Tradition

Without our TRADITIONS, our lives would be as shaky as.....a Fiddler on the Roof!

Just a sneek at the Triad play.  Jordan is Tevya.  If you're in town, you won't want to miss it.  If you're out of town, you are invited!

April 30, May 1:  7 pm
May 2:  2 pm
May 7and 8th: 7 pm

Reserved Seats $10 (first 3 rows)
All other seats $7
Seniors and Children (11 and under) $5

Sunny Saturday

What a beautifully warm Saturday we enjoyed.  Bikes came out of hiding.  

So did the sidewalk chalk.

Paul attacked a very messy garage.  See garbage can close at hand.  He ended up filling it!  

The girls had been so good while we worked, we took them for a walk down at the lake.  Contrary to the urchin in the picture, Sophie did begin her day with nicely combed hair!  =}  

Dairy Day

Home school field trip, we went to the dairy to see where milk comes from.  

The flag was flying beautifully on this warm spring day!

Half the group of kids...the other half were already started on the tour.

Nice Cow...The girls give milking a try.  

Relay race...who can fill it to the line the fastest?

At milking time, each cow is squirted with a cleaner, wiped off, prodded to let down, and each teat squeezed a bit, before they attach the milking machine.  700 cows!  Twice a day!

Awe...relief!

These cooling tanks are emptied one a day.

Cow's body temps. are 101 degrees.  Sophie is feeling how warm the milk is when it comes out, then feels a second tube, after it has been cooled for storage.  Quite a difference.

Manure separater...the liquids from the solids...they dry and reuse the solids.  

Little farm girl on a mission

New calf, enjoying the warm sun!

Grandma finds one that wants to latch on. 

I am ok with petting, but don't think I want my finger in there, Grandma!

Grandma is persistent...even tries bribery...."I'll give you a piece of candy"  

Sophie, "I already have candy."

Nope, I'll just stick with petting and letting him nibble my pants!

Mmmmmm....organic CHOCOLATE milk!  Cheers!

Day Trip to Portland

Monday was a trip to Portland....2-fold.  We got our fingerprints done at USCIS office for the adoption...one step closer to Levi, and then we had at check-up for Amie at OHSU.  In between those 2 appointments, we ate at Dan and Louis Oyster  Bar....in honor of my memories there with Grandpa Balsbaugh.  

Amie had clam chowder and loved it!  Sophie ordered a corn dog (can't you just hear grandpa....we're at a seafood restaurant, and you want a corndog?!)  Funny thing was Sophie soon wanted soup like Amie, instead of the dog!  

If there's a handle it should be cranked!Hanging out in the OHSU lobby....While we did appointments, Jordan Grandma LaVerne and Sophie rode the tram.

Senior Prom...The Last Dance! ={

Waiting...for the girls!Riley& MarianLogan & Bethany

Calvin & ElizabethJeremy & EllieJordan & HannahGetting them to be serious,or look in the same directionwas hard!FINALLY!Dinner is served!The plate builders!Lindsey and Jonathon waited the table.Parents...cleaning up the left overs!