDhgw_B1blNBSKcXhFciMkgOXRV7Mxr97XrDUQhUZY/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+237.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650953317884429698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtYtXm_Ex7-g5YQzVF-GxVDvQIgsbi6dqObaHnLAaaG8JjDuuWBPGKRbsOZVd2efh-sU1UJFJTGEsbH4PsgcC_rk4WtCRHVYygrCQEKhfDCNYle-l8rSLrYUb6knamF3h-KLLyMablTI/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+236.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtYtXm_Ex7-g5YQzVF-GxVDvQIgsbi6dqObaHnLAaaG8JjDuuWBPGKRbsOZVd2efh-sU1UJFJTGEsbH4PsgcC_rk4WtCRHVYygrCQEKhfDCNYle-l8rSLrYUb6knamF3h-KLLyMablTI/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+236.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650953314109859554" /></a><br /></div><div>While we visited they also has a visiting exhibit called Grossology. What can I say about Grossology? It was gross and the kids LOVED it! There were exhibits and games about boogers, gas, burping, there was a life sized operation game and the best part? A climbing area where you scaled the esophagus, traveled the digestive system and slid out the anus. I kid you not. I couldn't make this stuff up. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClAGcQhBMgi1lSXWpi2bGPBr1nfk3F1UMgP6tAoT-3gWxNp2HrKkmjItiwd60FkzrIejRsPBqIXYL_y_nRR8Go9KbNbjBxLW_RokJrFeREGV6IGuhK2kbnwe_3Co5RMi5EDrw4GzebqY/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+254.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClAGcQhBMgi1lSXWpi2bGPBr1nfk3F1UMgP6tAoT-3gWxNp2HrKkmjItiwd60FkzrIejRsPBqIXYL_y_nRR8Go9KbNbjBxLW_RokJrFeREGV6IGuhK2kbnwe_3Co5RMi5EDrw4GzebqY/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650955165595052386" /></a>Owen is building a burp.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhpLHO3cLpu697K85lRKZiTwJLqN7lXEvKcp6haC80_iFWeIn8xDZqcidHET_I3TcITfDo46Pudum1vAeYXJOv72WM6PcPlpnamOG_d_VQTb0Y1m42FL1Dthz_qNrKgT5n4M-f_xmqSU/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhpLHO3cLpu697K85lRKZiTwJLqN7lXEvKcp6haC80_iFWeIn8xDZqcidHET_I3TcITfDo46Pudum1vAeYXJOv72WM6PcPlpnamOG_d_VQTb0Y1m42FL1Dthz_qNrKgT5n4M-f_xmqSU/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650955170989338018" /></a>Shooting boogers<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdmDPoeDM_Bu3pXWBuZye_41QUoU4u_Xw0EZJUmlX_zRmz_C2ny49KBp2tolj1U4TZYB-d3rfTF_xX7D1znyH5Pnhak7YtqmKqPeophw9ZjaBIIq9T089iIJGiKc2EohWOp80JR7OjYs/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+265.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdmDPoeDM_Bu3pXWBuZye_41QUoU4u_Xw0EZJUmlX_zRmz_C2ny49KBp2tolj1U4TZYB-d3rfTF_xX7D1znyH5Pnhak7YtqmKqPeophw9ZjaBIIq9T089iIJGiKc2EohWOp80JR7OjYs/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650955174393299234" /></a>Jacob chasing Anna through the stomach and sliding out the anus!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTypgHgpQYjGD_FdsLFM3N5n9dJxeqBmlxOmPzRjur9FNmx58Nu3H_RjasfKZTAMdDbg5BdOUlIpNXhLkvv0wmRGyyMLdNW783r8mEi37vw2cnsAe4Vfz6KFOPZUXwXUKaFgwdbSbh0a8/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTypgHgpQYjGD_FdsLFM3N5n9dJxeqBmlxOmPzRjur9FNmx58Nu3H_RjasfKZTAMdDbg5BdOUlIpNXhLkvv0wmRGyyMLdNW783r8mEi37vw2cnsAe4Vfz6KFOPZUXwXUKaFgwdbSbh0a8/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650955174818313362" /></a><div>As you got ready to leave there was one last stop. The identify the smell station! WOW! As you can see the kids were horrified. They were so traumatized they played with it for 15 minutes!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kYkUZiqVmaq28jpx29ZmAeO4vCkaC_ix2T5yFK2Nj_MUSEjvAIXTJyoOjNAPl97d2hJI7jg9I1OoYhJIX-4zSPy7iKRL7gAoNY3TCGfbgWgVeCYzLIr-cTdD-JjablobYNN8TuKuNU4/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kYkUZiqVmaq28jpx29ZmAeO4vCkaC_ix2T5yFK2Nj_MUSEjvAIXTJyoOjNAPl97d2hJI7jg9I1OoYhJIX-4zSPy7iKRL7gAoNY3TCGfbgWgVeCYzLIr-cTdD-JjablobYNN8TuKuNU4/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650955177272667362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wg_Wxu1u2-gg8JllDooCh_23-IhqkmwDmsVM-L2r_58tU4YyE-fZx_kEk5gaMHdfRlSCPUMBT7QM34N2y1zHsQ6M1ElmIa8AGPBI8mLi-fBwH6edwWdCZTONj1lCSSwyy7r1Cx6Dzy0/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wg_Wxu1u2-gg8JllDooCh_23-IhqkmwDmsVM-L2r_58tU4YyE-fZx_kEk5gaMHdfRlSCPUMBT7QM34N2y1zHsQ6M1ElmIa8AGPBI8mLi-fBwH6edwWdCZTONj1lCSSwyy7r1Cx6Dzy0/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650956284571359522" /></a></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-54904824758376947682011-07-08T21:20:00.000-07:002011-09-10T07:37:26.518-07:00Summer