HAY

One of our children's favorite Wyoming activities is playing on the bales of hay on my parent's property.

We figured since it's September, the hay would all be gone, but there were still several bales in the field.

The kids woke up early the first day we were there and begged to go down to the fields.

So off we went!

Even the littlest guy.

As you can see, it is MUCH colder in Wyoming than in Massachusetts.  Let's just say that Mommy didn't pack enough warm clothes.  Here's Elizabeth sporting one of Grandma's hats.

They climbed all over the hay bales.

Some found it easier to get up than others!

But everyone enjoyed the view from "up top".

Though little guy didn't want to stay up there very long.  I think he was cold!

They had a grand time digging tunnels in the hay.

And generally making a mess of it.  Probably not such a great idea... though Grandma and Grandpa were fine with the mess.

Andrew was the first one to the top of the hay bale and was oh so happy!

Alex looking adorable in his borrowed hat.

WYOMING

We're here in Wyoming thoroughly enjoying our time visiting with my folks.

The kids love having space to run,

climbing on the hay bales,

rolling in the tall grasses,

and climbing on the fences in their yard.

They think it is hilariously funny to have your very own gas tank in your front yard.

And this last picture is just me playing around with taking pictures at different angles.  It is a picture of my parent's house taken from the foot bridge going over the creek bed.

Hopefully I'll upload pictures of our other adventures soon.  Internet access is very limited here.

Up Up And Away

The day of our much anticipated trip finally arrived.  We packed up our bags.  What a trick I tell you!  So challenging to pack for six people for two weeks and to try to spend as little as possible on extra baggage fees.  I didn't do so well this time around!

We headed to the airport late in the day.  Nathan was so excited to go on a plane.  The only thing he remembered from our trip last summer was that the flaps on the airplane wings "go up" upon landing.  He couldn't wait to see the wings!

The other kids were more excited about our destination than the actual flights.

We arrived at our destination around 1 AM (East Coast time).  This is the view from our hotel window.

Very tired kids this morning - only six hours of sleep and no nap for Nathan.

Hanging out watching TV.

Agenda for today.... meet up with Hutch's cousin for a few hours and then head up to Laramie to see my folks.

Nathan cuteness:  Andrew was sitting in a chair at the hotel and Nathan was trying to shove Andrew out of the chair.  I spoke to Nathan and told him that he couldn't "kick Andrew out of his seat".  Nathan looked up at me with all seriousness and said, "I not kick him out, I ask him to move".

First Day Of School

Yes, It is that time of year again

Three weeks ago we embarked on our second year of home schooling.

Just like last year, the kids all put on their backpacks and headed out the door, eager to start the first day of school.

They walked down the driveway, down the street a bit, and then came back to greet their teacher!

They are lucky they don't have to wear shoes to school!

As you can see, Nathan refused to join in the group picture.

Some pictures of Andrew

Next some pictures of Elizabeth.  I love her laugh!

Alex is a ham!

And this is what Nathan thinks of picture taking!

Nathan's new haircut

Someone got a big boy haircut.  I can't believe how different he looks.

I loved his long curly hair, but lately it has been straight and unruly.

It was time! 

Daddy was happy!

These next photos are for all of you who think that Nathan is always smiling.  I keep telling you he can have tantrums with the best of them.  Here's the proof!