Newest Members of the Family.

Earlier this summer we lost our beloved Aussie, Martina. Even though she was our dog for such a short time, she was part of our family and we loved and miss her so much. While Martina will never be forgotten and she will always have a special place in our hearts, we are very excited to have 2 new Aussie puppies. We have two little brothers, 7 weeks old and ready to be ranch dogs.

When we woke up this morning we had no idea the day would end with these two precious little boys at our home...

Two little fellows, soon to be ranch dogs.

The one on the right is Chandler's. He named him Mr. Beaujangles, we will call him 'Bo'

This one is Cyd's. He still doesn't have a name yet. Cydney is still working on that.

Chandler showing off a handful of puppies.

Cute, cute, cute...

Posing and ready for their first ride in the green cart.

Off to see the barn.

Riding in style.

We will be starting our busy sports schedule again soon. Only a short break from softball. Chandler begins practice for fall baseball tomorrow for the 'Eagles'. Cydney will play soccer again for the 'Saints'. Then school begins in 3 weeks!!!

PLAYOFF TIME!

Cydney has been very busy playing softball! Her team has been though two tournaments. The Fury have had a great season!

Cydney playing outfield at her first tounament. The city tournament was held June 17-18.

Cydney makes a hit!

...waiting on first base.

hanging out in the dugout.

...heading towards home.

The Fury takes 1st place in the city tournament. They are headed to the district playoffs.

This is what softball is all about... the snowcones after the game!

FATHER'S DAY

Mike enjoying a nice quiet day at home.

Daddy got a nice new rug for his office for Father's Day.

The rug looks great in his barn office!

ENJOYING THE DECK IN THE SUMMER!

CYDNEY LOSES ANOTHER TOOTH!

TIME FOR DISTRICT PLAYOFFS...

We started the 4th of July at the ballpark.

Entering the gates to a much bigger ballpark...

playing outfield in a really big ballpark!

After winning the game, the family had a great time picking blueberries at a local blueberry orchard. It was VERY hot...

Our bucket of blueberries.

Finishing the holiday with sparklers on the deck!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!

Getting her hair done for the big game. Don't all ballplayers need their hair colored red?

Cyd gets a high five from Coach Jason.

Cyd with her first place trophy.

The Ranger's Season Comes to a Close...

I have not posted lately because our life has revolved around baseball....We are involved with baseball at least 4 nights a week. Some nights we have kids playing at the same time in two different towns! Baseball in a small town is very intense.....

Chandler's team, the Rangers, have had a difficult year. Most of the kids are playing ball for the first time. The good thing is they have all worked hard and have learned to play together as a team. Chandler has learned two new positions this year...catcher and 2nd base. He absolutely LOVES playing catcher and he is very good at it!

Chandler warming up before a game.

Having fun in the dugout.


Chandler pitching the best game they played this year! He had 8 strikeouts.

Chandler showing off the gameball he won that same night. Besides the 8 strikeouts, he hit a double and a triple.

Tomorrow night is his last game of the season. We are however still going strong with Cyd's team. Her team is in the playoffs....more to come with that....

Catch up Postings Part II

LTC Weekend

Easter weekend was different for us this year. Instead of our usual family dinner and easter egg hunt, we loaded up to spend the weekend attending the LTC convention. LTC is a program for 3rd through 12th graders that expands their knowledge of a specific Bible topic. LTC stands for Leadership Training for Christ. The kids participate in various activities that enhance their knowledge of the Bible. This year's topic was the book of Revelation.

Chandler receiving his plaque and medals at church service the week following LTC. He only participated in 4 events since this is his 1st year and he wanted to see what it was all about.

Chandler's puppet show group. They were so good. The script was funny and creative and incorporated Revelations. The boys earned a gold medal!

His Bible Bowl team. The competition takes place Friday night. They answered 75 questions about the book of Revelations. His group consisted of 3 3rd graders and 1 4th grader. They earned a bronze medal.

Chandler is on the far left, the brown puppet with brown hair. He was 'Jack.'

Chandler also received a bronze medal for service projects and a bronze medal for daily devotional.

When the kids returned home Easter afternoon, they found the Easter Bunny had left some treats in the yard.

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Since this is a sports family blog, it is time to incorporated sports pictures! The weekend after Easter, Cyd's softball team participated in a softball tournament in a neighboring town. They actually started in Thursday night and won that game. They then played Saturday...for 5 games...after alot of hard work they made it to the championship game!

Cyd hitting off the t. She wears red and black and her team name is the "Fury"

Cyd and all of the girls of the "Fury" were so proud of their 2nd place trophies!!!

More sports pictures to follow. We are crazy busy with baseball. Chandler played in a tournament last weeked and both play at least 1 game per week. We are spending at least 4 nights a week involved with baseball. They are definately serious about their baseball here!

CATCH UP POSTING

It has been so busy since my last posting. I finally have a chance to catchup on pictures. It will actually take two postings to bring the family pictures completely up-to-date.

Fun Times on the Ranch

Enjoying a sunset after feeding the cows.

Wyatt Earp - the friendliest bull ever. He loves to eat right out of your hand.

Fun family times.

Soccer season comes to a close.

Cyd was given the goal jersey for the season.

Getting her trophy from Coach Chris. Cyd looks foward to rejoining the Saints this fall.

Family Reunion

Last month we enjoyed having family out for the afternoon. Mike's cousin came in from GA, and his Uncle came in from CA. Mike set up a trailer behind the tractor for a hayride in the pasture.

The cows came up for the festivities.

Part of the family enjoying the ride.

Cyd loses her first top tooth!

The first part of April, Cyd got a visit from the tooth fairy again. She has such a sweet smile now!

March Pasture Pictures..

Chandler catching ANOTHER fish in the pond. He is the champion fisherman of the pond.

Chandler is actually driving the tractor in the picture.

Fun on the tractor.

New Cows in the Pasture!

A couple of weekends ago our friends brought 5 Santa Gertrudis cows from their herd to graze in our pasture. They are so beautiful and very tame. They will come and eat out of your hands! The only problem is our dear Martina. She is a born cattle dog and knows she is supposed to herd cattle. Unfortunately, she just ends up chasing them. She is now in training...

After Martina chased the cows to the back of the pasture, it took a few days for them to make it up to the front. We were finally rewarded with a friendly meeting.

It looks like a showdown but Martina is showing very good behavior at this moment.

The cows coming up to say 'Good Morning' last Saturday.

Our other new 'livestock' on the Ranch - bees!

Martina showing great restraint. She wants to chase those cows so badly!!

The kids and the cows are becoming fast friends.

Enjoying life on the back of a tailgate!

Chandler feeding the cows. I see a FFA member in the making!

Enjoying a beautiful Saturday at the ranch!