Fun<div>Winter seems endless here. I think it is because everything goes dormant and turns brown. The lack of color is hard to deal with after 4 months. Trudging out to break up frozen water troughs and hauling buckets when the water lines freeze does nothing to help either. I look so forward to Spring. I plan gardens, buy seeds, tend to my frozen boxes and wait. I look for every sign Spring might be around the corner. I start seeds in my kitchen window in eager anticipation of warmer days and tilling the soil.<br /><br />Sadly, this year spring was frigid. Snow does not count as spring in my opinion. My starters, started and wilted on my sink. Buds formed on trees and promptly froze. There was no garden for me. We also ended up a few hard births, a parasite problem from all the wetness and bottle babies due to the freezing weather and mom's who were not being vigilant enough. So spring went from a celebration of new life and a time of recovery from the long hard days of winter, to dealing with sick and dying animals and a lot of hard work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8xscVYS1Aec-Ofb1nB-kRhgu6DE5qEELI4DdhDG2CXv8RCWKaoLBg1rsRCd0RJpBFloFlyUfvFGmIIleRzN7uZx4Ti0xazBej4mGj9IjhfykHoECI5a_Wznv9B2B65FZ1usDq6GmDo/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650216213802633666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8xscVYS1Aec-Ofb1nB-kRhgu6DE5qEELI4DdhDG2CXv8RCWKaoLBg1rsRCd0RJpBFloFlyUfvFGmIIleRzN7uZx4Ti0xazBej4mGj9IjhfykHoECI5a_Wznv9B2B65FZ1usDq6GmDo/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+049.JPG" /></a>Summer was just what we needed. Pastures coming alive means less hauling of hay. Dry heat kills the parasites and helps the babies grow strong. Hoses that work mean no buckets to haul...YES!<br /><br />We kicked off the summer with the annual trip to Tahoe to the family reunion. It was a smaller showing this year but that gave us more time with those who made it. My number one priority is sucking up as much time as possible with my Grandparents. They have been a rock in my life. I do not have any idea where I would be without those two amazing people. My Papa wrote a book over the last few years. "World War II Recollections Of Clarence A. Burton," was ready and my copy was waiting in Tahoe. As always a trip with family makes a summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqTDN3HHYyC5odSyIp1JWzsqh5XzP_cpZpsB2padBvRtpQkhXx-MI7g5lyEaV94AWcwJMIE_M4EIgO_jhMbEvx0VPWA3syA09BHuUJSFnKLk0zUGe5mar8wNUTVZG4hu02ooBCNhbNHU/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650216203904286818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqTDN3HHYyC5odSyIp1JWzsqh5XzP_cpZpsB2padBvRtpQkhXx-MI7g5lyEaV94AWcwJMIE_M4EIgO_jhMbEvx0VPWA3syA09BHuUJSFnKLk0zUGe5mar8wNUTVZG4hu02ooBCNhbNHU/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+126.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6aPtjkZNHnRc_H79uAo7vRN8IzR29PS9-DWEjvhuv29QSUN7KlYf9_tDDyEa48ZoHP4Tn7H0vFTKNLYlxdgglHnDL9FMMsu5Y1To64uHi4FPfdxX2ZWRjgmmBIIADYkjZ7RR68L0N_k/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650218380547424018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6aPtjkZNHnRc_H79uAo7vRN8IzR29PS9-DWEjvhuv29QSUN7KlYf9_tDDyEa48ZoHP4Tn7H0vFTKNLYlxdgglHnDL9FMMsu5Y1To64uHi4FPfdxX2ZWRjgmmBIIADYkjZ7RR68L0N_k/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+127.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HyMY3sIDqwVCKbx83qc_uVlS8PQYAnNBqp7EBaj5jq-rsYwaf430PZyKQCs-JI_rasTpnS2VhWxKei9z-dGNRQIA6dg0p9YvI_eR8rl3dRnO3oW4AETuV9KzcdMNLmCr4foFkWssMVY/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650220523978781874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HyMY3sIDqwVCKbx83qc_uVlS8PQYAnNBqp7EBaj5jq-rsYwaf430PZyKQCs-JI_rasTpnS2VhWxKei9z-dGNRQIA6dg0p9YvI_eR8rl3dRnO3oW4AETuV9KzcdMNLmCr4foFkWssMVY/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+170.