Cave Adventures!

Adam starting down...

Keyton using one of the fancy hiking sticks...

Garrison looking like a miner...

My little explorers...

Adam falling down.... Whew!

When my nephew, Adam is around you just never know what kind of adventure you may go on! He is an avid fan of rappelling.  This scares me to death!  I hate the thought of him hanging from cliffs by a rope!  Ugh!  A couple of weekends ago, he decided he would let us see this hobby of his firsthand.   I of course sent with my camera in hand.  We watched him rappel down the cliffs in my mom's back field next to her cave.  Now, I know these are not nearly as high as the ones he usually dangles from, but they were plenty big enough to make me worry and to make Dana have weak knees!   The boys got a big kick out of watching him, however neither one showed an interest in taking up this hobby! (Thank Goodness!) They were too busy playing in the creek and the cave.   The cave....is a whole other story! I went in my sandals. (Nike with one large strap across the toe) I was only planning on standing in the field.  Oh no....everyone decided we would hike through the cave as well! I will say that my family is a persistent family because no matter how much I tried to convince them I could not make it up and down those rocks and through all of that slick and muddy territory...they said I could...and I ended up doing so!  I had very muddy feet but it was still fun! However, it was a funny sight because along with those one strap sandals, I also carried my Vera Bradley bag I use for a camera bag!   I couldn't leave my camera behind! It was quite challenging keeping myself upright and protecting my bag at the same time!  They boys thought they were real explorers! They were very dirty...especially Garrison!   I think he just rolled in the mud! It was a fun day but I wish Adam would find hobbies that don't cause his aunt that loves him so much to worry about him! I have learned that Adam is taking us on many adventures lately all in the backyard where I grew up!   My boys are loving them!

Photos at the new bridge...

Sitting on a fallen tree...

Keyton...

Keyton in the creek...

Garrison...

Garrison in the creek...

Heading back to the truck...

Yesterday I finally took the boys to my mom's back field to take some pictures of them on the bridge that my nephew, Adam built with the help of his dad and brother.   He just had the idea to build one across the little creek back there and it turned out great! Dana drove us up there while Whitney was still with us.   She enjoyed watching them!  The boys were too excited thinking about getting in the creek to look at my camera!   I told them if they would let me get a few good shots, they would  be allowed to get in the creek!  That seemed to work!   After I got a few...I let them get in.   now, they would not take off their work boots and go barefoot as I would have liked, but they had a good time and looked very cute!   We are glad Adam built this cute bridge and look forward to many more photo shoots on it!

New Driver...

Cranking it up!

Heading out...

Coming back...

Last night, Tammy, Whitney, & I went to the movies to see The Proposal.   It was AWESOME!   I laughed all the way through it! Dana stayed home with the boys to continue day 2 of my "me-time." (this is what Dana has been referring to it as!)  As soon as the movie ended, I got a text from Dana that read:  The boys r fighting & Keyton drove the old Ford.   I replied:  OMG!   Then, I immediately dialed him up!   Keyton had been sitting in this truck (which was my daddy's) for along time telling us that he thought he was tall enough to drive it! So, Dana let him drive it to the top of the driveway and then again over on a field we have cattle in.   I knew I would not be able to do a thing with this kid from now on!   I was unsure how Dana had ever gotten him back in the house for I am sure his head was swelled  as huge as the truck! When Whitney & I arrived home, the boys cut loose telling us all about the driving adventures!   Garrison said he drove too! Dana let him sit in his lap and hold the wheel.  They were so funny! Whitney spent the night and not long after we woke up, Keyton had to show us how he could drive.   So, Dana, Garrison, & Whitney set out on an adventure with him.   I had to stay so I could take pictures and videos of the accomplishment! He drove up the driveway and over to the edge of our property and turned around in the field.   He is so excited!   He cannot wait to take ME for a ride and he is DRIVING us crazy wanting to take us on rides!   Dana has created a 7 year old driving monster! I can just see my daddy smiling down at him because he is driving his old truck!

