4-H Camp 2011

We made it! Me and the boys survived another year at 4-H camp. The boys were in a cabin together. They were in the Little Big Bear Tribe. The theme this year was Survivor!

Sam is busy making a Straw Rocket. Yes, it flew! It was a cool idea. The kids enjoyed making different adjustments to make the rocket fly faster.

Solar Hot Dog Cooker! Who knew? The boys got to try them out, and they worked!

 The boys had great counselors and made a lot of new friends.

I had fun too. 

4-H Camp 2010

Last Year I went to 4-H camp as a chaperon. It was my first year. I wanted to go to see what it was all about, help the kids and Sam asked if I would go as a chaperon. (I love that he asked me)

KP duty!

The kids all have to help keep the camp clean, help with dishes and other chores.

Learning new things.

That is me, wearing the hat, on the last day, of last years camp.

I am going again. This time to help out with the canoe program. The camp is located in Bruce, Wisconsin. Not far from home...on the Chippewa River. It is beautiful canoing. I had a blast on our canoe trip last year. Sam and Atticus are going with. I will be back with the adventures of 4-H camp. (I hope)

Jay Cooke Park - Minnesota

Jay Cooke Park

Minnesota

We visited Jay Cooke Park for the first time in June. Good thing we did, because all state parks closed up in Minnesota for a few weeks. Now that our neighbors to the west are back in business, I thought it safe to write about Jay Cooke. :-)

Jay Cooke is a beautiful park. It is very busy!!! Beware of that. If you enjoy having nature to your self, you will do a lot of sharing at this State Park!

We loved the swing bridge. 

It moves and makes funny noise as you walk across, our Boston Terrier did not like crossing the bridge.

Beautiful Falls

Amazing River!
We hiked the River Trail. It was amazing. The river changed each step of the way. Fast water to slow water. Big rocks to little rocks. Waterfalls to fishing holes.

We had a great time exploring. We recommend Jay Cooke Park.

Lake's Edge

Look up at all the stars in the night sky and hear your Father saying "I carefully set each one in its place. Know that I love you more than these." Sit by the lake's edge, listening to the water lapping the shore and hear your Father gently calling you to that place near His heart.

Peanut, Hazelnut and Cashew

Hazelnut and Cashew

I love reading the names of cows at the fair. Jeremy started to laugh as he read the dam on Hazelnut and Cashew. Cute!

My sister had Brown Swiss cattle. Her first cow was named Mindy. She was a sweetheart. It is fun to see the different breeds at the fair. Holsteins are top dog in Wisconsin. It is fun to see the others, and to know they are still out on the farms.

Painting Project

My project painting a red rocking chair and a blue bench. Both of these where going to be tossed in the dumpster. I grabbed them - I knew with some paint and TLC...they would look great in my house!

I stepped inside to get a drink.

Mmmm. look  who was up to mischief.

Who Me? I am innocent.

Max was so mad at himself for jumping on my wet paint. He licked himself over and over.

Curiosity...teaches the cat?

Banana Chips

My boys love my banana chips. I love to play with my dehydrator. I have dried bananas, watermelon and cantaloupe. It is great for trips or everyday snacking. With the bananas I dip the banana slices into a honey and water mix. Set your dehydrator for the setting it says for fruit and begin to dry. I check all my projects through out the day. If the weather is really humid it takes longer to dry. 

We purchased our dehydrator three years ago. We enjoy making beef jerky, dried fruit and drying herbs. The watermelon and cantaloupe dries and tastes like a candy.

Do you have any fun fruit, herbs or veggies that you dry?

If so, let me know and pass on the recipe too.

Barron County Fair 2011

Barron County Fair

2011

Sam and Atticus did really well at the Barron County Fair. They are in 4-H and have been taking projects to the fair for several years. This year Sam made a Lego table for his woodworking project. He received a blue ribbon. He also competed in the shooting sports and received a 78 on his target score for Air Rifle. He received the blue ribbon. He also entered some drawings, photography and Lego creations.

Atticus entered three different drawings, pencil, pastel and charcoal. He placed 1st on all of his drawings. He also took some Lego creations and scored a red  in Air Rifle.

We love looking at all the animals. I will have some more photos of animals posted this week.

A ride I can handle! My sister came Thursday - Saturday to visit. We went to the fair Thursday. The boys love to have company stay with us. They enjoyed showing her around.

"See Ya Next Year Fair"

Atticus yelled that out yesterday. We picked up our projects and will start to plan for next year. Sam is thinking we will be taking our rabbit Rex!

Long Distance

So who was I talking to last night, when I saw the dogs going for a ride? A dear friend, who lives in Great Falls, Montana. Yes, she is a dog lover! We will be visiting her in August. This photo is from 2009, our first trip out west. We are getting very excited for our up coming trip in August.

Bobby makes me laugh! That is one reason I like her. She is funny. She also tells great stories. Has a great knowledge on current events, that is always fun to talk about. She is an animal lover. Most of all she is a great friend!

God has given you to me as a friend. I thank him every day.

Lets take a ride!

We pulled up alongside this truck at Farm and Fleet tonight. I loved this scene so much. My husband took some quick photos for me. I was in the middle of a long distance phone call, so I was not able. 

Jeremy ran in to get what we stopped for. The owner of the truck came out, tossed his purchase in the back of the truck, opened the drivers door, and the one dog scooted over. The three of them puttered away. It was so cute, I felt I was back in a different day watching them.

Having Fun in the Sun

"We are just going to relax now, Mom"

I laugh so hard inside when I hear my two little boys say this to me!

Enjoy the sun!