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnS4e3pqcAc9qq4o_h1-IW0ay78TKk6jVdrVtYtybn2f_2wNxkWZTFxK99kBkMVr7zR9jzyTElslcUraX4gpFCYvU7vYsLFZO3PEPqE1PbwLnCOvqr6hEypO__C0zNJuKYwfr19lscwc/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650218375802721618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnS4e3pqcAc9qq4o_h1-IW0ay78TKk6jVdrVtYtybn2f_2wNxkWZTFxK99kBkMVr7zR9jzyTElslcUraX4gpFCYvU7vYsLFZO3PEPqE1PbwLnCOvqr6hEypO__C0zNJuKYwfr19lscwc/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+185.JPG" /></a>Plus spending time with people who have to love you no matter what is awesome!</div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-50185393123493074482011-05-15T08:43:00.000-07:002011-09-10T08:05:09.892-07:00Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!There are times in life when you look back and wonder where the days have gone. It seems like just yesterday I was holding a brand new baby in my arms. I cannot believe she is 1! I try to remind myself when the kids are sick, or won't sleep through the night, or are in a fussy phase, those things are just a season of life and bring opportunities for bonding and growth just like the fun times. Not so long ago I was wishing she would sleep through the night. Now I miss the cuddling as she speeds busily through the house.<br /><br />Today as we celebrate her first birthday I am amazed by this little girl. Anna is sweet and the first one to worry and kiss a hurt or frustrated sibling. She is the family clown always trying to get a smile or laugh. She is busy as a bee but never to busy to get a quick hug. Of course she is also the smartest 1 year old I know. She has new words every day and can say a few sentences. She loves to dance! I adore her. She brings joy to my every moment. I am so blessed to be her mommy.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUfIoJZVNYU2ws9n8H220uRSGy-3pvYk8ZcEdNyfaLgC_goeoJ7IusTKPQ_fAxIJWNkJEC2xRq8oNqtd31oy2VZ3OE1jYtExhC_UeY1umlXfm308-WWg1aZpYJvEPjcvwtR_qbhDncgc/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUfIoJZVNYU2ws9n8H220uRSGy-3pvYk8ZcEdNyfaLgC_goeoJ7IusTKPQ_fAxIJWNkJEC2xRq8oNqtd31oy2VZ3OE1jYtExhC_UeY1umlXfm308-WWg1aZpYJvEPjcvwtR_qbhDncgc/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650743087058256322" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT3StlvqXnnIft6PWH6DhkO9u0WJtMMVRA8nr5BnLCRhEIKKmB_KGfr4E71wWeYonLv-K8W2jrj0xoMpbn3FhfF9X6cuotl_pgoeZdz2q2w03KQuRuvcZ6_u7AUYUKEMFxUPO8Q1MaUM/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+059.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT3StlvqXnnIft6PWH6DhkO9u0WJtMMVRA8nr5BnLCRhEIKKmB_KGfr4E71wWeYonLv-K8W2jrj0xoMpbn3FhfF9X6cuotl_pgoeZdz2q2w03KQuRuvcZ6_u7AUYUKEMFxUPO8Q1MaUM/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650743094973038754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_x12yV0LHn6RQEw9A2UZKrzP996ip_gA-RweiRnbVmxWa8KqiVvzdP5_SbH5DQja3kS_SKr2YAl1KbrG-u43XhxTqIuRq05YvFKhwb-51naeaLKBi97zjeimp39gbvrYvLNprSGPPnA/s1600/last+days+of+summer+2011+061.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_x12yV0LHn6RQEw9A2UZKrzP996ip_gA-RweiRnbVmxWa8KqiVvzdP5_SbH5DQja3kS_SKr2YAl1KbrG-u43XhxTqIuRq05YvFKhwb-51naeaLKBi97zjeimp39gbvrYvLNprSGPPnA/s320/last+days+of+summer+2011+061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650743091097415954" /></a>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-90931473255712908652011-05-10T20:51:00.000-07:002011-09-10T08:08:06.807-07:00Our 4H AdventureThis year was our first adventure into 4H. Jacob, Sarah and Wyatt were all itching to get a shot at raising <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> own animals. Sarah was not thrilled with the idea of "harvesting" her project animal so she chose to go into a dairy project. I got so incredibly lucky to find Linda Miller as a club leader. I don't even know how to describe Linda and Ken but if I could adopt grandparents for my kids they would be the ones. Linda welcomed us into her club, "Merry Milkers", and was happy to have all the little ones there as well. She went so far above and beyond for Sarah. She found her an old milking stand to restore. Allowed her to purchase a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">doeling</span> she wasn't even planning on selling and gave Sarah a adult rescue goat so she would have a chance to breed. She taught the kids how to shave the dairy goats, do basic care and how to show. Sarah had a wonderful time. We both love goats but Sarah enjoyed having her own herd.