Iowa State Fair

Iowa State Fair

Nothing screams the fair like the butter cow!

Star Boars sand sculpture at the Culture Center.

Something every backyard should have.....at least mine!

Slides are way too much fun!

Archery 2010

Both boys are in 4-H Archery now. They enjoy using the bow and aiming for that yellow target. It is amazing how they can get 'cued' in and nail it. It is also interesting how their aim wears down as their arm wears out! It was a hot day, but they were troopers. They each enjoyed the satisfaction of hitting the yellow zone. Drew had 2 bullseye-Good job!

Nice form Jaden!

What'cha you smiling about?

Getting 'eyed' in on the target.

Jaden the Zealot!

Wasn't even thinking about it!

Catching Up

Well, life is full of rocket speed distractions....mainly the simple toils of parenthood, job, and what may be leftover for leisure. So, I will be sharing highlights of 2010. Good news? We have been enjoying life and too busy to blog! I hope that is the same problem you all are having.

Springbrook 2010

3rd Annual Tent Camping Overnight

& Breakfast in the a.m.

Sister in law Debbie with one of her many granddaughters.

Grandpa & Grandma Hoyt serving up some breakfast to

their children and their children's children.

How many dozen? I lost count.

Pork or Beef bacon? I decided Beef is better!

Jaden had an exciting time on the camp out the night before the morning grub!

So thankful we have 'Uncles and Cousins' who make time for sharing moments with these younger ones. It really is something that both my sons look forward too! Such a better choice than TV, texting, iTouch....etc.

Our First Picking

Our first yellow transparent apples.

Jaden showing us his 'big' pick.

Our favorite caramel apple pie .

Anyone else? We served up the pie!

Got French?

We LOVE this little tool that I borrowed from a dear friend...it cuts the green beans in french style. Jaden was thrilled to operate the assembly line of it. Now, I must find one of these myself....a little time consuming...but with my little helper it was great.

I attached it to my pampered chef apple peeler stand...worked like a charm.

The start of it all ~

We ended up with a gallon bag, which in turn became 8 pint of french green beans...we now have a total of 51 pints of green beans for the season...and Roge wants me to plant a late harvest? : )

Life Day 9!

What? I'm 9! Wow! I'm so excited.....

Protect and Destroy....one of Jaden's Top Secret Life Mission

Yep! Drew is gonna want to use this!

No problem....

Jaden is full of life and enjoying it at 9.

Fun Night ~ Fantastic

We moved to the school yard this year because of the forecast of thunderstorms, but we actually missed it all!!! Thank the Lord!

This is the Smiley Train that a dear friend of mine was the mastermind of engineering...(thanks George)...it was great to see the kids enjoying it and smiling as they went along the way. Even Nicole got to test it out...just to show you, I'm not the only big kid @ heart!!!!

Jaden really wants a dual wheel'd pedal tractor like this one...or so he said...

Jaden placed 2nd in the 7-8 year olds Pedal Power PULL!

FUN NIGHT 2009
With the support of Scranton Betterment, Scranton Businesses, and local support we are able to provide a totally FREE night of food, fun, and entertainment in our community. We had a songs from our local ' Neil Diamond', pedal power pull, a smiley train barrel ride, frozen t-shirt contest, tye dying, ice cream, bbq supper, bingo, inflatables, sidewalk games, cake decorating contest, local trivia, and a finale of port a potty racing. It was one of my favorite Fun Night yet! Thank you to EVERYONE who made this possible!!! It surely takes everyone doing thier piece of the action.

Fun Night Prep

Smiley Barrel Train 2 of the 4!
The amazing work of a friend, George. We have completed 3 of the 4.....here is
a photo of two of them. It has been a blast seeing the mastermind of creative ingenuity behind making these fun little barrels transform into an endless opportunity for smiles and giggles....just need to add the 'honky horns'.... : )

Our Harvest!!!

I never realized just how sweet the color red was....until I was able to make strawberry jam from my own strawberry bed this year! Finally, after 5 years....we were able to have a harvest of 10 pints and more in the refrigerator today! So, maybe we'll get a total of 16 pints and some in the freezer...yipee ~ Thank you God!

Freshly washed

Just picked!

4-H Fish Iowa

A goodie bag of fish tackle and info from their class.

Drew controlling his cast to a targeted area.

Jaden in a tie a know race while carrying an earthworm!

Practicing knots.

Drew & Jaden learned all kinds of tidbits for making their fishing experience more enjoyable.

4-H Fishing in Iowa Class @ Don Williams Lake

My niece Jackie is a first time mommy! We are all so happy for her and Don. Welcome little "Trip" to our family!

Kylie went to State Track in 3 events...they all did so great! We are so proud of her and the team.

Hi!!!!!
Okay! I'm trying to be more dedicated to my blog!!!!

Drew's amazing photo of a moth at his Aunt Em's front yard....so pretty!

Yes, the start of the fishing season has begun. This is a pee-wee little sunfish...but at least Drew snagged the little worm hungry fish...admired it, and released it back. Excitedly, Drew & Jaden have started a small worm farm....so, we'll see how that works...they are enjoying having them 'on stock' when they want to go fishing....I just hope they start making babies....so we don't have to go hunt them again after the rain....although it is silly fun out there in the rain and dampness, trying to snag those slimy little critters.