Lil' camper

I had to chuckle when I found Cassie at midnight sound asleep here. As a kid, I would sleep on the stairs often...as I knew I really wasn't supposed to get out of bed period, but knew I wouldn't get in trouble as long as I stayed upstairs. Not really sure what Cassie's reason was, all she says was "because I can!"
I had to smile, but of course part of me was like, "sheesh, she could of fallen down the stairs, eeek!" Thankfully, she wasn't harmed and never woke up, even when I took the photo!

Heading West

Last week I headed west to Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for my world-wind of dairy farm stops. The weather was wonderful, except my last day as storms were comin' in and I was in a hurry to get out of the I-29 corridor before I saw hail. Thankfully, my trip was smooth sailing...over 1700 miles were logged, but this gal isn't complaining.

I love, I think, that driving allows you to have time to think. I say I think I love this because too much...can be well too much thinking about one subject or your mind goes places it shouldn't go.

I loved though seeing the country side. Up north in the plain states, the crops look awesome, esp. compared to ours in the Quad Cities. I loved seeing all the crops and farms and when I came back, Tyler wanted to hear all about it. "Tell me everything," he said. "List all the equipment, all the crops and all the farms." I love it, but I'm sure I didn't do the trip justice. I took a few pictures because this trip was for other purposes, not stories or photo opportunities. Anyhow, the Jersey men were disappointed that I didn't have more photos to share. This one, is from a farm in western Minnesota that milks a bunch of cows. This parlor is a 88-stall carousel. Pretty impressive, I might say!

Finally, big kuddos goes out to Scott and my MIL Wanda for taking such good care of the kids and house while I was gone! Awe, its so rewarding to leave the kids in good hands. Thanks!

A Soggy Celebration

The Jersey kids had a fun-filled forth of July even though it was a soggy celebration. We can't even remember the last celebration that was this cold (68 degrees) and this wet (the rain continues). I LOVE the Tyler & Cassie don't let bad weather stop their fun!

The Jersey Girl Turns 3!

Cassie Ann turned 3 earlier this week or officially turned 3, I should say. Having her party nearly 10 days ahead of her actual birthday kinda threw her off. "I'm already 3," she would tell people, even on her birthday.
Cassie easily makes everyone smile. She has so many funny faces and sayings and giggles from sun-up to sun-down. How is it that she is already 3? Being the second child or a girl or maybe just Cassie makes her seem older than 3, but we kinda want her to stay young and not grow-up; she is our baby after all.
She is smart with a capital S! She knows all her ABCs...not just singin' em, she recognizes them all. She can count to 20, sings all kinds of songs, knows her shapes and is starting to write her name. Oh, the potty thing was a cinch compared to others. She is all about independence and does every thing on her own....which means my laundry has quadrupled! She is constantly changing her clothes for no apparent reason other than because "she can."
Her faves include Tyler. This summer the two have bonded and this last week, have really become inseparable and playin' so well. I write this down because there are days, I swear, eeek, they cant even look at each other without causing problems.
Another fave thing for Cassie is the farm, helping her dad and all the help. The hired help LOVE Cassie, always talk to her, tell her HI and are so patient when she helps out. Of course, she generally comes dressed in her staple braided pig tails, wearing something fashionable cute and sporting a BIG smile.
Her party was her recommendation: My lil' pony and now the Bohnert residence is pony galore with every kind of pony you can think of! No life sized one; not yet. If this brown eyed beauty has her way...that will change.
Miss Cassandra Ann happy THIRD birthday. We love you very much!