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYniv6oXP-_WBdJNSH-zmrOqdqpfE1Ox6yTdb5IQQHTdN3gyowODnMkZj6WqFBR8Km2cFg61QnEVI7ZyIDU-oW5bFNLJ7xDKZeZIJ91L67KJW7A4uR7EJdxvDv8uiZGd5m8YsxrrRGcc/s1600/spring+2011+144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647617390076666402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYniv6oXP-_WBdJNSH-zmrOqdqpfE1Ox6yTdb5IQQHTdN3gyowODnMkZj6WqFBR8Km2cFg61QnEVI7ZyIDU-oW5bFNLJ7xDKZeZIJ91L67KJW7A4uR7EJdxvDv8uiZGd5m8YsxrrRGcc/s320/spring+2011+144.JPG" /></a> At our first goat meeting with Linda we discovered she also used to have a hog club. At our peaked <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interest</span>, she mentioned her neighbor's teen was interested as well. After a quick call our two families formed "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sizzlin</span>' Swine." Sarah instantly forgot her objections to the harvest and asked for a piglet for her birthday. Again we were blessed Linda helped us find piglets that were in our price range even though it was late in season. Our club members were awesome. A family of helpers and doers. They blessed us extra <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">equipment. They</span> came to weigh our pigs several times and twice, once in deep snow, trailered our pigs to required events. We had such an amazing 4h year. We looked forward to the meetings all season and I looked forward to my emerging young people to be exposed to all these well spoken, well mannered, loving teens. Linda, Ken and all the 4h families in our club's quickly became not just a club but friends.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJt8MNPHCyQxpdr3r9kJk8sBkE6b4dcJVhEr1W6GqXtzlo1zP_VxI05STt5wNhDgh52nxWzihXZ9JwhikHWSZ_cuA35HGsRJlPsCSCuBIp13PBeBC9folxPWB69ym8qWOalIHyZx0oYUU/s1600/winter+516.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647617385999433186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJt8MNPHCyQxpdr3r9kJk8sBkE6b4dcJVhEr1W6GqXtzlo1zP_VxI05STt5wNhDgh52nxWzihXZ9JwhikHWSZ_cuA35HGsRJlPsCSCuBIp13PBeBC9folxPWB69ym8qWOalIHyZx0oYUU/s320/winter+516.JPG" /></a>Our Nevada State Fair was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">canceled</span> due to the economy so Sarah never got a chance to show her goats and compete with her club. She got to show her goats alone at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">NJLS</span> but with no competition it was awkward. We were grateful she had chosen to participate in the swine club. The kids did wonderfully for first year participants. I was so proud of them. All three of the kids showed good composure and skill. They worked hard all year and even harder the week of show. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">NJLS</span> is tough competition and the kids handled it with grace. They got up early, kept good attitudes and did the work with a smile.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6ur5wYLEpUJowaPOywb419wfbVHoYriBueZrXzMMUL0q_2_uKFTM3qqH_YAGBX8p6NO9AKCm15yb_2npAQYlGMu0AAui7np_WFTlp1xQufldaFuzQZ6xAZTYO_cayyg2k_nH3EHo868/s1600/4H+021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647623897015356626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6ur5wYLEpUJowaPOywb419wfbVHoYriBueZrXzMMUL0q_2_uKFTM3qqH_YAGBX8p6NO9AKCm15yb_2npAQYlGMu0AAui7np_WFTlp1xQufldaFuzQZ6xAZTYO_cayyg2k_nH3EHo868/s320/4H+021.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK11HupxjPu7pIg1kPFaKuvXQPVKlOZqKO57Vb0oAteGA3vtS2uSEErglm0-VO0rg28ieeBag7v7rWNJ_hamEoDlgQGeaKECXS5JpBjdVSo5ihZMjEEttLT2oA9v6DP7sZaGo_M9cWtW0/s1600/4H+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647623893582342642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK11HupxjPu7pIg1kPFaKuvXQPVKlOZqKO57Vb0oAteGA3vtS2uSEErglm0-VO0rg28ieeBag7v7rWNJ_hamEoDlgQGeaKECXS5JpBjdVSo5ihZMjEEttLT2oA9v6DP7sZaGo_M9cWtW0/" /></a><br />They all ended up with ribbons and Sarah even got to participate int he Round <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Robin</span>, which is a showing show off, so to speak.