We headed out on a Saturday and stopped in OKC to get Jett. He was ready to go with us to meet Bryan and Melodi and the kids to get Emma and McKaylea , then we would all head to the farm.
Jacob's bithday was the following Monday so we gave him his birthday gift when we met.
Excitement filled the air as we loaded backpacks in the car and then the 3 kids. Off to the farm!!
The kids began to get hungry close to Perry. McDonald's was their choice.
Glad to be out of the car they made their way to the toy closet and decided to build with Lincoln Logs.
I had gotten them some "tape" bubble gum for them to enjoy blowing bubbles.
Because of the summer temperatures we tried to find ways to have fun inside. Building a tent, coloring, Legos and crafts were what we did inside.
They rode their bicycles - taking turns of who was the leader and who was last.
The first night on the farm
The first night on the farm they thought they would sleep in the tent made in the dining room. One by one minds were changed until all ended up in sleeping bags in our bedroom.
Sunday morning we began our day very early!
By 6:00 we had finished breakfast and all three were ready to go outside and play.
Sunday morning we did not go to the barn to ride horses since we would be going to church. Instead the kids played outside while it was cool. They played on the wagon, helped me water, rode bicycles, played sheriff and played with the kittens in the garage
The chain on Emma's bike came off so it was time for Grandpop to fix it.
Everyone including the kittens had to ride with Grandpop from the driveway into the garage.
We went to church, came home, had lunch and then went to Cole and Brooke's wedding.
After the wedding we came home and had Dr. Pepper floats with a cherry.
Finally it was time to put the chickens to roost, feed horses and check water. They loaded up in the Gator ready to go! They had been ready all afternoon but it was just too hot.
Monday morning was time to start our routine of early morning barn time which included riding horses, playing at Ft. McHenry and checking the chickens. Jett brought his cowboy gear and dressed in it for a few mornings. Later in the week he decided it was too hot for everything and left off the vest. He still wanted his white cowboy shirt and jeans for the mornings.
The first morning Trinket wanted to be the boss instead of being bossed. Grandpop rode her for a while to "work out the kinks" with her.
Feeding the Chickens
Building - amazing how a hammer, nails and boards can provide so much entertainment!
The highlight of each visit to the barn was having Yahoo or Gatorade.
Bales of Hay
What fun the kids had playing on the bales of hay.
It was a challenge for them to get on top of the bales. I helped each one to climb up. Naturally they had to jump down and want up again.
I suggested they try the step-stool. That worked great until Emma was the last one. She needed a boost.
We did encounter a problem when Emma's boot became stuck between the bales of hay. She needed some help to get the boot unstuck.
Grammy's Visit
Grammy came to the barn several times during the week. She could watch the kids play, it was cool and she had a good place to sit and visit.
The Wading Pool
I had bought a wading pool that inflated to put on the patio for the kids. I thought having it on the patio would keep the kids out of the hot sun and give them a fun time in the water.
Our first step was to inflate it. Emma and McKaylea informed Grandpop that they had a similar pool and their family took turns blowing it up. Grandpop had a better idea of using the air compressor at the barn. He and I knew it would take us all week to get it blown up if we didn't enlist some extra help. The air compressor worked great. He inflated the pool without any problem at all. Now that the pool was inflated we had the problem of getting it to the house. After trial and error we discovered the pool would ride by putting it on top of the Kawasaki, then he and I held each side down so the wind would not blow it. I know we were quite a sight as we drove along the turnpike with the pool on top and the kids under it in the back. We made it successfully taking our time.
The kids had their pool on the patio.
Filling it up from the well provided a refreshing and very cool playtime in the water. In fact, the water was so cool, they laid on the patio in the sun to warm up.
Moving the Pool
Warming up between water splashes
Crafts
Crafts were included in our daily routine because of the limited outside time due to the extreme heat.
They were tiles, painting, coloring, and making stepping stones.
Stepping Stones
The kids made stepping stones to take home and then one for me to have in my garden.
After mixing it was time to let them dry overnight. Painting was the next step.
One Out of Commission for a Day
Unfortunately Jett had a tummy bug one day. The couch, bed, bowl, cartoons and lots of sleep was what he needed. I really think what cured him was the sympathy and entertainment of 2 very sweet girls!
