A brand new year!

Watch out world! We have a new 3rd grader . . . 

5th grader . . . 

and 7th grader!

And when the big kids are away, Rachel and Mom get to play!

Lucky

Teresa adopted a kitten named Lucky this summer. He was named that by his previous owners after he survived 5 days as a tiny baby without food.  (He disappeared here for a few days, too, and returned beat up, but still alive!)

Here is Lucky with his chalk portrait by Teresa. :)

Erupting Sidewalk Chalk

When it gets to be August, it's usually time to find something new to do around here. The girls and I tried out a Pinterest activity last week, and it turned out to be a lot of fun for them, thanks to our neighbor with extra corn starch in her pantry!
My kids know that anything with baking soda and vinegar is bound to be fun!

You can find the recipe for Erupting Sidewalk Chalk here.  Enjoy!

The Golden Hour

This was our spectacular pink and purple sunset with a double rainbow on August 11.

I love the golden hour as the sun's rays highlight our pasture and fields as it sets. If only it would last a whole hour!
The rainbow and lightly falling rain made this evening absolutely perfect!

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandpa!

We celebrated my Grandpa Kallas' 90th Birthday on his actual birthday, August 6.

All 12 children and most spouses and grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance.

It was a wonderful celebration that lasted the entire weekend!