More Piglets!

Miss Piggy had her babies today. There are eight little spotted piglets. One is pretty small, but when we checked on then this afternoon, she seemed to be doing okay. We also moved Audrey and her babies out behind the bee barn to a field next to Miss Piggy's. We moved all the pigs to the north fields where the grass is a little greener. We are praying every day for rain to come and get this grass back in shape for all the pigs, young and old. 

Tug-o-war

Winston was playing tug-o-war with Benny tonight. They were using part of an old stuffed animal of Winston's. It sounded like it was going to rip apart. I warned him not to pull too hard, lest he go flying if if ripped. 

Reading

The kids sat down to read after supper. Maelle is reading Oliver Twist. Benny finished reading The Giver. I love that they love to read. 

Gymnastics

I watched Maelle practice gymnastics tonight. She is showing improvement in all of her events. She did a nice job on vault and was working really hard on her dismount on beam. Here is a picture of her during her dismount. She also did something called a back hip circle, but I missed it. I'm proud of all her accomplishments. 

Piglets

It has been a few days since I have been out to see the piglets. After supper Michayla and I went out to visit them. They were all out running and jumping. Audrey is very protective, she we weren't able to get too close. We watched them for a little bit and got a few pictures they are definitely growing. 

Bus Stop Sunrise

I had to leave before the kids this morning, so Michayla was on kids-to-the-bus-on-time duty. Thankfully everything went as scheduled. Benny sent me a text and this picture right before getting on the bus. It is not only a beautiful photo, but a reminder of what a responsible young man he is becoming. It came with the words "is it cool" and a pig face emoji. A reminder that he's still my little boy. 

Bath

Since it was so hot out, and since we've all been complaining for weeks how stinky Winston has become, we decided it would be a good day to give him a bath. Michayla said she would help, and Maelle joined in the fun too. Bathing Winston is easier said than done. He can't stand getting wet. We thought to fill one of his bones with peanut butter so he would stay in one place. That would have worked if we weren't, you know, giving him a bath. After a while of taking turns holding his leash and still having to chase him around, we tied it around a tree. That added some extra fun, as he kept wrapping around it, all the while we had to chase him and try not to get decapitated. After a long while, he finally relented and stood still so we could rinse off all the soap we had poured on him. When he was rinsed and dried off, he looked, felt, and most importantly, smelled, much cleaner. We will definitely be bathing him more often from now on. But don't tell him that. 

Counting Crows

It was a hot late September day. Benny had a cross country meet out at Lake Erie, and thankfully the breeze from the lake made it feel ten degrees cooler there. Afterward, Michayla brought the kids home and Chris and I headed up to DTE (aka Pine Knob) to see the Counting Crows concert. We stopped for supper and then headed to the concert. Matchbox 20 was playing too, and we were delighted to find out that, after an opening act, Counting Crows played first. This was great news because it meant we would be leaving early, beating traffic, and home before 11:00. Yes, we are old. But we had a really good time. And we were home before 11:00. 

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. We called him to say Happy Birthday. It was nice because we each got to talk with him for a little bit. Maelle thought it was creepy that I was taking a picture of her talking to him, but I just thought it was so cute listening to her end of the conversation. My dad is extremely generous and has always been there for me when I needed something. He has always encouraged me in everything I've done. He is a very special person. I'm so glad he's my dad and Gramps to my kids (and nieces and nephews). Happy birthday, Dad! We love you!

Winston and Michayla

Michayla shared this picture with me today. We had already left for school. She was laying down before she had to leave. Winston came over and slowly crept up to her trying to snuggle with her to convince her to just stay home with him. I'm sure it was tempting, but she did eventually get up and go. Winston really loves her. 

Cello Practice

Benny has had three weeks of cello classes at school. I have been asking him if he ought to be practicing at home, implying that he ought to be practicing at home. Today he brought his book home and played Hot Cross Buns. It sounded pretty good. 

Everybody Helped

I had a training after school tonight, and when I called to let everyone know I was on my way Chris told me they were making supper and everyone was helping. Michayla browned the meat while Chris did chores. Then he took over when she went to take a shower. Maelle was in charge of the beans and Benny made the tortillas. By the time I got home everything was pretty much done. They had all helped. 

Little Red Car

We saw the funniest thing on our way to school this morning. As we were pulling out of our driveway, I glanced across the street at the trash that was sitting by the curb awaiting the garbage truck to come and haul it away. What I saw was this red car sitting atop the trash bag. It struck me as funny, and I mentioned to the kids that it looked like a miniature car had had a minor wreck on the side of the road. They also thought it was a peculiar sight to see. We joked about how funny it would be if we went and got it and gave it to the baby pigs. It looked like the perfect size. We laughed as we imagined them driving it around the field. The fun they would have! Now I sort of wish I would have gone and gotten that little car out of the trash. But I'm sure it was there for a good reason, and I don't make it a habit of taking people's trash, not even if it would make the perfect piglet mobile. 

Football and Birthday

Benny had his first flag football game of the season today. His team is the Seahawks. They worked really well together and pulled out a close win. Benny plays several different positions, but spends a good bit of time as Center. After his game we came home and did chores, then we went to Cousin Nathan's birthday party. It was great to see family and friends and spend time enjoying this beautiful day celebrating Nathan's 12th birthday. Happy birthday, Nathan! We hope you had a wonderful day!

Cross Country

Today was Benny's first cross country meet of the season. He ran really well. His race was 1.3 miles and his official time was 10.02. He came in twenty-ninth and earned a medal. It was a great way to start the season, and I know he will continue to improve. We are looking forward to a great cross country season. 

