Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Hot and dry




I am back on the farm after spending 17 days in Peoria helping out Megan and Andy get settled into their routine with a new baby and Drew and Kayley.  Like any grandma I adore my new grandchild!  It was very hard to leave them but it was made easier knowing that we are going to spend the 4th of July holiday there with them all.  Matt will be joining us so that makes it even better.

Mark and I have been very busy since I returned.  More rock picking was on the agenda and we are finally finished with that rather back breaking chore!  He is happy to have it done.  The weather is really hot and no rain in our foreseeable future.  Tomorrow we might hit 100 degrees.  It could be a long, hot and dry summer.  Our crops will not appreciate that.

This fall we are remodeling the outside of our home which includes new siding so we decided to tear down the deck.  It was old and weather worn but it was still very hard to see it go.  My extended family has lots of memories spent on that deck with Mom and Dad.  As sister Sharon said, nothing lasts forever, and I guess that is true.  I don't think we will put up another deck.  We are looking at putting in a ground level patio instead.  I like the view from my patio doors now with the deck gone so I think I will be happy with that option.  My biggest challenge, being blonde and all, is to NOT step out the patio door this summer!  That first step would be a definite leg breaker!  

Good-bye dear deck!

Getting closer. 

Megan said that Ryan is doing well but giving them a bit of awake time during the night.  I think that is common for most parents but Drew and Kayley really didn't wake up/stay up all that much as infants so this is something new for them.  As I write this he is probably already sleeping longer at night!  I cannot wait to see that little boy in one week.  He has probably already changed from when I saw him!  I think I better start looking at flights from Phoenix to Peoria a bit more often this winter!
Ryan Matthew very content

Drew and Kayley love holding Ryan when they get home from school

Drew ready to head to the diamond for his first t-ball game

I want to hold him!

Kayley checking on her baby brother

Megan is trying headbands to try to teach her scissors shorn hair to do what it is supposed to do!

One more of Ryan