<br /><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647619650933699922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFOsagFSRqTB4vr0ULw3Yv4_t8sEFvH17ohujjCiAH1oFwGMPqOMaCLJVp3kT9EH9qWJb5dAIzICPxee-L1sMPzS6mC951UCmQsJtlsq_3dpEm5gWS9ICjuhdqEKMdJOH9K25JF7rQ30/s320/4H+038.JPG" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_sM99rb1fclGY73scCT_jQX_6DMVzniv0RwOxIAU8JKuJz7UODLidEaImsf2bZ3pYbMr6_FElzuDodjVW8Q04BlgOFr93hiN4p8YeYl1G33c6Z_gqThxixFk5mwXjpbpDTiNyVqAa4U/s1600/4H+070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647619648670566466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_sM99rb1fclGY73scCT_jQX_6DMVzniv0RwOxIAU8JKuJz7UODLidEaImsf2bZ3pYbMr6_FElzuDodjVW8Q04BlgOFr93hiN4p8YeYl1G33c6Z_gqThxixFk5mwXjpbpDTiNyVqAa4U/s320/4H+070.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8lgYTry3Ar55fNBonLDboOs_WTySuw1Eb6htS_NK1DV5INAhhtD9ePxLHTRrs2nh_EiVyTVuKs0rbjUENszeHF95EcNmnJouRb6NUA5pb5iUDb-Fj6hEmsfnARUZPbrhaHHlKKggPc/s1600/4H+047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647619643487879234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8lgYTry3Ar55fNBonLDboOs_WTySuw1Eb6htS_NK1DV5INAhhtD9ePxLHTRrs2nh_EiVyTVuKs0rbjUENszeHF95EcNmnJouRb6NUA5pb5iUDb-Fj6hEmsfnARUZPbrhaHHlKKggPc/s320/4H+047.JPG" /></a> We can't wait for next year!FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-55903728716155152362011-04-02T18:17:00.000-07:002011-09-10T07:38:48.797-07:00Command Central2011 has been a tough year. Not just for our family but many who are close to us. Financial strain, losing cars, homes and businesses. Death, miscarriage, illnesses and horrible truths beyond comprehension. It seems like not one person I know has not been touched by tragedy this year.<br /><br />Our family has had it's share of trials. Things I never thought we would have to face. It is hard during those times to see the positive. It is hard to see the meaning in what we are all going through. I have found myself trying to find God in all of this sadness. Lucky for me God spoke right to my heart on several occasions. Sometimes I think he must feel like Bill Engvall, "here's your sign."<br /><br />We had so many strangers reach out to us even before we knew we needed it. Friends rallied around me in my times of weakness. We found a new church home that has been amazing for my kids. As many wonderful things have happened as bad, the bad just seem to call more attention.<br /><br />In all of the stresses of the year I have found myself struggling to manage my time. Seven kids, a homeschool, a home and a farm overwhelmed me into periods where I could not dig myself out. Where I seamlessly managed things in the past I was drowning now.<br /><br />It was time to get some control. I had watched friends and fellow bloggers try programs, binders, chore charts, etc, but they all seemed like just as much work as they were help and anytime I had tried to implement one in the past I quit because it wasn't a good fit. Or the program was so time consuming I never got around to actually doing the tasks I had organized.<br /><br />I decided to start with our daily time management. I had actually ordered the Maxwell's books a long time ago with the intention of getting more organized but putting it into action seemed daunting. "Managers Of Their Homes" is a wonderful book. The basic idea is to schedule out the entire day of each person in your family. They provide all the worksheets and the final poster for this. In the end the time it took to make the schedule and the chart was well worth it. I used Velcro to hold the time tabs onto each slot so I could change and rearrange without the tabs falling off all the time. The tabs are color coded which worked well for us because we already have assigned colors for homeschool. The program is a wonderful fit for me because I change things often and with very little effort I can adjust my schedule if I need to. It also makes it very clear when I have to say no to the things that inevitably come up. If you want to learn more about The Maxwell's ministry click <span style="color:#333399;"><em><a href="http://www.titus2.com/">here</a></em></span>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO-e5IsaLdE9EANAHVa6uYADry1hYwg7x6IbObAycC_kFj5XKfrAsaiqVzyVi3_sE6SjHWSWn_zXHCC5fqdPLg_m9Jd5zQvFLoMBq4MwM6M08vtTUtffGyRHLzflxaQ76YBQ6YSg4hXU/s1600/fun+stuff+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647975570919019394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO-e5IsaLdE9EANAHVa6uYADry1hYwg7x6IbObAycC_kFj5XKfrAsaiqVzyVi3_sE6SjHWSWn_zXHCC5fqdPLg_m9Jd5zQvFLoMBq4MwM6M08vtTUtffGyRHLzflxaQ76YBQ6YSg4hXU/s320/fun+stuff+020.