Steven pic

My little munckin! He loves getting his picture taken!

Water fun!

We actully had a couple nice days when Jeff was with us a couple weeks ago. We managed to get the pool and other stuff out to play one day. The kids, even Jeff, had a lot of fun playing in the water. Haven't been doing that much this summer. Or is it winter???!!

Steven taking his turn at the Gator

usually, Sami drives, Nick sits in the other seat and Stevie sits in the back!

Nick enjoyed playing in the bucket!

July 4th

Nick waiting for some food...

Jon stole a hot dog...Barb and I were talking and then next thing you know, Pugsy's on the table
In the blink of an eye, there went the hotdog!

The hotdog theif!

Couldn't play in the pool, so the next best thing...diving...in the bathroom sink!

I think we almost had snow that day!!

Chasing the cows!

Recently, we had some uninvited guests...cows! The saying goes, "the grass is always greener on the other side." Some of the cows truly believe it! The wire fence was not on so they would just walk right under it! We finally managed to get her back over and with in a few minutes another one was in the yard. Jason and I managed to get her back. I had quite the conversations with #187 and her sister friends. But in the morning, they had returned, leaving a few gifts and they had eaten some of our corn! Cows, like children, don't listen!

Chicken coop

Jason made shelter for the chickens...white ones are ready to eat!
Sami loves helping her daddy paint! And her Grandpa too!

I think there was more paint on her than on the coop!

In Memory of Uncle Bob

Dear Uncle Bob,

Writing has always helped me deal with situations, so I thought I would write you a letter.

I sit here sifting through memories of you; going way, way back in my mind. This is what I came up with: fun times at the farm, going down to the farm, collecting maple syrup, checking out the barn, telling Karen her duck was dinner, watching you coach Little League, watching the Little League world series. I remember you were always chasing us kids. We always had to be on the look out for you. You and Uncle Tom You two were always up to something! I remember trips to the firehouse, trips to the mall and over to the neighbors house.

I remember fun times at the cottage swimming, fishing...we kids had to be on our toes at the cottage too. I remember family campouts, family picnics and huge pickle jars of marinated meat for speedies. I remember you playing with us.

As I got older, went off to college then got married, you'd call to see how things were going...or to find out when we were inviting you over! Especialy, when we lived in the barn! Christmas at the Kobelia's little apartment in the barn! Eventually, I had a baby. You treated Jonathan like he was you own grandchild. (whose middle name happens to be Robert!) I guess we were preparing you for your own grandchildren!

Uncle Bob, thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I know you were not a very religious man, but we had a saying at Bob Jones-May the Lord bless you and keep you , until we meet again.

Love your niece,
Jeanette



Oh and PS: I forgot to mention, since you are my only Uncle Bob, I can say that you are my Favorite Uncle Bob!

Fort Ontario

the lighthouse at Fort Ontario

We found this path that led down to the water. Nicholas did not want to leave! He enjoys playing in the water; content to

just sit and throw rocks in the water. It was a beautiful afternoon.

People fishing, swimming, boating....

Butterflies and such

One day, as I was walking around with the kids outside, I told God that I was sorry, but I JUST HATE BUGS!!! I could really do without them!! Well, as much as I hate bug, even the tiny ones, I don't seem to mind butterflies. So, we ordered some painted lady caterpillars and tried out hand at "raising" them. All 5 "hatched", as Sami said. It was fun watching and learning about the process. We released them into their natural habitate shortly after the 5th, the late bloomer, "hatched".

The butterfly is on the spoon

Sami is holding

Couldn't really get a good picture.

In our travels around the yard we have managed to capture lots of strange insects. Jonathan has a container where he keeps the dead ones. Far away from me! I don't really want to know anything them. If we don't know what it is we spend time on the internet figuring it out. We also have a "frog tree" where Jon releases all the frogs he finds.

The kids

Dressing Jeff up!

Nick Jeff and Steven

Jason brought home this oversized bag....

Nicholas fit right in it!

Carry on luggage!

Summer beginnings

Summer is finally here! We have been trying to keep ourselves busy. We have lots to do as we are having a church picnic here on July 25th and Jason has made it known that the WHOLE house will be cleaned or the picnic is cancelled. Well....whatever!



My cousin, Jeff, is staying with us for awhile. He is a great help to me. He watches the kids while they are outside and picks up everything. Literally! I don't know where half the stuff ends up, but it is off the floor! But Jason comes home everyday and can walk through the house. No complaints there! He will be leaving us for a few days on Saturday to go up to the cottage. I don't know what I am going to do! I am so used to having him here. Jeff's father is staying at my parents house and his mom is down with another aunt giving her while my uncle is in the hospital. We are at the waiting period as hospice has been called in. The doctors don't give him much time, but he has lived longer then they predicted. He is my mom and Jeff's mom's brother. And I am glad that my aunt can be there for them. It's all in God's timing. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to visit with my uncle last week. Everything works out for a reason.

The kids have been enjoying the nice weather and someone else to play with. Jeff has been good with them and for them. Even little Stevie likes to play with him. Nick mostly likes to sit with Jeff and bounce his wallet on a chain! Quite comical!

The chickens are growing. We are getting ready to butcher the big white ones. I think I will be sad to see them go. They are so much a part of out life now. I will not let Jason "take care" of them though. So I have to find a place to take them. I just don't want to even think about it! Been there, done that! I don't want my kids to be traumatized! Jonathan insists it will be fun to watch a chicken being killed! Who's child is he????

Well, onward and upward as we continue on our summer activites, whatever they may be.