Llamas!

What could be more fun than a field trip to the llama farm? One of the many exciting things about school is the field trips. In May we took a trip with a few other families to the llama farm. It was wonderful.
We started the almost 4 hour visit with an educational time. There were so many things that I/kids did not know about llamas.
The educational section was followed by the much anticipated trail walk. Each child got to walk a llama, and this was no short walk. Even super dad got in on the fun!

Noah enjoyed walking Tootsie...

Jacob is a kind of animal whisper. He walked several, but in the end had the most fun with Mocha.

Walking the obstacle course

Sweet Jonah! He is 2 years old going on 16. There is not much that gets by him. He is one tuff cookie. Mariah did not want to walk, but Jonah did not give her much of an option. It struck me as funny to see an 6+ foot tall animal getting handled our the little man.

Say Cheese!

After our walk the kids were able to see a llama getting sheared, see the yarn after it is cleaned, make a project, and groom the llamas.

Lastly our 3 boys helped put all the llamas back out to pasture for the farmer. All in all the outing was educational, fun and engaging. Our family would definitely give it 2 thumbs up!

Choco Latte

The emotions are running high in our home as we had to say good bye to our dog of 10 1/2 years last night. They just don't come better than this lovable faithful brown boy.

The kids have never known a time this wonderful dog has not been part of our family.  We got him in our first year of marriage and have loved him so much.

He was an amazing hunter, running partner, companion, camping partner and friend. We miss him so much and remember many great times with this fun loving "mans best friend" Choco.
 

Running, A Family Affair

Chris and I have run together for years. This activity continued as the kids blessed our family.  They have been able to join the fun from the comfort of the stroller. They love to watch the people, wildlife and just rest while riding along for hours a week.

Gradually they have been moving to biking and now running races of their own.

 

 

Noah has run several kids runs the past 2 years. This spring he ran his first 1 mile race. He had a goal time and worked hard to not only get his time, but also to beat it by over a minute!

 

 
Jacob has spent 4 years watching big brother,mom and dad run. This spring he finally got to run his first 1/2 mile kids run.

 

Chris ran the races with the boys. I thank God every day for such a great husband and father for our young men! Oh what a fun day! I am so excited that they enjoy this life long activity.

Up, Up And Away!

The last day of school brought a lot of excitement in our home. Last year (2011) the boys got to ride horseback with one of our dear friends to celebrate the completion of the school year. This year, it worked out that they were able to take their first ride in an airplane. Noah and Jacob (and if I am honest Chris as well) were so excited they could hardly contain themselves. 

Coming out of the hanger.....

Jacob thinking he may want to learn to be a pilot.

Attempting to capture every moment to share with mom!

It was so much fun for them to see the lake, our home, church, and many other familiar sights from the air!

Coming in for a landing....

Everyone was all smiles throughout the ride and after landing!

Thank you Greg and Ceal for this amazing outing they will not forget!