Weeds, Chickens, Plums, Apples, Hay, Berries...

I went to an Herbal First Aid workshop and learned all about weeds and how to use them. It was riveting. When we moved, I was really concerned about my weeds- they were given to me by a beloved friend. Tim brought them for me and I headed out to the yard, 9 months pregnant and worked my tail off getting them planted before they died. The good thing about weeds is that they are robust, and grow really fast. I think I might plant an entire weed garden- its so easy and so rewarding ;)

 I've been making all kinds of potions and magical concoctions. The other day I was blending them in my Vitamix and the kids would pass by and look at me with a furled eyebrow and then continue on their way. I think they are getting used to my freaky green stuff now. Everytime they have any issue at all, what do I say?  "Go get the green stuff." 

Gargantuan Comfrey

My freezer is full of these... really wanted to put it on Mark's eyeball but my dad couldn't even handle the thought of it.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Never preserved so many apples in my life! We didn't even touch the crab apples

 because we were so sick of it.

If you look closely at this picture you will see a silver bowl hanging from the tree- the kids made up and apple picking system that had something to do with a hanging bowl and a butterfly net. I think Jacob was the net catcher.

There were 7 billion red, delicious plums. We picked this many on several different days. 

They were never ending.

Gramma's apples were beautiful.

I think we ended up canning over a hundred jars plus my freezer is stuffed too.

Hours of fun right there. I recommend a haystack in the backyard to anyone. The kids played and played in it. This particular game was my favorite. They made nests for themselves and even Ezra had a nest to drink his milk in. 

We found the perfect spot for a campout. We were hoping to camp with Eli's

 fam but we ran out of time.

They brought out everything they own. Games, books, homework.

We caught many a froggy in the yard.

The girls made sure there was fresh flowers on the table at all times.

All you can eat dessert.

Charlie's hands are so squishy- they make me sad for some reason. 

Sad that one day I won't be able to hold them whenever I want.

Scarlet carried on the wildflowers in the ice family tradition.

Jane has perfect daisy chain hair. I love how she's a real deal flower girl. Often I will look out the window and see her floating in the breeze with her arms outstretched, daydreaming about who knows what. She loves to do her schoolwork way up in the birch tree in our front yard. Don't ask me how she gets all her stuff up there or how she actually gets anything done.

I love this picture because 4 kids are in this tree at once- 2 on branches and 2 on swings.

 Another childhood family tradition. Duct tape nature bracelets.

This is at Grammy's house for art class. They were laying on a blanket and painting the sky. I wish I could take Grammy's class.

So fun to see cousin Brendy. The kids kept talking about how fun she is long after we were home.

Summer Sunshine

This was such fun night- almost too fun because we left with 6 crying kids wanting to sleep over :) Jenny gave a super duper FHE lesson, Eli manned the BBQ and we just enjoyed being 

with their family. These are the moments when I am filled with gratitude to live near family now.

                 

 We took the bus to Heritage Days and met Jenny and Eli, then B-lined it to the Persian tent. Ha.

 We had another fun summer night with Eli's fam. They brought over a ton of pizza and 

we got to enjoy the perfect weather with some of our favorite humans ;)

 We also got to spend of few days were the Walters. Oh how we love to see them. 

We're hoping one day they ask to move in with us.

Amber had a birthday.

Don't we look extra twin-ish here ;)

I'm not too sure how Amber feels about it, but I love when people get us mixed up. I'm so flattered.

Our kids play so happily together. When they left this last time, Charlie noted the lump he felt. We all knew what he meant.

 This is the giant nest. They crawled in and out through a little hole like mice. Scurrying and giggling the whole time.

These little friends bonded this time. L. was so sweet with baby Hazel. She even 

got her to sleep a few times.

He's Eight!

My Charlie boy. He turned eight this year and decided to be baptized. We really enjoyed doing his Baptism Prep class together. Charlie was so excited about his special day. He agonized over the program for the baptism- he wanted everyone to be there and he wanted to assign the right thing for each person. It all his planning was worth it because it turned out to be a wonderful day. Even Grandma Gail and Granddaddy and Gessie made it up here to be with us. They came for the baptism and so we blessed Hazel while they were here too. It was nice that they could see our new house too. I learned my lesson last time and made sure we got lots of pictures. Thanks to Aunt Jenny we even got a big group shot.

This is  how Hazel likes to be held, I promise. My dad can't take it- he worries her head will roll off...

My heart might crack in half if I look at these pictures too long. Seriously love this kid.