Farmer Woody

Since moving into our new home, we have about 3-4acres around our house. It was supposed to be alfalfa, but was mostly weeds. We want to try to grow a crop that will help us to make a little money so Woody wanted to plow up the ground this fall in preparation for next spring. So here he is after loading up some pipe and plowing the ground.

This is how we irrigate our field. This is corrugated pipe that

we pulled out in preparation for plowing the ground.

This is not our new SUV! Woody borrowed the tractor

and was quite proud of a field well plowed. Stay tuned

we'll see what comes up next spring.

The Corn Maze

This year we decided to head out a little early to the corn maze/pumpkin patch. They also have little kid games there, food and other fun stuff to enjoy. We had a nice time as a family and it's always fun to kind of kick off the start of fall and the holiday season.

Instead of a sand box, they made a corn box.

This is like a giant pillow that the kids loved jumping on.

These were some fun pedal carts. Benjamin gave it a try

but his legs weren't quite long enough to get it to go.

Here's our spectators for the pig race starring Kevin Bacon,

Arnold Schwarzen-hog-er and Swine-I-a Twain.

Our cute little scarecrow, Alys.

This was a fun pipe slide they had made. Looked a little bumpy

but the kids went back time after time.

Here's Woody practicing for the 'log' rodeo!

It's the great cow train.

Here's our water boy, Ben, winning at the duck races!

Back to School and soccer

Well, the kids have gotten back into school and both Ethan and Alys are playing soccer as well. They will both be attending Middleton Heights Elementary with Ethan in second grade and Alys in Kindergarten. Benjamin gets to hang out with mom for another year. Ethan's teacher is Mrs. Woods and Alys has Mr. Bastian. So far they both seem to enjoy school and are doing well.

Soccer also got under way about the same time. Both were fun to watch. It's neat to see how quickly they learn. This is Alys' first year so she is learning the basics. This is Ethan's second so he's getting to be pretty good. Benjamin would love to play but has to wait another year or so. Here are a few of the highlights...

Riding Honeybun

One of our neighbors had borrowed a mule for a project of his and asked if the kids would like to ride it. Of course they jumped at the chance to do that. The were also able to pet and feed their goats and see some of their sheep. Around February they should have some baby lambs and the kids look forward to seeing those.

This is Alys riding Honeybun with Ethan

and Mr. Riccio leading the mule.

Here's our little brave Benjamin.

Ethan really wanted to ride Honeybun by himself

but settled for riding with Mr. Riccio.

An Idaho Sunrise

I saw this sunrise one morning after I got home from the gym and thought it was pretty.

The Caldwell Night Rodeo

This year we had the chance to go to two rodeos. The first one was the Snake River Stampede. That was a treat. Our neighbor was the president of the rodeo this year and his wife choreographed a horse light show for the event. They were kind enough to give us some tickets to go so that was fun. We also went to the Caldwell Night Rodeo, which is an outdoor rodeo. Both of them have been around for years. The pictures are from the Caldwell rodeo. It's amazing what the animals and cowboys/cowgirls can do. It was a lot of fun.

I love this picture. This is actually the middle of

his bronc ride but it looks like the horse it just standing still.

Rare Moments

This is one of those rare moments that parents, especially moms, love. All the kids are playing TOGETHER and they are HAPPY. If only I knew what they were thinking while sitting in those chairs gazing out at the field....

Happy Birthday to Me!

August brought a few activities before going back to school and my birthday was one of them. Woody took some video but no pictures. Woody and the kids made it a great day. He invited my family members over and made Chicken Alfredo which is one of my favorite dishes. I don't eat it much anymore but it was tasty! We also had some cheesecake which he made and that was great too. The last year has been a pretty good year. I have many blessings to be thankful for. Thanks for the wonderful gifts everyone and thanks to my great family and friends. Life would not be the same without you no matter where you are!

Arbor Day

Woody had planted some more grass around our driveway and we wanted to add a tree. It took some time and some work but with everyone's help we now have another maple tree to look at. We hope it get's rooted and makes it through the winter. The kids had lots of fun playing in the dirt and catching worms. Alys probably would have brought them in the house if I would have let her.

Welcome Home Elder Mahler

At the end of July it was finally time for my oldest nephew, Daniel, to return home from his mission. He had been serving in the Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Mission for the past two years. It was a joy to see him again and hear of some of his experiences. As you can see it was an even sweeter moment for his family, especially Mom!

The proud parents, Mike & Tammy

I'm sure a lot of returning missionaries feel like

they're going the wrong way at this point.

Nonetheless, they are on their way out...into the world.

My Three Little Fishes

At the end of July it was time for swim lessons again and this time I was able to watch all three at the same time. Ethan and Alys were in the same class and Benjamin got his first chance at the toddler class. They had lots of fun in the water and learned a lot too. On one of the last days they had the chance to go off the diving board. They were all a bit scared but they did it. We basically had to drop Benjamin off the end but right after he decided it wasn't so bad and wanted to go again.