Happy 50th!

Grandma Ricki, Joel and the boys traveled to Goldendale, WA yesterday to help Glen and Suzanne celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. For those non-family blog readers, Sue and Glen are Ricki's aunt & uncle. From what I understand the reception was fantastic, sorry I missed the festivities.

Cutting the Cake

Yum

Awwww!

Here, Here!

Sue and Ricki

50 Years!!

Sue, Ricki & Glen

Aunt Kelli made it too!

The Family
Front: Glen & Sue
Back: Nick, Kirsten, Hillary, Sarah, Leesa, Jim

Beautiful Day to Garden

Our garden has been in some serious need of sunshine and it's finally happened! I spent a few hours this morning at the garden tying up tomatoes, weeding corn and watering what our automated irrigation isn't quite reaching. A few quiet hours at the garden, enjoying this beautiful weather all on my own...heavenly! Be sure to check out the garden blog for the most recent pictures.

Skating With Ben

The boys had been asking for a while and my brother and I finally sat down and figured out a time to take them skating. Noah and Oliver were both very excited. They did great and can't wait to get back on the ice with their uncle!

Oliver was so excited that taking off the helmet to eat his apple was not an option.

Ben lacing up Noah's skates...I wonder how many skates Ben has tied.

A little instruction and encouragement for his nephew. Oliver did good and when he listened to Uncle, Ben would grab Oliver and race him around the ice. It worked for Noah and it's working for Oliver too.

Noah was a little shaky at first but got the hang of it quickly.

Just practicing getting in and out of the penalty box.

Shhh, I caught Noah helping Oliver, don't tell anyone please!

Chickens

My sister raised this batch of chickens for us. We all headed up this weekend to process the 97 (100 less a couple losses along the way) birds. My fingers are still a little sore but I have a freezer full of yummy delicious chickens to feed my family. Here are a couple of shots from the day...

Joel sharpening the knives. I bought a new knife after the last batch of chickens and I love it! I will buy 1 or 2 more before the next batch.

The birds all rounded up and locked in the brooder, easier to catch that way.

Steph and I in our matching t-shirts. Thanks mom!

My mom is punny.

John waiting on us. So after 85 chickens or so you start to get a little loopy. At one point someone said something about the "Cone of Silence," and I couldn't stop laughing. I know, I know, a silly pun indeed but come on, "Cone of Silence," is hilarious!

Tori hung out with us (instead of the crazy boys running around) and helped out. She got preferential treatment from me the rest of the day, helping pays!