Summer is quickly coming to a close. We have had a very hot and dry August. The field corn is starting to turn brown and dry out. It hasn't been necessary to mow the lawn much anymore either as it isn't growing. I have neglected to keep my posts updated and to add pictures so I will find myself doing another summary recap of the past few months. I hate to do that because I know I leave lots of details out that were special.

We were very blessed to have two visits from our family in Guatemala. The first visit in July was made by Luisa. She stayed with us for two weeks and during that time, we did a few fun things out and about, but mostly our kids made memories with her, here at the farm..... playing, working, or just relaxing with trips to the pool. We were all sad to see her leave, but the kids were especially sad.

Luisa's visit was followed on the same day by Tathiana's dad coming to visit for two weeks. Tathiana worked for a few days when he first arrived, but then she took a week's vacation and stayed home with us. We had a great time with him, venturing out for a few day trips, but nothing too distant. Each night, after the heat of the day began to fade, we would play some outdoor activity like soccer, volleyball, badmitton, or ping-pong. Once again, the making of great memories for our kids. His time with us ended all too fast and he had to leave.

Other activites this summer were the U.S.A. Cup up in Minnesota. Sam's team took second. Everyone was very pleased with placing that high (2nd exceeded all of our expecations). Following the tournament, Tathiana returned to KS, Hannah stayed at auntie Debbie's house, and Sam and I headed to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a 6 day fishing trip. Our partners for the second time and as many years were my good friend Skip and his grandson Brody. We had a great trip and actually managed to catch some fish this year.

Other activites worth mention were putting up about 300 bales of hay. This was the first year I awas able to do all three phases of the process (cut, rake, and bale). Hannah and I made a trip to Iowa in the early summer to bring back a square bailer that I was able to purchase from a farmer thanks to a good Army buddy up there. It was a slow trip back but after repacking the bearings (actually replacing one set) and putting on a new tire, I was able to pull the little fella at a comfortable 55-60 mph.

As we get ready for school to start, I 30 new chickens that will be ready to lay in about 2 more months or so. We also bought 5 Cornish Cross birds for eating and I am eager to give them a taste. They are growing three times as fast as our Delaware birds. On another chicken note, we butched our first bird this summer. It was more about the process then it was about actually eatting the bird. I wanted to get rid of my roosters and so I just grabbed one by the neck one day and rung it's neck. Then, we cut its head off and watched it, "run around like a chicken with its head cut off". I now know where the saying comes from. What a neat process that was. Soon, I will cull the rest of our older birds but I plan to actually eat them and not just practice.

I'll post some photos here, for posterities sake to go along with the activities we have had. Enjoy.