Little Cheer

Tonight was the Little Cheer show during halftime at the football game. Maelle was excited. She learned the cheers and the dance during practices this week. There were 120 Little Cheerers, by far the largest turnout ever for this event. This might have been Maelle's last year in Little Cheer. I'm not sure if she'll do it again next year. It was a fun event, and she enjoyed it. 

Running

Benny was playing outside with Winston. They started running up and down the space in between the fences, almost as if they were racing. Then Winston ducked under the fence to pick up an apple from under one of the trees. It was such a beautiful day and perfect evening. It's a shame this weather can't last forever. 

Bus Riders

Today was the very first day ever that Benny and Maelle rode the bus to school, so of course I had to get a picture. They also rode the bus home. As soon as they got off the bus at home, I noticed that Maelle didn't have her backpack. I yelled out to her, but the bus was already pulling away. She was upset, but it was a very easy fix with a phone call and a quick trip to the bus garage. Overall it was a great experience and they will definitely be riding the bus more often. 

Hornets Nest

There was a hornets nest in one of the trees at one of the schools. So, Michayla and I met Mr. Lew, the principal, there around sunset to take care of it. We brought bee suits and gloves. Mr. Lew brought a ladder and a bucket. Our plan was to move the nest to the woods well away from the playground. Unfortunately these girls were mean and we had to contain them as quickly and completely as possible, which is what Mr. Lew did while Michayla and I ran away screaming. Thankfully no humans were hurt during the experience, and the playground is now a safer place for the kids. 

Piglets!

I woke up this morning to a note from Chris that said Audrey, our American Guinea Hog,  had had six piglets over night. Right before we left for school the kids and I went out to see them, and there were actually eight perfect little piggies. They are really cute. Audrey seems to be doing well. Hopefully she can keep these babies growing healthy and strong. Miss Piggy, one of our Idaho Pasture Pigs, is due any day now. 

Morning Run

Michayla didn't have Cross County practice today, but she needed to go for post race day run. I told her I'd run with her. We asked Benny (and Maelle, but she declined) if he wanted to run with us too. We decided to drive into town and run at Indian Trails, Benny's favorite place to run. Benny was leading the way, since he knows these trails. Michayla stayed with me for a few minutes, but I told her she didn't have to hold herself back on my account. She took off and soon caught up with Benny. I could barely keep up with these two! Thankfully they circled back at one point near the end, where I had taken the wrong path. I either need to run more or give it up altogether. 

Farmers Market

Today I had the extreme privilege of sharing a table with Noah's Naturals at the Tecumseh Farmers Market. Noah is fifteen, the son of my friends Corey and Eddie. Noah has worked all summer to cultivate his absolutely beautiful mums. He sold over a dozen today. I was able to sell seven bottles of honey. It was a beautiful day. We are so lucky to have this growing market in our community. Next year we would like to sell at the market more often. Hopefully we will be able to. 

Pig Greeting

After school today, it was just Maelle and me because Benny had Cross County practice. When we arrived at home, I stopped at the end of the driveway and got out to check the mailbox. Maelle got out too and started walking toward the house like she and Benny often do. As soon as the pigs noticed her, they all trotted right on over to the fence to greet her. She squatted right down at the edge of the fence to say hello. 

Lunches

We are back in school mode, so I didn't take any pictures during the day. This picture is really an afterthought. Packing lunches is not my favorite chore, but it must get done. I'm proud of the fact that we are very intentional about what we send with the kids for lunch. It's not easy and nine times out of ten I'd much rather be doing something else. But the lunches are ready and in the fridge as always and lunch boxes are set out so that in the morning the kids can pack everything up and put it in their backpacks. While packing lunches is definitely a chore, it's also another reminder of how very fortunate we really are. 

Cousins

Maelle really loves having Michayla here with us. We all do! Here, Michayla is asking Maelle about her day. Maelle told her all about her day. Michayla was really impressed when Maelle told her that she had French class today. It really is so special to have this time with our wonderful niece! 

First Day of School

What a great first day of school we had! The kids were both so excited to see their friends, meet some new people, and start getting to know their teachers and their new routines. I can't wait to see what fifth grade and third grade have in store for them this year! 

Last Day of Summer

Tomorrow is the first day of a new school year. We are all so excited. Maelle is the most excited. She would have happily skipped summer vacation altogether and just kept going to school. I'm also ready to get back to work and a structured routine. It was a really great summer, though. Today we noticed that Maelle's sunflower is finally in bloom. She brought it home at the end of last school year. It lived in a cup in the sunroom for a couple of weeks until we decided it ought to be outside. We planted it in the side garden and waited for it to grow and bloom. It felt right that it would choose today to bloom. It was a fitting way to say goodbye to a beautiful summer!

Fulton County Fair

It is our tradition to visit the Fulton County Fair on Labor Day weekend. We decided to go on Sunday this year instead of Monday. We had fun looking at the animals and other attractions. The kids rode a few rides, not as many as usual. We also enjoyed lots of delicious and unhealthy Fair food. I was exhausted when we got home. It was a good day. 

Happy Birthday, Elsbeth!

Today Michayla, Benny, Maelle and I drove to Dayton to help celebrate Elsbeth's first birthday, which is next weekend. It was great to see everyone and watch Ellie open her presents and eat her first cupcake. She is so cute! I hope we get many more opportunities to spend time with her. Happy first birthday, Ellie! We love you!

Goodbye Fish Tank

We were looking to get rid of our fish tank. We were down to just one fish, a plecostomus. I offered the tank and the fish to our new biology teacher at the high school, and she was happy to have it. Win-win! Chris and I took it over to the high school today and got it set up for her. Best of all, about a month ago I bought a new piece of furniture that I thought would look perfect in place of the fish tank. It really looks great!