The Jurassic Forest

So, last Friday my Husband took a day off work and we went for a 2 1/2 hour drive to the Jurassic Forest, North of Edmonton.  You can check out their web site here.  It was a beautiful day and we had a pretty good time.  It was a bit expensive for what you get, but it was very well put together, and the dinosaurs looked awesome.  The place was very clean with a shady picnic area and a large playground for the kids.  I would have liked to see more equipment at the playground, but still good.

(This video from youtube, it takes WAY too long for my computer to download)

This is not a museum, but an outdoor exhibit.  Very nice pathways and everything was in excellent repair.
If you get a chance to go, it is worth the trip!

First Cut Hay



Ryan running the square baler


Haying is a very busy time for us.  Since it completely depends on the weather, it can also be a stressful time.  This year we were pretty lucky.  All the rain earlier this spring really helped the hay crop.  The rain stopped, and we were able to cut.  Some nice wind and warm temps. made for a good harvest.  It's so nice that the boys are now old enough to really help with all the work.



Stacked and covered



About 1,500 square bales so far.  Still about half the field left.  So hopefully the rain stays away for a while yet.



Square bale wagon.



Hay Rake, for flipping hay over.  Helps to dry it faster.

The food of summer...

What is your favorite food of summer?  There are so many good things that we just can't get any other time of the year.  I hope to keep adding on to this throughtout the summer.  Here is my first favorite:
July 4th

CHERRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Bunnies

This little bunny was born abut 2 weeks ago.  Not sure of the exact date, but they almost have their eyes open all the way.  They are still in their nest, and I felt four for sure in there.  This one is really cute with a bit of brown on it.  The mom and dad are both white, so this is a bit of a surprise.  In another couple of weeks, they will be big enough to find a new home.  So sweet!

New Life on the Farm

All of our baby lambs are supposed to be born in May.  However, last fall we left the rams in for too long and most of the sheep lambed in January.  (oops) There were a couple who missed the boat the first time (so to speak) and stayed on the right schedule.  There was even a surprise from a yearling who wasn't anywhere near the rams.  She turned out to be a great mom though. 

There is one ewe who is getting so big, and so ready to pop that she can hardly walk around.  Her bag is so big and tight that her back legs are spread out and she has trouble keeping up with the others as they graze.  I tried to get a good picture of her but it was kind of hard to get the angle right.

I have been telling the kids that she is not going to give birth, but explode and there will be baby lambs shooting out all over.  This makes them laugh.

My thoughts put to paper

Of course we are hoping for a happy ending with mother and babies all safe.

*(no sheep were hurt in the making of this blog)

The start of something

     For anyone who has ever dreamed about just taking you car and smashing it, this is for you! 

     My two oldest, Ryan and Austin, got to live out that dream.  For $250.  They purchased a second hand car, 1993 Buick Skylark, and proceeded to tear it apart!

So remember, if you need some body work done on your car, find a reputable shop...LOL

Sarah and Quincy

     My daughter Sarah has been learning how to work with her horse Quincy.  A very dear friend (my brother-in- law's mother-in-law) has graciously offer her help in teaching my daughter. 
     First she started with some basic ground work with him.  He was on the lunge line and Sarah had to tell him to walk, jog, and lope.  He had to respond to her words and do what he was told.  This is a great way for the two of them to bond, and learn to trust each other.
     She has progressed a bit now and is riding him all alone in the corral.  They are doing great!!!  Quincy is so good with kids, he even likes giving rides to our 'city' family members!  Sarah is very anxious to keep going, and her goal is to take him out to the pasture by herself.  By the end of summer I am sure she will have the confidence to do that. 


bareback is best



learning how to neck rein



now with the saddle