Washington State Show 2013

Both Hale and Zetta participated in the peewee division of the Washington State Holstein show.  The kids didn't really have any responsibilities beyond holding their calf in the show ring- though Hale indicated that he would like to be more involved with his calf next year "feeding it and stuff".

Hale really looked forward to showing his calf- and he had a lot of fun riding around the barn and fairgrounds on his bike!

Zetta loved the show because she could hang out with her favorite people (Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy, Kohl, Libby, Tyler) all at once.  She made a lot of new "friends" too.

Getting the calf ready minutes before the show.

Making sure Hale remembers what to do.

Zetta was a little nervous to be with the cows at first.  "I don't want him to get me!" she said.  We assured her that they would be nice and that Daddy would help lead it.  Hale said something like "But sometimes they get loose, Zetta!" He loves to push her buttons.

This way Zetta!  You can do it!

Hale probably teasing Zetta

Landon was planning to go in the ring with Hale, but Zetta got cold feet at the last minute (see picture below) and so Tyler switched to help Hale so that Landon could encourage Zetta. 

Don't let her get me!

Hale did really well and showed a lot of concentration and confidence in the ring.  Zetta kept her distance.  She told me after the show "I had fun pulling my cow." That explained a little bit about her form.  If Landon hadn't been there it would have been less leading/showing and more pulling/dragging.

Zetta pulling her calf.

peeking across the ring at brother

talking to the judge, or as Zetta calls him "Daddy's friend!"

This year was extra special because many of our church friends came to watch the kids.  They filled up a whole set of bleachers!  

And of course Merritt was there watching too.  Maybe next year Merritt :-)

The kids got halters for their calves and yellow ribbons.  Hale was so thrilled to tell me "The judge said that all of our calves were so beautiful WE ALL GET FIRST PLACE!" I had just been thinking it was a little lame that they didn't place the kids.  After all, I'm happy for the opportunity to teach my kids about competition- whether that means they learn how to be good losers or good winners. But his excitement about the results was so sweet- I guess I can see why they keep it "just for fun" at this age!

 Besides, the sweetest reward of all is high fives from your best friends!

Hale gets a five while Zetta refuels with chocolate milk.

Little Blessings

Though we've been in our new house for six months, I definitely don't feel completely settled.  We have some construction left to complete and I've put off completely unpacking until all of the rooms and closets are finished.  It makes me feel a little disorganized but I think a little discomfort is motivating. I know that once things slow down in the winter we can start making progress again.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the chaos of our house (and of our three kids). But as I was looking through my pictures tonight I'm reminded of the many little blessings that have come from our move.

The views from our front windows are always interesting and have made me appreciate the change of light throughout the day.  My favorite time is when the sun is low enough that our yard is shadowed but everything beyond is lit up.

This cool yellow barn that we get to live next to is pretty awesome too.

The kids and I have been holding nightly "popcorn picnics" in the front room- and they followed me out the front door the night I took these pictures. As you can tell I buy jammies too big so that they (kind of) fit for two years.  Zetta's pjs= season 1.  Hale's pjs= season 2

Merritt is still getting warmed up to the idea of going a whole night without seeing me.  At least the days are long and the light comes early.  A few weeks ago she woke me at EXACTLY the right moment for us to see the sun rise together. The sight was so beautiful and shocking that I was instantly awake and running for my camera. And then I took pictures as she was pulling my hair.

This raspberry season has been much better than last year (which is a big blessing, not a little one) and I think it's been much easier for us since we live so much closer.  One day Landon came through the door with a handful of these golden raspberries.  He was gone again before I could even get off the phone- but it's fun that he can stop in more easily.

These berries come from plants (I think we have 2 or 3 out of all the plants in our fields) that carry the recessive genes that impede the production of anthcyanin pigments.  They taste the same as the red ones. Now you know!

Thank you God for the blessing of this new home!