B's First Pig Show....

Our county fair was the last week of June.

The week before, my uncle asked if B would like to show a pig in the "Runt Class."  It's for kids in grades Kindergarten through second who aren't old enough to be in 4-H.  At first she was pretty apprehensive about it, but then she started to get excited.

Almost time for her class.  All dressed up and ready to show.... 

Can't forget about this cutie.  She was there too!... 

The pig belonged to her cousin, Mary Kate.  These two have a similar personality;0)... 

Can you believe it was cool enough for Mel to be in a sweatshirt for most of the show?  The pig show was on Tuesday and by Friday highs were topping out near 105 degrees!! 

She had to brush all the sawdust off her pig... 

Waiting in the holding pen before her class... 

There she goes... 

Each participant got a ribbon and a dollar.  You would have thought she won a million dollars.  The judge picks an overall showman and they get a trophy.  B kept forgetting to keep her whip down, but for someone who has never walked a pig before, I think she did a pretty good job.  She wants to show a pig of her own next year, especially after she found out that you can teach them to do tricks!  

Summer Time Craft...

Last week was a busy week!  It was our county fair and while we aren't quite to the 4-H age yet, B did indeed show a pig in, what they call, the "runt class".  She loved it!  She also wants to show a calf in the open class next year, so we'll see how that turns out!  We went to the fair nearly every night including Thursday night which was a scorcher!  I think temps topped 105 degrees that day.  I think they may have a set a record for the fastest cattle show ever on Friday.  Due to the heat, it started an hour earlier and was over by noon!

This craft isn't all that creative, but it was all I could come up with on a whim.  The girls thought it was fun and were pretty proud of their creation.  Plus, I had all the supplies and I didn't have to make any impromptu run to the craft store.

Cut an ice cream shape out of construction paper.  Did you know there isn't any brown paper included in the standard pack?  If you want brown, you have to buy it separate.

Roll the tissue paper into tiny balls... 

and glue... 

Simple as that!... 

I hope to get a 4th of July craft completed before Wednesday.  And, if a miracle happens, I may even get it posted!

Busy, Busy, Busy....

Once again, I have been a blog slacker.

When I signed on today to catch up with all my blogging friends, I noticed that I wasn't that far behind.  So summer must be keeping everyone busy. 

This week has found us at VBS everyday.  We were exhausted yesterday and were quite grumpy so the girls and I treated ourselves to a much needed nap.  Mel and I slept for three hours while B slept for four hours.  See, I told you it was much needed!

We've also been spending nearly every day in the pool.  B is a water bug and learned to swim on her back today.  Mel is a little more weary when it comes to the pool.  She gets that from me!  I am content to watch from the side than actually get in the water, but with the 90 degree + heat, I have been sucking it up and getting in also.  Mel is slowly learning to love the water.  She no longer screams when B splashes her while jumping in a zillion times!

A lot of time has also been spent in the garden.  The other night, I captured my favorite people working in the garden... 

The weeding hasn't been that bad this year.  I guess that is one...okay probably the only benefit to the drought like conditions we are experiencing .  We have had to run the sprinkler about every other night.

The girls like to dig in the dirt and make mud piles. 

And yes, they are barefoot!  That is the only way to garden in my book!... 

It looks like Mel is getting ready to fall in this picture, but she is just running fast.  Sometimes she runs so fast I think her feet don't touch the ground.  Both of the girls are runners!  You definitely can't punish them by making them run laps around the house!  They would think it was a game! 

I hope you all are enjoying your summer...bare feet and all!

Carwash...

On Sunday I decided to wash our Tahoe.  Brad actually did most of it, but it was my idea!  Cars don't stay clean very long when you live in the country!

In the middle of washing, B burst into tears because she wanted to help.  So, we told her she could wash her 4-wheeler when we were done. 

Brad was sure to point out all the spots that she missed.  We take our car washing very seriously!... 

After a little elbow grease... 

and a good spraying... 

It was spotless.  I actually think it is cleaner now than when we bought it. 

What is a post without this beautiful face?... 

She was being all cute and innocent and then.... 

she had to go and find a nasty old bird feather and try and tickle her mother with it.  I don't like birds.  It's a phobia I have.  Long story!  It has gotten better since I have had kids and have to scoop the occassional dead bird...sometimes dead baby bird with no feathers, Yuck!....off the porch, but I still don't like 'em! 

 

Summer Craft #1...

So far our summer has been busy and I know it's only going to get busier.  Last week we were able to squeeze in a craft in between swims of course which is why B is in her bathing suit.

For our first craft, we made suns out of paper plates.  Super easy and cute!

The first step is to paint a paper plate yellow.

Allow the plate to dry.  While it is drying, cut triangles out of  yellow and orange construction paper.  Make the triangles different sizes... 

Once the paint is dry, glue the triangles to the back alternating between yellow and orange... 

Then decorate your sunshine with eyes a nose and a mouth... 

Mel's... 

B's who chose to decorate every square inch of hers!...