Herzog Family Farms: 2009.07

Tyler State Park 6-30-09

While Stephen was still off on FMLA from work in Houston, we decided to take a little get away. We went to Tyler State Park for a night. We had a blast! It was just what we needed after being inside and getting used to having another baby in the family and getting adjusted. It was such a good refresher for me especially. Just to be able to sit back, take a walk, cook outside, not do laundry or dishes...it was so relaxing! We kinda had an abrupt ending, but everything worked out just fine. Martin ended up riding his little scooter right into a curb, and jammed his handle bar on his top lip. His two upper front teeth went through his lip, and his teeth got pushed back a good ways. We stayed there that evening and drove to the dentist the next morning and were there by 6:30 am. The dentist tried to pull them forward, but because his gum was also smashed, they didn't go back all the way. He said we would have to keep an eye on them, so we will see.

Enjoying oatmeal for breakfast.

Thankfully, the kids love oatmeal and usually want a 2nd helping.

Everyone sitting down for breakfast.

There we are with the camper in the background.

There are our 4 big kiddos- ready to go play and explore. The kids ran and played in the woods pretending they were deer jumping over logs and branches. I just loved listening to there ideas and squeals of delight.

I think Stephen must have told them to hold hands...they look so cute.

We decided to go on a walk to the front desk to pay for our camp site.

But before we went, I wanted to get a family picture while everyone was still clean and matching and decent looking.

They had quite a few good hills that we walked up and down that helped work off the oatmeal and made us hungry for lunch. Bella got a ride towards the end on the stroller with James and Elaina.

Then we went for a walk on a little trail. It said "No Bikes" so we figured since we were walking, it would be fine. Well, we were walking, yes, but we were also pushing a stroller. There were quite a few spots that we had to either pick up the stroller and go through because it was to rough due to the tree roots and steps. I had to take James out and carry him because it was to bouncy. Now we know that "No Bikes" also means "No Strollers". But hey, we made it to the end.

Martin, Millie, and Bella were usually running up ahead and occasionally hiding in the bushes. I remember doing that when we took family walks on our camping trips growing up.

This was such a cute little bridge. I couldn't help but take another family picture here. We set the camera up on the stroller and tried to get everyone to say "cheese" at the same time.

Papa, and the 4 big kids swimming in the lake. Stephen would take turns holding each child and swimming them around. There were 4 steps that the kids played on, but other than that it was deeper and the kids can't swim by themselves.

There was a little sandy area where they had a volleyball net set up right next to the edge of the water.

Papa and his 2 big girls, Millie and Bella.

Martin man wanting to go out to the deep water, but sticking close to the side.

Elaina enjoyed getting splashed.

Then they all went to play on the playground. Here is Millie climbing up the wall.

And Bella right behind her.

There is Martin coming down the slide.

Stephen wanted to treat us to some burgers, so after going to 3 stores, we finally came back with what we would need for supper. In the mean time, he bought us an ice cream treat which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We had all of the wet clothes hanging out to dry. Stephen was flipping burgers...boy were they ever good!

Martin and his scooter (before his accident).

Silly Millie.

Bella smiling for yet another picture.

Elaina never minds smiling. She is always so happy.

There is little James on my lap enjoying the great outdoors.

Grandma Herzog's Birthday 6-27-09

Uncle Larry is putting up a new fence around his house, and Stephen had been going over there to help out whenever he could. The morning of Grandma Herozg's birthday, Stephen, Mr. Herzog, Uncle Larry, and Uncle Tommy were out there together (with all of us of course) letting the tractor do as much of the hard work as possible.

Digging post holes with the tractor.

Taking turns riding the post hole digger:)

The kiddos playing in the bubbles.

Aunt Delina brought out some pink lemonade for everyone to have. Elaina was the 'drink lady'.

Everyone singing happy birthday to grandma. All the kids of course are huddled around the cake, anxious for a piece.

Here was a group shot.

Stephen and I sat in the play room with the kids as they ate lunch.

Around the Farm 6-09

Here are a few highlights of things that went on the latter half of June. I have not had an opportunity to keep up with this blog as much, so sorry about that, but here is a taste of our every day life since James was born.

Bella loves being with Pawpaw. Here they are working on the tractor before lunch.

Elaina and me. She spilled something on her first set of clothes, so we found whatever we could to put her in. She looked so cute in those shorts and shirt. They were a 24 month size and fit her quite well even though she is only 13 months old. I call her my happy hippo because she is so chubby.

The kids always enjoy watching a movie at the farm, and Martin and Millie are doing just that.

Grandma Herzog, Mo, Elaina, James and me at the farm visiting before lunch time. We always have a good time at the farm eating and playing Rummicube with Grandma.

The 3 girls riding in the wagon and helping pick corn with Pawpaw. It is amazing how well the corn did this year without any rain. Corn on the cob is one of the kids favorite foods. I just have to get it from them after they have shucked it, and before they eat it, so I can cook it.

Martin really enjoys riding Boots. He hops on and goes as far as Boot's rope will let him, then gives him a little kick and Boots will turn around and go until the rope stops again. They will do that for up to 30 minutes. Martin won't ride unless he has his jeans and long sleeved shirt on though. He calls himself the "Lone Ranger".

Stephen working on the dirt pile with the tractor.

Giving Amos Duncan a hair cut. The funny thing is...the clippers heat up and automatically shut off when they get to hot. Stephen has attempted to cut his hair for 3 days now and still doesn't have it finished yet. Oh well, one day at a time. Amos doesn't seem to mind to much.

Stephen, taking the 4 big kids for a bike ride in the buggie mom and dad gave us...the three girls in the front, and Martin in the back. They ride around the farm like that and the kids have a blast.

Elaina trying on Papa's fire station boots. They came up to her thighs. She could barely walk, but that didn't keep her from having fun.

Papa and James resting together on the couch in the kitchen. This picture is special to me because I have one of Stephen with each one of our children when they are about the same age as James (2 weeks). My mom took one of me and my dad when I was about the same age, which has inspired me to take one of Stephen with our kids.

Sweet little James taking a snooz.

One morning we went out to move the cows and Martin and Millie were picking all the flowers they could find to give to me. They looked so cute together.

If you look closely you can see all the flowers on my overalls. Elaina and James were still asleep that morning and we left them in their beds. We were in the hay field right here by our house, and we were not gone long. We wanted to get the cows moved early in the morning before it got to warm. It has been 100+ for several days in a row with no rain in 3 months. Everything is dry and hot! We keep praying for rain.

Father's Day 6-21-09

One of the things we have enjoyed learning to do this summer is cook a brisket. Stephen called some buddies and got advice on how they did it, I talked to dad and he explained how he did it, and we gave it a try. The first one turned out very well. These are pictures of us doing the 2nd one and it wasn't as good as the first, but everyone enjoyed it. We had a "Father's Day" supper at our house on Saturday with Ryan, Katherine and Mick, and with Mo and Pawpaw. It was a nice time getting to sit around and visit with everyone.