Four-Wheelin' Fun

A beautiful scene on our way through...

Another gorgeous view...

Me & Whitney 

The reasons I was glad to be home....

Well, Tammy gathered up a little crew today and we all went four-wheelin'!  I wish it would have been sunny and warm, but instead we headed out in the RAIN!!!   I haven't gotten to go on many rides since I got my four-wheeler.   I mostly just ride around close to home on short trips.   These are not the kind of trips you take when Tammy is along! We went way past Robbinstown to a place called Cricket.   We went on many hills and bumpy trails today.   I wasn't sure how I would manage since I don't usually go to the really rough places. After making our way through trees (standing and on the ground in our paths) we came out to civilization again.   Then we decided to try our hand through a creek!   It was rough!   It was just like stair steps in that water.   We hit a few big rocky spots where we had to move big rocks and trees in order to make it.   I only got my four-wheeler stuck one time! Everyone said I did a very good job for not being a pro!  They cheered me on every time I made it up a rough obstacle!   I had a blast and felt pretty good about myself because even though I didn't really get "scared" I will admit that a few times I was not sure about my abilities when I saw what was ahead. I made it though and am so glad I decided to buy a four-wheeler!  The boys got to stay home with their daddy while I was out on my great adventure.   Garrison was hesitant to "let me go" at first but they had a great time hanging out with their daddy.   As soon as I got back, Keyton wanted to know if I did any speeding!   Oh if they only knew what their mommy did today!  They would give me a ticket I am sure!   They were super happy to see me and I was very glad to wrap my arms around them!   I have a great life!

Cornhole Showdown...

Here is a shot of my little cuties after church!

This is the cake they worked so hard on for Tammy!

Yes!   We just won the game!

Our victory dance!

So, last year I cooked a birthday dinner for Tammy and we had the best time hanging out and playing cornhole. So, I decided that this may need to be a tradition.  Sunday, we had her and her family over after church to eat.   We had steak, hamburgers, my special potatoes, corn, baked beans, macaroni w/ tomatoes, carrot cake, and vanilla ice cream.   They boys worked really hard the night before on her cake.   As we were shaking the batter around to even it out in the pan, we all had to shake our hips while yelling "shake your booty!" They loved that as had a blast decorating it for her!   She loved it!   After our food settled, we decided to start up the cornhole game! Last year, Tammy & I had to play MANY MANY games before we FINALLY got a win at the end of the evening.   We were hoping things would be different this year! So, it was me & her against Michael & Christopher. We started out in the lead, but they beat us!   Ohhhh, we were mad!  So, we went right in to the second round.   It wasn't looking good for us.  They had a huge lead!  Then...I threw one right in the hole and Tammy got one in and landed one on the board! Game over!   Victory was ours...and it was oh, so sweet!   We did a victory dance and the boys cheered and cheered for us! We decided to quit while both teams had a win in their corner.   We spent the rest of the evening talking, walking, playing hide and seek, and laughing at the boys!   It was a great time!

Cabinet Cuties...

Garrison peeking out...

Keyton peeking out...

Garrison wanted to get in one more time...

Keyton thinks it is all so funny!

You just never know what is going to go on around here.   Yesterday, Keyton came running to me laughing and telling me to bring my camera.   I knew this could either be a good thing or a bad thing.   So, I followed him to the kitchen to find Garrison inside a cabinet.   Keyton thought this was  such a cool site!   Garrison was all ready to pose for a picture.   He was grinning from ear to ear.   Keyton, then wanted to take a turn and see if he could fit.  So, he tried...and he fit!   They thought this was a very funny trick and kept asking me if I was glad they told me to get my camera!   They know me very well...I want a picture of everything they do!!! These are definitely the two cutest things I have ever found lurking in my cabinets before!!!   

County Fair...

Ready to go to the fair...

