Ms. Joy and the Farm

We took a trip to the farm President's Day weekend but on our way out of town, we stopped by Shadowbrook to say goodbye to Ms. Joy. She has been a part of our life since Ethan was 2. Ethan holds a special place in her heart and she holds a special place in our heart. Ms. Joy was one of the first smiling faces we saw when we started at Shadowbrook and it is sad to think that we won't see her anymore. Since Ethan is now in elementary school, she specifically asked if I could bring him by before she left. It worked out perfectly for us to stop on our way to the farm!

We will miss her so!!

Farm

We arrived Friday evening and wound down. Saturday morning started bright and early with the chickens. Uncle Pat and Granny helped the boys hold an older chicken. Ethan and Caden are used to seeing baby chicks but this time the chickens in the houses were a bit older.

 Then they "helped" Uncle Pat walk the houses. I am very thankful for Pat because he has stepped in to help so much since we lost Daddy.

 

 

 Then Pat offered the boys the opportunity of a lifetime! A chance to "drive" a semi! They were ecstatic!

 I love Caden's little face peering out of the window!

Pat let both boys take a turn "driving" the truck 

 Then Pat loaded the tractor  

 And the boys helped with the chains

 After that, they rode back to the Truss Plant in the truck

A Happy, Happy Day for these boys!

 After their truck adventure, the boys headed down to the stable to feed Payton.

 Of course, Caden can't go anywhere on the farm without the wagon in tow :-)

 

Caden thought Payton's mouth felt funny on his hand. He was hilarious!

Then Uncle CJ brought out the loader for the boys.

 He was also VERY brave and let the boys "drive"

 

Then they took a ride on the big tractor 

 That afternoon, Callie came down to play. She and the boys decided they would take turns racing the wagon down the hill...while they were in it. Two would ride, one would push them to the edge of the hill, let go, and then "wheeeee," they were gone. I told them that it wasn't the greatest idea, but if they were going to do it, I didn't want to hear anyone come crying to me when they turned the wagon over. They never turned the wagon over, they hit the light pole instead...no injuries or tears, though ;-)

 Then Grandpa helped everyone pick kumquats. 

 Sunday morning, we all went to church. The boys were A-Mazing in service! I was shocked and proud at the same time! We had had numerous conversations about my expectations and they lived up to them. Several of the church members came up to compliment them after the service.

After church, we attempted a picture. Granny and Grandpa were ready for lunch so we tried one with Uncle CJ. This was the best out of the three ;-) I guess all of the appropriate behavior was exhausted during the service and all they had left was silliness.

Another great weekend at the farm!