Big Fire

At the very end of May, we got a fire permit from our local fire department and Dan burned our giant brush pile.

Starting it on fire.

There it goes!

It's burning down.

Down to the last bit.

Crazy kids.

This is how you roast marshmallows!

The next night, Dan revived the embers.

Kids were ready for...

...more marshmallows!

Early April

When the phone company was trimming trees in our area, they dumped two huge loads of fresh mulch in our back yard.

The kids have been helping to move wagon loads of mulch to spread around the trees.

Catherine and Anne with Mittens.

A tiny wildflower!

Peach tree blossoms.

Things were growing in the greenhouse!

Climbing on the hay bales.

Jump!

Boys had fun with an old rope.

Upside-down Anne.

The magnolia all in bloom was very fragrant.  Mmmm!

We had lots of these purple wildflowers all over the yard.  It's nice to be out in the country where the lawns don't have to be a homogeneous green!

Anne enjoyed the nice weather on the front porch swing.

We went on a field trip to see Peter Pan, performed by the CYT.  The kids all loved it.

Even Anthony was able to go!

New Chicks

About a month ago, we got six new baby chicks.  The kids aren't so crazy about the big hens anymore, but oh, these new chicks are awfully cute! 

The chicks explored their new home.

Anthony got to hold one.

He was so thrilled!

Catherine's turn.

Joseph.

Anne.

Somehow Dominic didn't make into this round of pictures, but he has had his share of holding the chicks!

Working on the Greenhouse

In the middle of January, Dan and the kids worked on the new greenhouse.  Obviously, it was a warm day for January, since no one had on even a jacket!

Greenhouse, complete with door and window.

Who was handling that power drill?

Catherine!

Anthony and Catherine sat on the finished shelf.  It was built strong!

Dominic looked in through the window.

Joseph and one of the cats looked in through the clear wall.

The greenhouse, almost finished!

December Snow

Right before Christmas, we had a good-sized snow, and it was time to play, play, play!

I met Anthony and Catherine heading back from the hill with the sled.

They turned around with me and Catherine gave Anthony a ride.

Anthony went flying down the hill all the way to the trees.

Catherine made a snow angel.

Anthony had to do it his own way.

Daddy attached a sled to the lawn mower.

What fun!

I think Joseph liked it!

The giant mulch pile (left by the phone company trimming trees) was a new source of fun.

The sled went up.

A short, but fast ride.

Anne got a turn on the sled.

Ooh, a sled train!