I think this photo is so pretty...

I am not sure what someone said to her...

but I can see her sweetness shining through...

The boys always like posing with their "It-ee"

She had to hold her dress up out of the dust!

This is not a great picture...

My husband is NOT a photographer!

He just snapped every time we came around...

I was worried they would turn out like this!

I had to work really hard to get this one

to look as good as it does!

But, you can still see the excitement on Garrison's face!!!

We are in the red "bucket"

Well, we headed out to the fair tonight.   We went a little early.   My plan was to let the boys ride the rides and and play games early so that they would be happy and fulfilled and wouldn't care to sit through the beauty pageant!   Huh!   What was I thinking?!? First of all...they couldn't wait to ride the bumper cars!------They were not there this year!  So, they were also looking forward to the HUGE slide!------It was not there either! So, we walked around to see how many rides they were going to ride and make a decision whether to buy tickets or the family night armband...after a grand total of ZERO rides on the list...we opted not to buy the armbands!!!!   Keyton is a bit afraid of MANY things...he is also Mr. Safety Patrol...so he concluded that all of the rides were dangerous and scary.   Garrison was mesmerized by the Ferris Wheel.   He asked Keyton if we could ride it...Keyton said, "No, it is too high in the sky!" Garrison replied, "So what...God is in the sky!"   So funny!  So we played a few money-wasting really great games instead.   They boys walked away with a stuffed dog and stuffed snake.   How exciting! We then went to visit my mom at the concession stand and found a small spot of shade to have a picnic on the ground before the pageant. Whitney was in the very last category so we had to wait a long time.   We went and watched a few of the little ones, took a break to get a drink, hung out with Dana a few minutes, and finally made our way back to watch the last three categories.   The boys asked several times if it was time to go back and play games, but they did pretty good for two little boys that were having to sit through a beauty pageant! Whitney looked gorgeous...as usual.   She placed 2nd runner up!   They boys were very excited to see her and they clapped very hard for her!   Finally, we went back to play a couple more games.   Christopher wanted me to ride a ride with him...Garrison asked again to ride the Ferris Wheel.   So, I bought tickets for me and him to ride.   Keyton would not even discuss it!   What he DID discuss, however, was all of the dangers involved and reasons we should not get on!   He was going to stay on the ground with his daddy!   As I was handing the man our tickets, He was still trying to talk Garrison out of going!   So funny! Garrison loved it!!!!!!   He got so excited each time we went up in the air!   He thought we were flying!   He asked me if we were closer to God.   Precious boy!   I am glad he got to do this because last year, Keyton got to ride the bumper cars and he was so excited!   Garrison was too little then to get to drive so I had to take him for a ride.   It was a fun night spent with my family even if I did spend WAY TOO MUCH money on useless toys!   

Farm Girl...

I match the tractor!

My adoring fans...

Today as we were getting home from Dana's dentist appointment, I simply said to Dana, "You ought to let me drive that Massey Ferguson tractor."   I was only half kidding because I have never gotten to drive  a tractor.   You would think that living on a farm my entire life, that would be impossible.   However, my daddy was always afraid I would get hurt and Dana feels the same way.   Dana's dad said it was because Dana loved me so much.   Awww...   Anyway, he finally let me.   But, this is what had to happen before I was allowed to take a small ride around the yard:  1.  Keyton got on and showed me everything on it and gave me instructions.  2.   Garrison got on and show me everything on it and gave me instructions.  3.  I was finally able to sit on it while listening to Dana show me everything on it and give me instructions.  4.   I had to take a small quiz of every part that had been taught to me all THREE times.  Whew!   I did pretty good I guess because when I turned around to head back to the shed, I noticed the crowd of fans were really into me.   The biggest fan was snapping pictures of me and the two smaller fans were clapping like wild for me!   It was a fun little trip.   I am going to talk him into letting me learn how to drive the John Deere next.   However, since my daddy had a Massey Ferguson for as long as I was able to remember, it is a little sentimental to me that I got to drive that kind first.   I hope my daddy would be proud of me...his little farm girl!   

