Our Trip North

We had a wonderful time on our trip north. We first visited the Rice's in Wisconsin. We enjoyed a breakfast on the farm complete with petting zoo, cow milking, barrel rides, and a turn on the John Deere. We also met up with friends and extended family. We played tennis and had several cook outs. We can't get enough of good ol' brats! Unfortunately, we brought the hot weather with us BUT fortunately we were then able to enjoy the pool. We also tried out six miles of the new bike trail. It was Eli's first time on the back of a bike. It was so nice to ride on pavement!

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After our visit in Wisconsin we headed to Southern Illinois to spend some time with the rest of the Rice clan. Elijah loved all the animals on their farm! Of all the animals the ducks were by far the most amusing. He would really like a kitty someday but I think we will wait until he understands how to be a little more gentle. We also enjoyed swimming and playing cards. We got to see Rebekah win several ribbons and a trophy for her culinary skills in a 4-H show too!

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We had a great vacation and can't wait to do it again. Maybe we'll go in the fall when it is cooler!

Summertime

Summer has found us once again and with it a change of pace.

The summer brings an end to school. The school staff put on a field day for the kids that involved water, mud, and a ranch-wide softball game. All involved had a great time and only a few sets of clothes were ruined in the mud pit (the inside of my washing machine looked like a pig sty)! The kids look forward to going to several different camps and some of them will get to visit family for a time during the summer. Please pray for safety for the youth and a new or renewed walk with Christ this summer.

In our own home, things are busy as well. Elijah continues to grow at a rapid pace. He has started to say a few words and is as busy and inquisitive as they come. He rode a horse for the first time a few weeks ago and loves animals of every kind. His all time favorite thing to do is play in water. He loves to swim, splash in the dog dish, run through the sprinkler, jump in puddles, and anything else related to water. He is a delight to us and we are so thankful for him.

Jeff recently accepted the position to be the principal/administrator of the school. He will be spending the summer rewriting the policy manual and handbook for the school as well as putting together classes and taking care of the physical needs of the school. Please pray for him as he steps into this new role. There are many changes taking place and it is an exciting time for him.

For Leigh Ann there is a perpetual list of things to be done and down here plant watering seems to be never-ending. Elijah keeps her busy and on her toes as always. They try to spend time playing with the kids on ranch, at Hidden Valley (the girls ranch) and also some of the kids from church.

We are heading north to visit Jeff's family and some friends in a week. We look forward to a little cooler weather but hope it is warm enough to swim...maybe that is asking to much.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Until next time...