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Knowing what needed doing was one thing but getting it done was another. I was tired of riding the kids to get anything completed. With so many pre-readers and a son who has difficulty with self control I knew we needed something special. Having just started doing workboxes I knew the tag system worked well for my kids so I decided on a tag system chore chart. Ours are color coded of course and are scheduled morning and evening and weekend. I know there are many versions like these floating around out there but I had to make my own. Living on a farm we have chores like feed turkeys and haul wood that just don't come in the common array.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmgzqejfP8xf3MT6689kig1lWCbh-p9C6UoKU9TBxajkFp3d6fPijTj5_IOf2826tJROB8Ss41D15PbrLEppb2dkcM-HE_qMqY7ZjP87qXGxpVsRhLEpcAMYwx0BsxcbDqGDsPOBArGg/s1600/fun+stuff+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647975580092141938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmgzqejfP8xf3MT6689kig1lWCbh-p9C6UoKU9TBxajkFp3d6fPijTj5_IOf2826tJROB8Ss41D15PbrLEppb2dkcM-HE_qMqY7ZjP87qXGxpVsRhLEpcAMYwx0BsxcbDqGDsPOBArGg/s320/fun+stuff+016.JPG" /></a> I have literally hundreds of tags. I found this storage box at Michael's. It divides them up perfect and makes it so easy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvt8UwVE_lBQw1etkVy2Sp1n4YoAoiXZzqFzsEQ87iHnWF6WbkS16QZ2FoqPQmLmDci5FloLLUB3A44ag2VL4IpIWrjiwz6n0j8H5cdY_Kl0FwkzFzIxgTQcO-iAUIHLm3BwfkAdrN4s/s1600/fun+stuff+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647975585121507858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvt8UwVE_lBQw1etkVy2Sp1n4YoAoiXZzqFzsEQ87iHnWF6WbkS16QZ2FoqPQmLmDci5FloLLUB3A44ag2VL4IpIWrjiwz6n0j8H5cdY_Kl0FwkzFzIxgTQcO-iAUIHLm3BwfkAdrN4s/s320/fun+stuff+014.JPG" /></a> So here is command central in action.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpRNh26lV6eENJxIaaE1Npq9WhbPkl9Lpt12v4r1HJGLfriktVZPAUb88jbJVnVtFX44MNId_2YWHUSZEYoEUZ7-EilpESwfd81oZcQhSrKD_vUHPy41Ilx97mm6e16lKPLNExFplEA8/s1600/fun+stuff+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647975588243205570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpRNh26lV6eENJxIaaE1Npq9WhbPkl9Lpt12v4r1HJGLfriktVZPAUb88jbJVnVtFX44MNId_2YWHUSZEYoEUZ7-EilpESwfd81oZcQhSrKD_vUHPy41Ilx97mm6e16lKPLNExFplEA8/s320/fun+stuff+018.JPG" /></a>I also post a series of charts from <span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.doorposts.com/">Doorposts</a></span>. The "Blessings" chart is helpful in recognizing and encouraging Godly behavior in our children. The "If-Then" chart provides consistent Bible based discipline and consequences that are lined out in advance. The "Brother Offended" chart helps the kids remember the steps to resolve conflict. The "Go-To-The-Ant" chart is my personal favorite because it is a character quality chart and let's face it who couldn't use a little help remembering how important character is. We also have a calendar of outside activities and monthly menu. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It might seem overwhelming looking at it all but really a small amount of time and planning has taken all the guesswork out of daily life. There is a real sense of peace in knowing that no matter the unexpected we can count on our days and months having a routine and schedule. Just knowing what is for dinner and that the ingredients are in the cabinet is huge! Knowing if one of the kids lies to me I pull the tab and the consequence is lined out is a big thing. Knowing that I can get it all done because it is there in writing for me to see is liberating. I can let go and let God. That stability makes life's ups and downs more manageable. <br /><br /></div></div></div>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-18703701243093473902011-03-12T22:00:00.000-08:002011-09-10T07:43:44.036-07:00Meal Planning and Food StorageI plan my meals a month in advance. I even put it down on a calendar and post it on the wall. You may be wondering why anyone would do that but the answer is really simple. I hate to cook. I have been told I am a good cook, but I don't like to do it. My menu's used to be simple and full of repeats. Dinner time would come and I would dread the inevitable "MOM, what's for dinner?" Realizing we were out of something or I forgot to defrost the meat. We ended up eating a lot of packaged food or even fast food.