Two very excited girlies on the first day of soccer camp. What? Are they the same height now?
Well, with a little assistance from a soccer ball. Notice Milah's new shoes - I think she might've slept with them.
As we were getting ready for our church convention, Sten modeled for us - looks like he needs to lay off the cheetos (SHAVING has also been gently (or not so gently) recommended by his mother multiple times ahem).
What you are lookin' at here is the most costly bunch of "free" wood in the state. A friend offered me some used fence boards for FREE and I, of course, did not turn her down. Unbeknownst to us, when we left to retrieve them, one of the dually tires was low and blew out 15 miles down the road. Had to buy 2 new tires (cha-ching) and replace brake line that was wiped out (cha-ching). What a bargain! Reminds me of some friends that were given a free puppy that hurried home to swallow a rubber ball requiring emergency surgery.
I grabbed this little bench for 3$. It was one of those sales where the odor of cat and dog "business" welcomes you at first whiff. The filthy children run like orphans and you feel like bathing in instant hand sanitizer when you head back to the car. You know the scene.
A fresh coat of paint and traces of its former life have disappeared
I have an itty bitty thing for ladders. They look great as a nightstand holding books, an alarm clock, and a flashlight. Beside a front door, they are adorable with a plant, a sign of some kind (of course), and a seasonal item. This rickety ladder needed a little some shabbying, so we dry brushed it a blue/gray color. (Milah and Maren helped on this one cuz it's a quick and dirty paint job) Now this 2$ wonder is ready for it's new home.
During the process, I somehow managed to get stung in the lip, giving me a natural botox injection. Wish my full lip made me look like Angelina Jolie, but I resemble Popeye. I grabbed a Benedryl on an empty stomach which made me real loopy - not sure I would be able to walk a straight line or touch my finger to my nose at this point.
Way back when, before we were married, we went on a hot date to Fossil Oregon - another remote location. On the way, Scott pointed out this type of terrain and told me that it was evidence of "sidehill gouging". He further explained (in a very serious tone) that some cows were bred for this specific ground with the legs on one side of their body shorter than the other side to accomodate for the slope and make it easier for grazing. I was extremely skeptical, he was very convincing. Seeing these ridges (that are caused by the movement of soil downhill) always makes me snicker. By the way - I don't think it has EVER been this green in Fossil.
75 years ago, this was the rage in swimwear ... and probably worn by the ladies as they visited the pool in Cove, Oregon.
The pool and surroundings probably haven't changed much - but the swimwear sure has. The pool at Cove is worth the trip. Heated to 86 degrees, it is the perfect temp - especially on a scorching Eastern Oregon day. If you're looking for waves or 5 story slides, you won't find them. But if you want tranquil, simple, clean and relaxing - we give it 5 stars.
The kids enjoyed this "graduated" diving board. The black patch in the water is rocks where the hot springs bubble from the earth.
Burns - someone please restore this! Doug???
This friendly fella at Wallowa Lake was tame - practically allowing people to hang from his antlers.
Stopped for a (small)cone at Little Bear 
We celebrated Maren's bday way late as she wished to go to the river and we were waiting on the weather to cooperate. Lucky for her, it was her friend E's bday too. (her friend reminds me of my cousin Aleta when she was young)
Beauty and the Bark
Crawdad catch'n
Rope Swing'n
Now that hay season is FINALLY over, we can settle down to the rest of the summer. We have a partially filled barn (Sten has already sold quite a bit) and I have always longed to have a formal dinner in the barn or in the open hay field. These pics are from events that are hosted by a group called Outstanding in the Field. Check them out here. Obviously our version would be on a much smaller scale, but it would still be a kick.
A few months back, this was the scene . . . 
Flash forward a few months when we (finally) get some warmth and here sits the same chairs. We had this pergola on the deck and never really liked it there - so we transplanted the beast and it has definitely found it's rightful home. The curtains are made from canvas dropcloth (a popular fabric these days).
Just for fun, I set "the table" and we dined together
I love this fabric I grabbed (from Fabric Depot) - it is rows and rows of ruffles in a nylon type fabric. Very light, whispy, summery and romantic.
These new pants have an exciting life ahead - they are sure to come in contact with copious amounts of grease, dung, dirt, general grunge, and filth. Apparently the "old" jeans are only 6months, but have had an adventurouse life on this young chap. They can also look forward to multiple washings after being swept off the mound of clothes heaped on his floor.
Route for today:
Maren could not get enough of the farm animals - falling in love with EVERY goat/sheep/pig
She participated in a stick horse competition. Maren looked forward to this with great anticipation and her poor teenage cousin was not as thrilled.
Cleaning Stalls -
Watching the others . . .
Milah participated in 4 events - showmanship, trail, western equitation, and working rancher. Before each event, the kids are given a pattern that they must memorize and complete under the supervision of a judge. They are scored on their poise, dress, and control of their horse. Milah received 1 blue ribbon and 2 red ribbons and a white ribbon.
There was a costume competition just for fun -
After the intensity of the last few days - Milah crashed. I finally awakened her after a 3 hour nap. Notice a freaky Milah trait - from birth, she has always slept with her eyes squinted a bit open. Creepy -
Once a year, for a few weeks, this wholesale nursery is open to the public. They offer awesome deals on plants (I have bought entire flats for 1$). Time for a little confession - I actually get butterflies in my stomach on the way to this sale. Also, as it nears the end, the deals get better so you have to go several times. I've nearly had to tie the kids to the roof to get home after heaping the car with bargain perennnials. This year, the sale starts July 19th and it will run for 2-3 weeks. Maybe I'll see you there!
No this is not a "senior" picture, but it will be soon enough. Sten is turning 16 in 4 days. What happened to that little towhead in the backseat chattering about tractors and monster trucks from his perch in the carseat? A blink, a nod and a few runny noses later - he's a young man. Sten is a character with a calm and witty personality. He's a bit redneck (maybe a large percentage), part comedian, part Mr. Fix-it, and part "Good Guy." He would run through hot coals for his sisters, and is the perfect mix of "toughness" and sensitivity. He is loyal, fair and a hard worker. Although not crazy about school- his sharp mind, his skills, tenacity, and friendly nature will serve him well (after he escapes the penitentiary). Happy Birthday Stennie. 
The cast of characters
Many moons ago (before there was air) this was Scott's ride. A 1976 240D Mercedes. In anticipation of a need for more hay storage, he moved this out of the barn.
4th of July means peddling fireworks on behalf of the swim club. The kids always enjoy getting dressed up for the occasion.
Our Marketing Team
A slow moment allows for a quick snooze
Part of being in 4H is participating in parades. This means "hurry up get there" and then "sit around for hours". I think Ronie was ecstatic about her attire tho-way to show some spirit girls! 
