It's ch-ch-chilly!

We've had some uncharacteristically cold weather recently - down to single digits every night. Scott ever so carefully ventured out onto the pond today and deemed that it was safe to skate on - Hooray!! The pond completely froze over once before about 18 years ago and I have pictures of Scott in his sequinned, fringed figure skating ensemble doing spins and triple axels. Hope this doesn't last too long - Scott will be looking for a Zamboni on Craigslist.

This might be a typical scene in Minnesota folks, but it's a novelty here!

Scott rented a trackhoe for a month and has put 130 hours on it. I think he dreams up new projects in the night and spends the next day completing them. I'm certain he'll shed a tear when they load it on a trailer and haul it out tomorrow.

A new entrance - I almost drive off the road looking at the improvements. My withered grasses are rootbound and will come to life in a few weeks - they don't look too perky today tho. I planted some Aspens on the backside and am nervous about their invasiveness. We don't want to be pulling them out of our drain field in a few years.

Deep in concentration - trying not to bonk his Dad on the head or knock Mr. J in the water.
Today they constructed a retaining wall in the pond using guard rail that was cut in 7 foot lengths and placed vertically in the water.

Just a little tap to get it to sink in the ground 3 feet.

The dock was used as a barge today. I get to paint the pondside of the guardrail tomorrow - sounds like a job for a prison work crew.

WOW! Double digits!

Milah had a "kid" birthday party complete with photo shoot. I discovered a photographer on Craigslist that offered to bring fun costumes to your party and then do a mini portrait session. The girls had a blast and although Milah is showing a bit more skin than is decent - I just had to share them. (Ok, Great Grandma?!) I think they had even more fun catching crawdads, salamanders, and swimming tho.

Ahhh, aren't they sweet?

Grumpy Gals

A look of surprise!

Classic Maren -

Happy 4th!

A special cake by Chef Beth - it was almost a shame to cut into this creation

I like this picture - Grandpa Weld's brother, Arnold

Grandma Patty seems to be enjoying herself

Kids, water, and sunshine - always a good combination

Great Grandma and Maren

The "Grill Team"

The more the merrier - HUH?!

Yesterday, we had 8 kids here - after we had a couple extra, a few more wasn't too bad. They played together well and we all piled in the jeep and headed to the pond . . .

Conner, with chocolate frosting facial hair

Macey

Kids and dogs go together, right?


This looks like it could be trouble


Yes, Levi still has his tonsils . . .