Gross Game of the Year Award

We've all played it as a kid (please excuse the hasty generalization). Thanks to our modern mindset that all toys must be loud and obnoxious, Operation has been equipped with loud bodily-function noises and gross, green gelatinous things to remove.

I grant you, I have a weak stomach, but I can hardly look at the parts long enough to remove them with the tweezers!

Vacation, Part the First

Departure: Victoria graduates to a regular car seat! That may not be exciting to you, but she was 14 months old at the time of vacation and still only 19 pounds. We were happy to get our girl out of the infant seat, and she was glad to finally see the world head-on!

Mountains! Bears! Wildlife! Oh, my!

Victoria pose #1. Grab hair and insert thumb.

Colin pose #1. Meditation. Okay, not really. Bad photographer.

Said car seat initiation.

Tennessee Teaser

There will be more about our trip to the Smoky Mountains later, but in the mean time, look at this fella! The loud people you hear in the video are not us. I know we can be loud too, but we tend to tone it down out in public.

Jack and the Beanstalk

The new season has begun for Wild Swan Theater. We attended Jack and the Beanstalk. It was very funny and they did a great job! We are looking forward to taking Victoria to her first play, Peter Rabbit, in the spring.

Here is Jack.

This was the Giant. I had to snap the picture fast as crowds of kids wanted to get in there. Apparently some are knocking her wig around.

Calder Dairy Farm, Part Three

Future farmers of America?

This sheep followed us everywhere. I named him Hermie.

I felt he needed a name because all the dairy cows had names.
This one is creatively named "Josie".

Frito? There must be a story...

The cows are waiting to be milked.

I have a picture of that process, but I decided not to post it for fear of people's reactions. Oh, well. Suffice it to say, it looks pretty uncomfortable.

Notice the cow in the foreground.

Calder Dairy Farm, Part Two

The goats really liked these tables.

The entire time we were at the farm, this goat was atop this table.

Miniature horses! These are not ponies.

Baby kittens. :)

Colin was able to feed several calves. He really had to hold on to that bottle!

We're Moving

We'll send you our new address.

I can dream, can't I?

Calder Dairy Farm, Part One

Someone recommended that we go for a visit to Calder Dairy Farm in Carelton, so we did! You can watch them milk the cows, and they let you feed the calves. Additionally, there is a little store where they sell their own milk, ice cream (made from their milk), and other sundry items.

They have lots of animals, don't use any hormones, and feed their animals with their own food from the farm. They don't spray their fields with pesticides and other chemicals that make you grow a third ear.

They have a nice old-fashioned delivery service that we have started utilizing. Every week, Stan the Milkman comes to my door with great-tasting milk. The prices aren't too bad, and we feel good about consuming a quality product whilst supporting a local farm.

Thankful For Missionaries

Last Wednesday night, Bob and Liz Patton (missionaries to Suriname, South America) were at our church. We are thankful for all people who are willing to leave their "comfort zone" to go plant churches and preach the gospel of life!

As a family, we have focused on the Pattons during our devotions. We regularly read the updates they send out and pray on their behalf. Colin enjoyed the opportunity to see them in person at church.