Mixing our Work and Play

It's been very hot here lately. We've been getting temps in the 90s...in the shade. Phew. However, as we all know, even in the heat, the work goes on. At this point, farmers in this area have finished harvesting small grain (grains like wheat, barley, oats, etc.). The early planting season paired with these very hot, dry conditions have bumped up harvest in general. Now, we are watching as the soybeans show signs of heat distress, the corn shrivels and turns brown at the edges of the fields, and the sunflowers hang their great heads. This large grain harvest won't likely start until the end of September, but in the meantime, we pray for rain. Over the past week, Matt's been removing old fences, as well as emptying bins--work that reminds me to be thankful as I do my job in the comfort of an air-conditioned house. The kids, however, are putting all this heat to good use, dragging hoses and the inflatable pool across the lawn as the sun changes position.


Summertime is about over for the school-aged, but don't tell my kiddos!

 They won't believe it, anyway. See how Jonathan looks at me when I tell him we should move into the shade for a bit? Utter (adorable) skepticism.

Even Spencer gets into the action! And see that bare child? It's another force of the farm; clothing seems to drop off this little guy as fast as I can replace it! Futility, I tell you.

Farm Quiz: Can anyone name this structure? It was one of my favorite spots growing up, and the site of countless houses, forts, dog/bird/cat pens, etc. At one point, I also started a rather large fire in the center and roasted a hot dog. Tasted like junk, probably because I used hay as fuel. Or maybe that's the bitter taste of remorse I'm remembering, as I got into pretty serious trouble for starting a fire in a dry season! Anyway, I digress.

Something we enjoy about our current situation is that Matt has lunch and supper with us each day. Now, this won't be the norm during harvest, but we're enjoying it now! Jonathan snuggled into Daddy for a little man-to-man chat about Brrmm Brrmms.

This is one of the wonderful things about life on a farm: working alongside one's children. Here, it's as simple as getting to ride along on the mower for a brief stint. It made Grace's day to help her Pa, and he got some valuable one-on-one with his favorite little girl.

If you have to work, this is one pretty wonderful way to do it!

After the outside labor is finished, there is always more to be done indoors. The kids started in on dishes as soon as I mentioned naptime; they are so dedicated! (P.S.--Thanks, Mom, for completely and willingly surrendering your sunroom to your grandkids. Their new playroom is the lovliest spot in the house!)