Garden Joy

After many failed attempts at gardening we finally decided to build raised grow-beds. This is our second season, and, wow, what a difference it has made! We have also found that with the garden closer to the house we have fed less wild animals and more humans. This spring and summer have been wet and mild so far, and have really been good for the garden. We hope to improve our skills over time and expand the garden.

Blackberries and Raspberries are doing great. Brenda has put up 50 pints of jam.

Controled beds make weeding and watering alot easier.

We are really looking forward to the salsa. Last year's salsa ran out just last week, so the tomatoes need to ripen soon!!!

The Crape Murtles are really pretty this year.

It's been a good spring and summer for gardening. Brenda has put up pickles, jam, and some peppers so far. Tomatoes are starting to ripen. Potatoes are ready to dig, and squash is on the table. We are looking forward to some success this year. The bees are doing well and we should see around 100lbs of honey. We've set some goals relative to production and storage and we are finding that the Lord is quick to bless our efforts.

What a surprise when Rhonda called and said that they were in Springfield, MO, and were coming down to see us. We had little time to prepare, and it's a good thing, because the more time we would have had, the more work we would have had to do to get ready. Greg, Rhonda, and family stayed the night and most of the next day. The kids played hard, Brenda and Rhonda talked...... talked..... talked, and talked some more. Kimball and Greg talked shop and enjoyed spending some relaxed time together. The girls and boys visited alot and spent some time in the band room. Ben and Stacy went for a bike ride into the Muddy Creek Game Management Area, and when they got back Ben was panting and saying that Stacy about killed him.

(don't let the girl show you up Ben) Sisters, can you tell?

Map talk, for men only.

These guys had a great time. They played hard and just didn't want to stop.

Emma enjoyed having another girl around

Beautiful girls. Ben and Ammon said, "We have cool cousins". I think that means that they are cute, and fun to be around.

Soap bubbles on the tramp make for some fun.
Yes, that's David, but it didn't result in a trip to the doctor.

I don't think Devin wants to try this one.

They played in the water and on the tramp all day. They made water rockets with the hose and soap bottles, and really had a great time.

No one wanted to go home. It was a great visit and we look forward to seeing them all again. Oh, and by the way, ya'll are invited any time, all ya'll.