<br /><br />Then a couple of things happened. First, I found out I was diabetic. I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy and although I was no longer insulin dependant my tests were borderline and I needed a controlled diet. Second, the economy hit our house. Suddenly we were not sure if we would have a business or another dollar for anything including food. It was painfully obvious we were not being good stewards of the blessings God had given us. The food I had in my home would last my large family maybe a week or two. The thought of the money I had spent on convenience and that convenience could be costing me my health was humbling.<br /><br />I started a search on meal planning and eventually on food storage. I was so blessed to stumble on two blogs that changed my way of thinking and cooking forever. "Food Storage Made Easy" is a wonderful site hosted by two friends. They have a e-book about food storage and how to cook with it. You can check them out <span style="color:#ff99ff;"><a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/"><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><em>here</em></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><em>.</em> </span></span></span><span style="color:#666666;">"Everyday Food Storage" is a blog about cooking with food storage. She has step by step videos and great recipes. Check her out </span><em><a href="http://everydayfoodstorage.net/"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">here</span></span></a></em>.<br /><br />I ordered the e-book and really like it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OMvyMV0LywLKj3GPgKbLXXLjcer4GCPISjyzRex177kqhaxJ7vIu70s_kki051WjT6YLdFzFFGVE3Vc5WiLEuEi55oBGyvhPAf34wwcnnUJUT672pDVHCU64vCs62nvdT03BRG4RUBA/s1600/fun+stuff+035.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OMvyMV0LywLKj3GPgKbLXXLjcer4GCPISjyzRex177kqhaxJ7vIu70s_kki051WjT6YLdFzFFGVE3Vc5WiLEuEi55oBGyvhPAf34wwcnnUJUT672pDVHCU64vCs62nvdT03BRG4RUBA/s1600/fun+stuff+035.JPG"><br /><br /></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OMvyMV0LywLKj3GPgKbLXXLjcer4GCPISjyzRex177kqhaxJ7vIu70s_kki051WjT6YLdFzFFGVE3Vc5WiLEuEi55oBGyvhPAf34wwcnnUJUT672pDVHCU64vCs62nvdT03BRG4RUBA/s1600/fun+stuff+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648001677396117106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OMvyMV0LywLKj3GPgKbLXXLjcer4GCPISjyzRex177kqhaxJ7vIu70s_kki051WjT6YLdFzFFGVE3Vc5WiLEuEi55oBGyvhPAf34wwcnnUJUT672pDVHCU64vCs62nvdT03BRG4RUBA/s320/fun+stuff+035.JPG" /></a></p><span style="color:#666666;">The binder is a step by step guide to getting your pantry in order. They help you analyze your menu's and assemble a shopping list. From that list you develop a 3 month supply and build from there. They also talk about rotating food and making sure nothing goes bad. The ladies from both of these sites are LDS so they have food storage items available to them that I don't but I was easily able to substitute from my market. They also have a bunch of recipes that utilize the food you store. </span><br /><p><span style="color:#666666;">This has totally revolutionized the way we cook, eat and live. Everything I cook now is from scratch. Sounds hard but it isn't. That means we eat much healthier, no preservatives or additives. We eat cheaper because the bulk basics are much less expensive than the prepackaged items. I am also getting much healthier. I have lost a lot of weight without much effort and I have no issues with my blood sugar today. The other change is that I am enjoying cooking much more. In the last few months we have added about 20 new recipes and are loving the experiments, even the "gross" ones. Cooking and eating has become a family affair and my kids brag my bean cookies are better than any store brand. </span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">Today I have a full 3 month supply of food and I am working to a 6 month supply. This means if the recession were to become a depression or we had an earthquake or flood I am set to feed my family, our regular diet, for more than 3 months without a trip to the store. The farm is an advantage here because we would also have fresh dairy and meat if we needed it.