Splish Splash...Give your brother a bath...

Why did he get all the way on the tub?

I have no idea!

Rinsing off...

What a good big brother!

So, I painted most of the day on the 4th of July.   I finally tore in on my living room!   I got half of it  painted and finally decided to take a break and go to town to eat and let the boys watch the fireworks.   We were all very dirty so baths were a must!   I ran the boys their bath water while Keyton got their clothes ready.  So, just as they were getting ready to get in the tub...Garrison decided he needed to use the bathroom!   Keyton got in without him and I helped him with his bath.   After he was all clean, Garrison was still on the toilet!   Keyton got out, and got most of his clothes on and came in there to ask Garrison, "Are you ever gonna be done using the bathroom?" Garrison replied, "When the cows get back!"   So funny!   Keyton cracked up! I was trying to rush him up because I still had to get in the shower.   All of a sudden Keyton's eyes lit up and he said he had a GREAT IDEA!!!   He wanted to give Garrison his bath! He went through all of the steps trying to prove to me he knew how.   So, all of a sudden, Garrison was ready to get in!   He loves his big brother! I jumped in the shower, listened carefully, and was on guard to jump out if a fight or scream broke out.   It went pretty smooth except for a little water getting in Garrison's eyes causing a little scream to escape.  All the time I was showering, I was thinking that I hoped I got out in time to grab my camera and take some pictures of this...so that is what I did as soon as I got out!   It was a pretty sweet sight!  He even dried him off.   Garrison told me that Keyton could give him his baths forever and ever if I wanted him to.   Keyton asked me if I was happy I didn't have to do that job anymore.   He was very proud of himself.   He carried Garrison to the bed to help put his clothes on.   I am so glad that they love each other so much and like to do sweet things for one another.   

Bad Sting...Tough Boy...Scared Brother...Whew...

This was a picture Keyton took yesterday after their baths.

Garrison put underwear on his head!

Funny boy!

My precious, sweet, TOUGH, little boy...

This afternoon shortly after Dana left for work, the boys were trying out their tree climbing skills in the front yard.   They had the trampoline pulled up next to the tree and they were taking turns. It was Garrison's turn, and all of a sudden, he jumped back on the trampoline and started screaming that he had been stung!   He was so pitiful.   I grabbed him and he had been stung on the left eyelid by what we think was a hornet according to Keyton's description.   It started swelling pretty quickly and I called for Dana to come home.   I called the doctor's office even though it was shortly after closing time. Dr. Mason was still there and said he would wait until we got there.   We rushed there as soon as we could.   I have a very tough little  boy.   All the way there, he was telling me all about the gadgets in his daddy's police car and was smiling at me.   When we got to the doctor's office, the nurse weighed him and measured his height and then Keyton burst into tears.   He said he was scared.   I told him the would not be touching him.  He said he was scared for his brother because he looked so pitiful.   Garrison remained tough.   They checked his breathing, heart rate, and everything else they could and sent us to the pharmacy to get Benadryl and Prednizone.   Keyton toook such good care of him the rest of the evening...he waited on him hand and foot.  Keyton told Garrison that he was handsome.   Garrison said, "How could I be handsome with a hurt eye?   I was before I got hurt though!"   We told him he was handsome no matter how much his eye was hurt.  I would catch Keyton staring at Garrison's eye and he was having to bite his lip to keep from crying.   I called him over to me and asked him what was wrong.   He said he just loved Garrison so much he couldn't stand to see him like that.   He said special prayers for him at bedtime and after Garrison fell asleep first, Keyton rubbed Garrison's cheeks for the longest time. The bond these two share is so special and sweet.   I thank God that my boys love each other so much and care so deeply for one another.   We are so glad the everything turned out okay in the end.