Saunders Heights

We took Arianna sightseeing while she was here. We went up Saunders Heights, which overlooks Berryville.

Lexie, Michael, and Zachary on top on Saunders Heights.

Arianna with the town of Berryville behind her.

Arianna's Week on the Farm

During her week stay with us, Arianna got to milk a goat (Mama Goat)...

...and feed a bottle baby (Patch) the milk.

Trip to New York, Part VII

The last stop on our trip was the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. We had a wonderful time! We plan to take Andrew with us next time!

Lexie with her 'pet' dinosaur.

The boys on a bridge in the gardens.

Trip to New York, Part VI

After we stayed the night at Fort Drum, we headed to Niagara Falls. We met up with my brother's family, including his mother-in-law, Sue. (One of the nicest people you will ever meet.) First, we toured the American side of the Falls. Lexie took a picture of Arianna, Michael, Zachary & I in front of the Falls.

The Canadian side of the Falls. (Much better view!)

Saying goodbye to my little brother, Joe and my beautiful sister-in-law, Stacey.

Arianna came home with us for the week.

Trip to New York, Part V

The next stop on our trip home was Fort Drum. This was the first place where Andrew was stationed in the Army. This was before I knew Andrew, back when he was infantry and a soldier in the 10th Mountain Division. I really wanted to see and be able to show the kids where Andrew had started his Army career. My Dad was with us. He had flown into Albany to drive home with us.

All of the following pictures are taken at the Headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division.

A stature of the Military Mountaineers.

My boys in front of the statue. Behind the statue is a memorial to all the 10th Mountain Division soldiers that have been killed. There is a plaque for each campaign.

My boys with a howitzer.

Trip to New York, Part IV

On our way home, we decided to make several stops. Lexie was very excited to see her best friend, Kristen. We took Kristen's family out to dinner. We had the best time! Here is a picture of Lexie and Kristen.

Here are Kristen's siblings. (Cuties!)

Michael eating pickles with Kristen.

Zachary with his 'twin', Brandy.

All the kids saying goodbye in the Walmart parking lot.

Trip to New York, Part III

While we were in New York, the kids (including my niece, Arianna) and I went to visit Grandma Elly and Grandpa Bill. We swam in their pool and ate dinner. Grandma also took the kids to see Wall-E, while I went shopping for a blouse. (A treat from my Mom.) I also took the kids to see Great Grandma. We had a nice visit with all! Here is a picture of Grandma Elly and Grandpa Bill.

And a picture of the Grandchildren sitting on their couch. I had the hardest time getting them to take decent picture.

Mama Hen and Chick

Soon after the kids and I returned from New York, we saw a hen walking around the barn yard with a chick. We're very excited! This is our first hen to hatch out a chick. The boys carry them inside every night to put them in a box in the den and carry them out in the morning at chore time. Here is a picture of the hen and chick in the yard with our Hurricane Ike debris.

Here is a picture of Mike and Zach holding the hen and chick.

Funny picture!

Well I just thought that this was a funny picture!

BB goat's (Mama goat's baby from last year) and Mama goat's behinds.
Love,
Lexie

Guineas

On the 23rd of September, my Mom, Dad and the boys got up early and went to pick up some guineas. They returned with 14 young guineas, 5 of which were "keets". (Keets are what the guinea chicks are called.) We already have one guinea. We thought she would like having other guineas to hang out with. She was raised with chickens and did not take a liking to the other guineas. Sometimes, they follow her around. She ditches them as quickly as she can. Dad thinks that she doesn't like them calling her "Grandma".
Here are the guineas in the yard.

Here are the guineas with one of our roosters and the duck.

Guineas are great watchdogs and they love to eat ticks. We love the guineas! They are amazing!
Love,
Lexie