</span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">I am looking forward to continuing this adventure by learning to tame my poison thumb and grow a garden, learning to can, and grinding my own grain. I think these tools are being forgotten in our society and I am finding joy in myself and in my children while we learn them together.</span></p>FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601788393045959723.post-17796599581572308142010-10-12T15:20:00.000-07:002010-10-20T20:39:49.228-07:00Fall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal8AqcV_B7dLHi3BiywdWif3LiorwcdTj161vEl0IpNsP8L0y6guEvzn8J50ZeLocxSXh1bsDyr-3qgCNJUaL-i6_EM9sp_bUN9D3Hh_xkBT1Vx2YvUVUZQ039YR1TgTVn6xDARA3CYM/s1600/fall+2010+168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal8AqcV_B7dLHi3BiywdWif3LiorwcdTj161vEl0IpNsP8L0y6guEvzn8J50ZeLocxSXh1bsDyr-3qgCNJUaL-i6_EM9sp_bUN9D3Hh_xkBT1Vx2YvUVUZQ039YR1TgTVn6xDARA3CYM/s320/fall+2010+168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530338372644218994" /></a><br /><br />Fall, like spring, is a busy time on a farm. Lots of cleaning and shoring up for winter. Building new shelters for animals and feed. Weaning our summer babies and integrating them into the herd. Selecting the new breeding lines and implementing a program. Lots to do and shorter days to get it done. <br /><br />Fall also brings our much awaited field trip to California's Apple Hill. Apple Hill is a farming community encompassing Camino and Placerville, Ca. There are approximately 50 growers in apple hill that specializes in agrotourism. From you pick orchards to vineyards to petting zoo's there really is something for everyone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAYlHisGyT-9GOyutWW9tQhDI6IzYrx0ADuoDYhbGXkCwRlZX-1jxdptK1r_r5iAz0pRIrCLlGw-_JvH6OE7SRCyyskJfpAaO8XY_AQ3Nx4E8OUHZnGZ3GhmnsHUrqPML-rAaczK09j8/s1600/fall+2010+148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAYlHisGyT-9GOyutWW9tQhDI6IzYrx0ADuoDYhbGXkCwRlZX-1jxdptK1r_r5iAz0pRIrCLlGw-_JvH6OE7SRCyyskJfpAaO8XY_AQ3Nx4E8OUHZnGZ3GhmnsHUrqPML-rAaczK09j8/s320/fall+2010+148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530338378111767538" /></a><br /><br />I think it is hysterical that although we live on a farm and have a built in petting zoo, my kids look so forward to this trip. We drive the roads between farms commenting on structures, layouts and what we could dos. Even the 3 year old gets into it.<br /><br />This year I scheduled the kids a candy making class at one of our favorite farms and the kids were thrilled. The not so thrilling part was that Apple Hill had no apples, there was a late frost. My kids took to calling it appleless hill as the day went on. We refused to be let down and chose to pick our pumpkins out instead. We also pet some animals, talked shop wit a few farmers and toured our old favorite farms. It was a great day despite the appleless situation. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXwygDs1yxms6eda6kZrVxKfnMkiax1zdpi6NHt7RMFQ0LPH8JD01LT4MUqIAu8xXS0paVni54ykwrsVb2pkhPYw5Vlwl45VKMi0Z2E-yDYssblPf2kSUg2KUx7fXkNWxX_wQ3ma6E68/s1600/fall+2010+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXwygDs1yxms6eda6kZrVxKfnMkiax1zdpi6NHt7RMFQ0LPH8JD01LT4MUqIAu8xXS0paVni54ykwrsVb2pkhPYw5Vlwl45VKMi0Z2E-yDYssblPf2kSUg2KUx7fXkNWxX_wQ3ma6E68/s320/fall+2010+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527349644234836290" /></a><br /><br />We did notice that a lot of the farms were for sale, even some of the oldest and best. It was a sad thing to see. A mix of age, economy, taxes, regulations and weather have been too much for these small farmers to bare. I am hopefull like minded families will come in and continue the tradition.FargoFarmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12826012429153786235noreply@blogger.com0