Go Vandals!

Although at this point I wish that they would just face reality and go back to the Big Sky. Give me a break...anyway....the girls really enjoyed being able to run free on the field after we watched marching band practice last Wednesday. And even though they just ran drill, with no instruments, for most of the hour, Etta still sat entranced.

Garden

Garlic just before harvesting.

Garlic drying, phase 1.

Peas!

Check out these cherry tomatoes!

Don't mind if I do.

We can even share!

First Day of School - Take 2

First day for Bob that is. I had to wake Mae up to get this pic. She did a bit better when everyone left this morning...

More Flowers!

Marigolds from seeds from last year's flowers. (Thanks for letting me know mom!) They are taller than Etta!

One of the first days of potty training. Put on shorts to go outside. Fail. But on a positive note...she made it to Costco and home yesterday with no accidents and the open house at McGhee tonight in big girl underpants. Yay Mae!!

Giant Sunflowers

Etta the Red Goes to School

Today is Etta's first day of school. She has been very excited all summer. Last night she was a little quiet about it. And this morning? Well, I think her face says it all.

Posing with her backpack (which you can't see) AND her lunch box. [A big thanks to Sherry Epler for that one.] 

The Welcome Tree outside the classroom.

Her very own locker. This is the best she can do for a smile right now...

Her very own desk.

Mae, on the other hand, was totally ready to stay at school today!!

Pre-K Eve

Etta starts preschool tomorrow. 

Tomorrow. 

I can't even believe it.

Sometimes you have to stop and enjoy the sunset.

Mud!!

Etta had been playing with my dad's aviator sunglasses in the yard. Suddenly she walked up to him and said, "I don't need these anymore, I'm going to go play in that mud puddle". It was our last full day there - and it's just a little mud. Meh...

A little facial hair. And see that left arm? She always says, "Look! I look like Jackie now!"

No real mud showing, but I thought this was a cute pic. (Bob took all these photos.)

Pitch Fork Fondue!!

On Saturday, August 11th - as soon as Bob got to the farm - we traveled down to Virgelle, MT to partake in a pitch fork fondue! It's exactly what it sounds like. Putting meat on a stick and boiling it in oil. It wasn't The Melting Pot, but it was incredibly delicious!!

This is what we are planning on doing for Christmas Eve dinner!! That's a lot of oil. But it's oil that is made in Fort Benton!!

The steaks were HUGE! 

There were a lot of people there. Or in other words - a lot of steak to cook.

Posing by the welded corn cobs.

Smiling with daddy.

Just chill in' in the shade, enjoying the afternoon.

Snuggly Girls

Post bath. Just makes me want to squeeze their cheeks and hug them tight.

Jersey Time

Etta got to wear her "sport clothes" when she would get home from working on the farm. So Mae decided one day she needed some too - so she borrowed sister's. Just a little big. And the Olympics were on the entire time we were in Montana, so they needed to be like the athletes.

Watching TV while trying to pose for the camera.

You can have a "cheese" mommy, but not our eyes!

Ant Exterminators

Who needs chemicals when you have a couple of fearless kids around?

Bow and Arrow

Etta saw an archery set in a magazine and said she wants it for her birthday. Hopefully these home made ones will keep her happy.

John Nesby

Marj - this post is for you!!

John Nesby came for a visit. Mae wasn't shy and snuggled right in.

A group shot. And if you look close (you don't even have to look that close...) Baby Wicks #3 is starting to show. I am due March 2, 2013 and am 12 weeks along today!

Friends

On July 17th we had friends from Portland stop by for a visit. 

Mae cuddled right up to Duane and just relaxed.

It was cool enough in the shade to enjoy some chalk time. Andrea and Duane took a class at Disney to learn how to draw the characters. Duane's Minnie put anything Bob & I attempt to shame.

Fun!

One day mom, Mae & I went to Great Falls alone. Etta & Grandpa were doing "farm things". Mae really enjoyed being able to play on her own without competition.

Day Out

We spent a day in Great Falls and enjoyed ourselves.

Lunch at The Dog House. Etta ate a hotdog, Mae ate french fries. I never order them separate meals...

Went to Gibson Park to feed the ducks, geese, seagulls, etc.

Most of the birds were very aggressive. The geese were hissing and everyone was crowding. And see that big white swan in the front? We watched it drown a duck. No kidding. It was disturbing.