Missing my little L....

he was just like my shadow!  the porch is so empty now!

and he sure loved all the kids! They miss him too!

Nana & Papa Time....in July

Eric and Theresa got to go to Mexico for a little R & R in July and as usual I am behind so here are some photos of the kids time here.  Remember, I forget to haul my camera around much so these are just a sampling of what we did....

 Konnor entertained us with his princess attire.  He was really strutting his stuff and showing off just a little for the camera.

 I even got some housecleaning done with all my helpers.  I can't remember what I had Kelton doing.... but I'm sure he'd remember! LOL

 And Katie got to sew for the first time! She was so proud of the tea towel she made mommy! It turned out really cute too!

 Kelton got a lego set and made his truck.  Very talented in that department and had to help with Katie's lego set too!

 Karolyn came later in the week and we did some art together! These kids are all so talented! They painted their little animals and we did some canvas work as well.

 When papa was home, Konnor was his shadow helping load trucks, drive forklifts and loved playing with L.T. Don't think L.T. minded all the attention either.

We played lots and had a great time. Probably the most fun we all had was at the Hardtner Pool. We were there for two days and by day two... everyone was swimming under the water and jumping off the side!  What great memories we made!

Tribute to a wonderful friend....Cheyenne

This past week has been a blur.... Flying home from a great trip to Minnesota to see Shawn and Carrie and family and arriving to Cheyenne in the pasture sick.  After much dispair, grief, and total anxiety, Colette and I put our friend down on Friday.... It's so hard to explain the connection with a horse unless you have experienced it... I've lost cats, dogs, colts, and horses and all are very painful, but losing a horse is like extricating a part of your body. When you ride or compete on a horse, you become ONE with the equine. Again, its hard to explain because you rely on each other for communication with your body and their body. They know your thoughts and emotions simply by how you ACT.  Cheyenne has been in our family, first with Colette and Angela and has made a name for herself all over the country. When she was at the veterinary in Buffalo, OK-- many people knew it was Cheyenne and all were concerned for her and wished her well!  Isn't that a wonderful tribute.... After she left Colette and Angela, she went to a young rider who also did well with her in rodeo bringing her all-around championships and much notoriety. Then she came to us three years ago! So here are a few of my precious memories of her that I will always cherish!

 I must interject here that Blackie is grieving as well.. he is still looking for his friend whom he took care of for 3 years since she was deaf.  Amazing animals...

 I feel so bad that Katie, Konnor and Kelton didn't get to ride Cheyenne on their last visit here for a week because of extreme heat and then rain for days. But my heart is still full with treasured memories!

These next two pictures were the last taken with Karolyn before we went to Minnesota. I'm so glad she got to go around the barrel pattern on Cheyenne.

 These pictures all show the love the kids all had for her.  She lived on this planet for 28 years and she will be dearly missed!  A good friend of mine sent me a poem and video about the Rainbow Bridge. I have never heard it before, but I'll share the link here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxqM3zpvuSo&feature=youtu.be

 Also, grab a box of tissues cause it is a real tear jerker.  Thanks Cheyenne for the love and joy you have provided in our lives.

Blast Ball starring Konnor // and Papa Planting Feed

This is a dual post so we'll start with Konnor playing blast ball this summer!  There is no shortage of entertainment when you go watch the 4 year olds play.... it is the cutest thing!  After the player hits the ball, they run to 1st base where they jump on the base.  Learning the skills for sure!  Eric is helping coach this year so it is good to see they our boys are giving back to the community after so many years of their dad coaching and doing the same for them!  Sure brings back a flood of memories when the boys played ball and we traveled all over the area.... great treasured memories!

 I love this picture of Konnor and Daddy/

 Ready to rock and roll..

 This is my favorite of Bear in the dugout.... so sweet!

 Katie and I had time for a selfie... what we don't do for entertainment....

 and then Papa got to come home and plant feed after we had .85" of rain.  The 60 had no problem getting to work.... Grandpa Guy used the drill and this tractor together when he farmed. Isn't that awesome?

 When we left home for Mulvane on Father's Day -- this is a view from our vantage point of the cloud deck below. I was so intrigued by this sight... it was absolutely the coolest thing ever.