You Can Take The Girl Out Of The Country...

But you can't take the country out of the girl!

Our most special friend Chris (...Nana to the kids...) came out for a visit a week ago. It was a beautiful day...not too hot and the sun was shining bright. Chris is an amazing person with a love of life and an appreciation for making memories. So...I couldn't resist suggesting a ride on the horses. Nana and Tim saddled up Tony and Eagle and rode around the farm for about an hour. They are so much fun... Chris and Tim are my own personal "Frick and Frack." Always such fun!! (And actually Tim rode Eagle bareback - and he swears that Eagle is still as bony across his back as he was when he was a two-year-old.)

It was a nice ride for them - and the horses were especially happy to get out of the pasture that is basically dirt, thanks to a very dry summer!

The other three horses were a little put out that they didn't get to come out for a visit, but the kids gave them the last of our apples... and it seemed to cheer them up a bit!

LOOK AT THESE PICTURES!

Aren't they great??? Tony and Chris really hit it off! He loved her.

Afterwards, Tim and I began the task of taking down the pool... a sure sign to the end of summer and the beginning of cool weather. It just doesn't seem possible. Where does the time go? I have been thinking back over the past 6 months a lot lately. Sara came home in April - and it is as if I blinked and time has passed by!

Saying goodbye to summer is always sad for me. I love being outside. I love yard work, and do some of my best thinking on our tractor. Truly, the kids are outside every minute that we are home unless it is raining or unbearably hot.

However, I do love the fall... and I am looking forward to the holidays and watching Sara enjoy those with her family for the first time. She is already asking about *SNOW*... so let's cross our fingers for a really good one this year!

Please look closely... Jesse is giving Chris and Tim a raspberry because he is jealous he is not out of the paddock.

This summer has been wonderful for our family, for so many reasons. We have weathered many storms over the last year...and we are in such a wonderful and good place! Our life might be hectic at times...but we are so blessed in so many ways. We have the blessing of good health, good family and good friends... what more could we ask for??

The kids and their "mean" faces... they can't keep them up too long before cracking up!