A Day Of Tractors.....

Can you believe that it is already the end of July? This means one thing, birthdays for the farmstead are fast approaching. So I gathered up some of the crew for a mock photo shoot last week. Afterall, prints make the most elaborate gifts.

John Deere apparel was worn, the reliable 4020 was polished and strategically placed at the edge of the corn field. With the humidity climaxing to what felt like 105 degrees that day, we still managed to get some incredible shots.

As you can see, Baby D was in his element. Now 10 months old, he is turning into quite the little driver.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

All Hail Sweet Corn....

Every year at approximately this time, we scour the sweet corn fields in search of the perfect ears. However, this year our crop was not very successful so we had to branch out and bag for donated corn. Fortunately we have generous family members who are always willing to share their lustrous produce with those in need. So yesterday, we were on a corn shucking mission! As you can see Baby D was perfectly content nibbling on succulent cob, while HH and I were blanching and cutting.

For more information on the farmsteads method for freezing corn please click HERE.

Enjoy,

Farming Fabulously

Parent & Child Aquatics

For the last two weeks Baby D and I have been attending swimming lessons! I was skeptical at first considering that he is only 10 months old, but my mind was quickly put to ease once I met our delightful swimming instructor. Her patients were exquisite, she always embraced Baby D making him feel secure in the water. She was even kind enough to bring a tractor for Baby D to play with. Because of her wonderful expertise and motivation Baby D is proud to announce that he has conquered numerous skills on his Achievement Card:

Getting Wet With Toys

Enters the Water By Lifting In

Out-Of-Water Exporation

In-Water Exploration

Exit Water By Lifting Out

Passes Easily From Instructor To Parent

Leg Action On Front

Leg Action On Back

I am already looking forward to next years Aquatics classes as by that time Baby D will be walking and talking up a storm, figuratively speaking of coarse.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Program Note: My culinary "Mojo" is now fully enabled so I will be posting recipes promptly.

The Engagement Party Of A Lifetime

Last weekend we all gathered to celebrate the engagement of these two dazzling individuals. These are our Georgian kinfolk, we do not get to mingle with them as often as we would like, so getting to spend time with them was a real treat. Hence, the whole family decided  that we needed to capture these magical moments. All of these pictures are courtsey of photographer Chele Trammell.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Haphazard Photo's In The Land Of Cheese...

These are some scattered shots that I had taken while visiting my Norwegian kinfolk.

My safety was in jeopardy trying to take this shot particular, he was fully loaded. Thank heavens the squirt gun was as big as he is, so his aim was slightly off kilter.

Innocently checking to make sure the birds had a ample amount of water, to comfortably bath.

Although destruction was minimal, Baby D's thought for sure there had to be a tractor hidden within the house some where.

Baby D casts a pure disposition, as he continued his journey for the "Yellow and Green Machines"!

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

If You Wear "Flats" In A Parade Your Feet Will Burn!

Each year Alma Center, Wisconsin celebrates their annual Strawberry Festival.

In preparation for this extravagant (using this term loosely) endeavor, our family planned according. Buy purchasing 78 bags of assorted candies and 17 cases of bottled waters to handout.

Statistics show that if you are in a parade and do not distribute the appropriate essentials, that infact you will be shunned by the crowd. So by taking precautionary measures, we decided to enlist a professional for sampling.

Once the necessities were strategically placed we were able to begin our route.

Cousin Blake did a magnificent job throwing out candy to all of the little boys and girls. Making sure that "no child was left behind" without at least 2lbs of sugar distributed to them.

As you can see these two bonding babes, leisurely sat in the wagon and attempted to see who could consume the most sugar in the less amount of time.

What state are we in again?

Yet in the end, for all of our hard work and dedication we rallyed; for we ending up getting our picture in the newspaper. Can you tell I went for style instead of comfort? Never again!

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Program Note: I could not resist to post this picture. For those of you south of Wisconsin, you may be unfimilar with the the term Uff-Da. It is equivalant to "Oh My", "Drat", Darn" or can be substituted inplace of most curse words.  Some are in disbelief when first hearing it, yet infact it is an actual word and to my surprise an actual festival. So today I double dog dare you to attempt to use Uff-da in a sentance today.

Beach Bums...

While in Wisconsin, Baby D was fortunate enough to become waterlogged on the beach with his kinfolk. He declared that the slide was "The Best Thing Ever".

The texture of sand was quite intriguing, however was not very pleasant to consume.

Notice, we started out this expedition fully clothed in bathing suits. Near the end, the youngest decided amongst themselves that it would be more relaxing to just bear their skivvies.

Look closely at these two tykes. Can you tell which one is Baby D?

Alas, here is your "Feel Good Friday Moment".

Yes, I am "that" mom!

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Excuse Miss, May I Have A Morsel?

Sharing is never easy, especially when it comes to substances that are intended to be eaten. Cousin Khloe fell pray to Baby D's desire for food intake. She was casually dinning on her breakfast of champions, when an unsuspected rival popped up along side of her highchair.

Cousin Khloe was not taken back by his presence but instead embraced Baby D's ultra-ego. Understanding that at first glance he looks extremely malnourished and feared that if Baby D would miss a meal that he would simply wither away to nothing.

So together they shared a meal amongst cousins. How lovely it is to see such contentment within their cousinly bond.

Sincerely,

Farming Fabulously

Our Northern Excursion Has Came To An End...

After a power packed week in the Northland, we have finally settled in back at the farmstead.



We had an incredible time mingling with family and friends. Not to mention all of the fantastic escapades that we embarked upon.



A day at the beach basting in the serene sunshine, throwing out candy at the "Strawberry Festival Parade", uniting with old classmate s, attending a "Stew Crew Reunion", then an ol' fashioned grill out, and a birthday of a 29 year old (I wont mention any names).



Where does the time go? It is astonishing how many different ventures you can partake in, in such a limited amount of time. I only wish that the distance between us would be less. But in the end the 389 miles of highway is well worth the drive.



Sincerely,
Farming Fabulously

Summer + Family = Vacation

Our farm family will be embarking on an amazing adventure to the Northwoods tomorrow. The bags are packed, diapers are of plenty, DVD player is primed, tires are checked, vehicle has been detailed, and most important my hair has been highlighted. Baby D and I will be hitting the road bright and early tomorrow AM, ready to escape this dratted humidity. HH will meet us up there eventually, as he is still very busy with field work. Needless to say, I will be taking a leave of absence from my beloved blog world for the next week. Upon my return I plan to dazzle you with images of our lovely little get-a-way. Our week consists of family fun and food, a 10 year class reunion, Baby D and cousins starring in a parade, carnival rides, paddle boat excursions, cave tours and much more. Until we meet again, farewell my peeps.


Sincerely,
Farming Fabulously

Catch Me If You Can....

Yes, this toe-headed munchkin is extremely sweet.



And yes, I have already trained him to pose for the camera accordingly.



And yes, his hiding spots always tend to amaze me.



But no, I would not trade him for anything.



Sincerely,
Farming Fabulously

Have A Magnificent Fathers Day Weekend,

We are preparing accordingly for HH's first Fathers Day. Baby D and I have purchased balloons, streamers, cupcakes saying "#1 Dad" and even a cut out Kansas City Chief player. We love to celebrate here at the farmstead, so going all out will never be over rated in our book.

Wishing all of you daddy's a Very Happy Fathers Day!

Sincerely,
Farming Fabulously