The Swing that Became Swings
Emma asked Grandpop if he could fix a swing at the barn. Creative Grandpop used salvage items to make one for the old tree by Ft. McHenry. The kids loved it! Later, they decided they needed another one. So Grandpop got busy fixing another one. Now 2 could swing but 1 still had to wait. Why not have 3 then no one would have to wait. Well, Grandpop fixed the 3rd one so each had a swing. The limb of the old tree is sturdier that we thought it might be because it will hold 3 kids on 3 swings. No only can they swing but have a little added bounce to it
Grandpop did have to do several adjustments on the swings. One was too low for Emma so he raised it then the others needed to be raised so they would be the same as Emma's. Grandpop managed to get them at the right height for each one.
Creative Mel used old boards, computer wires, chains, rope and who knows what else for the swings. Come to find out it doesn't matter what materials were used, they were perfect for McKaylea, Jett and Emma!
2 swings
Finally 3 swings
Everyone needs a push now that each has a swing!
Grammy was enticed to push them on the swings.
Aunt Julia was also enticed - think we have some "sweet talkers" ?
Julia and Brooke Visit
The blue barn became the meeting place for everyone. Grammy, Julia, and Brooke came to watch the kids and their activities. Where could you find better entertainment at no cost???
The Trailer that Became a Teeter-Totter
Somehow, someway the trailer was discovered to be a great teeter-totter. We're not sure how, but it sure provided a lot of fun for the 3.
Sharing Wisdom
Grammy and Emma sitting, watching and visiting. I'm sure Grammy is sharing words of wisdom with Emma.
Games
Games were entertaining and fun for all. We played Creationary, Uno, Tower Game, and Walk the Plank. They also built with Legos and trains.
Mitch and Amberlea had left a bean toss game for us. We tested our skills with it.
Bean Bag Toss
Even Grandpop got in on the game. By his expression I think he is up to mischief!
Special Treats
Special treats were planned for the kids. Smores, homemade ice cream, pizza, Braums and breakfast on the patio. Each seemed to be a hit with them.
Marshmallows before the smores hit the spot!
Now smore time
Homemade Oreo Ice Cream
Braums
Pizza
Breakfast on the Patio
Snacks
Snack time is very important to kids. Popsickles, popcorn, ice cream sandwiches and their special creation of "peanut butter on crackers with sprinkles" were what we had. Who knows they may sell their special recipe for their special creation!!
Popsickles
Popcorn
The famous "peanut butter and crackers with sprinkles"
The New Kittens
One morning while the kids were at the barn building, Emma reached under the cabinets in the nail container to get nails for her project. She was startled at first, then realized Mama Kitty had 3 brand new kittens there.
Later we prepared a box with rags, moved the nail container out of the way and put her and the babies into the box. Mama Kitty seemed to be satisified with that arrangement.
Every day the kids needed to check on the kittens.
Our "Mule Drivers"
Each one took turns sitting in Grandpop's lap and steering the Mule (Kawaski). Of course, we had plenty of "backseat drivers" offering suggestions!
Notice how well we were protected by the 2 in the back!
Mule and Gator Fun
I'm sure the conversation between these 2 would have been very interesting!
Feeding Trinket Bread Crusts and Weeds
Barn Time
Riding Time Again
McKaylea's expression - Is she "hanging on for dear life" or is this talkative girl figuring out how to carry on a conversation while riding????
3 Generations Spending Time Together - Priceless!!!!
Emma Reading to Jett and McKaylea
What a good reader she is becoming!
What a good reader she is becoming!
Friday evening we were discussing that they were going home the next day. All 3 said they wanted to stay longer. I told them their parents would be missing them. Jett had the solution when he said, "Well, our parents can come visit us here!" Grandpop and I took this to mean they must have had a good time with us.
Going Home
We left out early Saturday morning. We went through the drive-through at McDonalds.
McKaylea would hide so I didn't get a picture of her.
What a special week with Emma, McKaylea, and Jett. They are such great kids!
How quickly they are growing up.
During the week Grandpop and I had many laughs and loads of fun. Hopefully they did as well.
We have many precious memories from this week and we hope they do as well!Dropping Off Jett
When we were close to Jett's house, he asked if the girls could see his room. I told him we probably would not take time to all unload since we were meeting The Woods Family. Jett then told us that they might need to use the restroom. Even if they thought they didn't, it would be a good idea to anyway because later on down the road they might. Quite a creative argument don't you think?
2 tired girls on their way to meet their family
The Meeting and Exchange
What a special week with Emma, McKaylea and Jett!
Bryan and Melodi and Mitch and Amberlea - you have done a wonderful job parenting our grandchildren!
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