Another crop in the freezer

 

This summer we raised another crop of meat birds. Colton built this new chicken tractor for them which made things SO much easier. about half way through we were moving it everyday, but still worth it. The grass is way more greener on the back half now :) we only raised 20 this year, but next year I think we will build one more of these and do 15 in each one.

 



 

 We butchered 18 of them (2 died) and our biggest dressed bird was 7.5 lbs! Its so nice having fresh chicken in the freezer, ready to eat. 7 weeks for a years worth is totally worth it.

 



 

Our freezer is plum full this year. We did raise a pig, since we still had about half of it left (so probably next year). Colton got an elk on his big hunting trip this year though and I even provided some meat with my "big" buck!

 

Another great year for the freezer!!

 

 



Another project complete!!!

This summer we had one goal set..... painting our house. After about 6 different paint samples rolled onto the house in multiple places. We decided! We took one last look at the paint pamplets at Home Depot and there it was.... so we took home some more samples threw them up and LOVED it. we did adjust the colors for the green and grey trim one shade darker, but I think after 3 1/2 years our "project" finally feels like a home. I'm so proud of everything we have accomplished. By no means are we finished, I don't think we ever will be. 

3 years ago we had a vision to make this rough rock into a welcoming home.

    

Paint prep was a year of progress. I had caulked all then nail holes on the siding that were showing through. A few samples we thought about.

This was the look we decided to go with

    

All painted!!!!

Maybe this spot will get another hot tub someday, but until then the firepit & seating works great for friend gatherings and enjoyig summer evenings

We paited the patio cover the trim color too. looks WAY better and blends into the house really well now.

The paint was all complete, but there was still one more thing

Rock......

Some of you may notice one thing in this photo..... The left light is the original & Colton added the light for the right side. Though the house numbers are still missing, i would say we were successful with our summer goal. 

I am so happy with how it turned out. Colton & I still pull into the driveway and go WOW!! We've definitely amazed our selves. Our to do list got a little shorter, but we still have a few things to do... here is what is on our list still: paint/fix garden shed, rebuild pump house & install water softener system, re-insulate crawl space, install heaters (we still only have wood heat), install laundry room cabinets, build a fence. Like I said, I don't think we will ever be done :)

Road Trip, Vegas, & a few crazy days



Well after a fabulous week in Mexico, us girls got off the plane in San Francisco and another crazy weekend started. One of the girls met us there and we rented a car @ 5:30pm and drove all the way to LA. We finally made it there at 2 am, slept for a few hours and made the final trek to Las Vegas. We were all tired, but excited to celebrate one of our favorite friends for her bachelorette party!

 



 

The weekend shenanigans started off with this little duo

 

This was by far my favorite. The pool area was so nice to lounge at

 This is a chocolate fountain in one of the hotels we walked through

 

All the ladies lined up for lunch at the Hard Rock Café. I think the bartender was a little intimidated!

 One of my sales guys was in town the same weekend for a conference and we rode this roller coaster 3 times!

 

First night out

 

 The main night (Saturday) consisted of a limo ride around town and the Thunder Show

This was one CRAZY vacation this year. 10 days gone from work though made me wish I never went. I told everyone I was never going on vacation again.... until the next one :)

Mexico - Part 2

 

This is way past due, but just feeling like a need a vacation. The weather has been fantastic here, but just the carefree feeling of being on vacation, is different. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and getting some good relaxing in. Luvs!

 

The four of us left the first spot and headed to pick-up 2 more

 

 

Waiting for the bus

 

Taking tequila shots before having a big night on the town in Cabo

 

 

 The 6 of us rented a mini van one day and did a tour up the east coast and came back down on the west cost. We caught this beautiful sunset by bombing the mini van down some sandy side road.

 Big fishing trip day!