Tuesday, June 30, 2009

My Sweet PoTATER




My sweet old girl, Tardy's Tater, was born in March of 1977 (we bought her in 1981) and was named after the color of her baby fuzz, which was bright orange like a sweet potato. That's right, folks; she is 32 years old! That comes to anywhere between 87 and 96 years old in human years, depending on how you calculate. Horses aren't like dogs; the number of human years decreases with age, so it's hard to find an exact number... but she's old! Aside from a little gray on her muzzle, she's still a beauty, and she's just as pretty on the inside. She's one very special mare!



Sullivan just rode a little bit with Mama, but she LOVES "hoses." She mimics the sounds they make really well too. ;)




The boys loved riding Tate this year, more than ever. They're pretty good, for not spending much time practicing. Levi is a born cowboy and just LOVES to ride. He kept asking me why we "don't have a cage big enough for Tater so we can keep her at home?" He's so silly. I had so much fun out there with these guys.

A load-a Kubota fun!




Every time we visit, Popsie loves to let the boys take a few spins on the tractor. After all, you're not a country-kid unless you learn to drive one by the time you're walking. I think Levi was born to live on a farm.


"Oh shoot! I guess my ride's over and it's Titus' turn."



While the brothers took turns on the Kubota, Zane gave his sissy rides in her "caw."



Titus did all the steering by himself this time! It won't be long before he's driving solo like Zane.



Zane is an old pro at driving tractors. He learned when he was about 4. I didn't get pictures, but he did a great job mowing the entire yard by himself on the tractor-mower too.


It was so funny when Sulli grabbed Nonnie's hand and drug her over to Dad on the tractor, saying, "Poppie! Poppie!" She wanted a turn too!





This was Sullivan's very first tractor ride! Welcome to the country, little gal!

Monday, June 29, 2009

More playing and stuff....














I had more fun one morning watching Sullivan and taking pictures of her with my new camera (which I am still trying to figure out - but so far, I love it!). She was so darling, just being herself.


I loved hearing my tiny girl tell these two furry beasts, "NO!" and "OFF!" like they would really obey her. Mom had to keep them in their pen a lot since they are just too playful and would knock the kids over.





I love these pictures of our pint-sized girl, running and playing with her Daddy.


My handsome guy is getting so big...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Father's Day, 2009






The first member of our three-way tie for "Best Dad in the World" is Will. (Will's father, Jim, actually makes this a four-way-tie, but he wasn't here to get photographed. ;)) We were thrilled that he could fly back to NM in time for Father's Day before driving us all back home to CA the next day. The kids sure missed him when we were apart, and they were so happy to have him close-by to hug.




Nonnie and I got some love too, even though it wasn't Mother's Day.;)



Our second member of the three-way-tie- for "Best Dad in the World" is my Dad. He's amazing in every way. I'm so blessed to have been his daughter for 36 years so far! I love you, Dad.





Here's the third member of our three-way tie for "Best Dad in the World." My grandfather told us all how honored he was to be included in our day (as if we wouldn't!!!). He was so cheerful and so much fun as I will always remember him to be. We enjoyed some time visiting on the patio, sipping melon sangria - just loving being together. I can't thank the Lord enough for making Fauv my grandfather.




For dinner, Mom and I decided on a real man's meal (on the BBQ, of course): King-sized burgers topped with smoked sharp cheddar, homemade barbeque sauce, homemade fried onion rings and bacon. We also had a salad with blue cheese dressing, more bacon, toasted pecans, red onion and grilled peaches. Delicioso! I think the fathers were happy. I feel honored to have made my sweet grandfather his last meal. I hope with all of my heart that he enjoyed every bite.


This picture was the last one I took of my Fauv. I know Levi will treasure it.


Here's our sweet ending to the sweetest day: chocolate shortcakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Little did we know how sweet this day would truly be.