August

We spent one afternoon and evening at the Kientz's enjoying some games and fellowship.

Of course, we had to play a game with water balloons; as it was a very hot afternoon;-)

Instead of shooting at people the K. family had a good idea of splitting up into two teams and shooting targets on an old electric pole.

The spectators ;-)

John made sure we still got wet!!!

Us older ones enjoyed learning a new challenging game.

The boys having a water balloon fight.

Team 1: Jonathan K., Matthew, Trevor, and Ryan

Team 2: Micah K., Luke K., and Mark

Us older ones enjoyed some volleyball as well.

In the evening, we did a bluegrass jam.

This year, for the first time, some of us kids (Kara, Matthew, Ashley, Josiah, and Me(Bethany)) entered some things in the county fair. Josiah is pictured here with his blue ribbon watermelon.

That night Ryan was kind enough to take Trevor, Matthew, and Me(Bethany) to the rodeo!

When I saw this chicken following Emily with her food, I just had to get a picture.

One beautiful afternoon, grandma took some of us grandkids to the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Ashley, Josiah, Emily, John, and Caleb

Mark helping John feed the peacock

Jessica and John

The kids were entertained for quite awhile with this tiger.

Do I see trouble!?!

Josiah and Caleb giving their younger siblings a ride.

Josiah and Caleb

July Post 2

Another highlight of July was an opportunity for Mom, Bethany, and I (Kara) to get to meet and hear Mrs. Tiahrt speak in Hutchinson.

She was a very kind, warm-hearted person and seemed so thrilled to see the "young" ladies that were there.

Ken Willard was also there.

Kathrine & Me


Trevor cut and bailed some hay at the Busenitz's. He had many volunteers to help ;-)

They had to do it late in the evening/night so that the moisture of the hay was just right.

Several evenings, we enjoyed watching and cheering for some friends on a local softball team.

The Beeson Family joined us one evening.

Ben up to bat

Miah's turn

We harvested a big crop of onions this year. Here John & Ashley are pulling a couple of loads to a spot to dry out.

Enjoying an evening of bowling with the Busenitz's

We got 80# of strawberries REALLY cheap, so we spent an afternoon and evening cutting and freezing... okay, and eating... them!

Our most faithful volunteers ;-)

July Post 1

Braxton wearing Uncle Ryan's hot pink tie!
This was after a cousin's wedding that he ushered for.

Dad's cousin and her husband, who are missionaries in Texas, drove up and gave us a presentation of his last trip over seas.

Roasting Marshmallows

Well worth the sticky face

Remington was always near to pick up the crumbs that dropped.

Mmmm!

Kara had an opportunity to fiddle with the Busenitz's and Brent E. who gave a concert for a nearby church event.

Kara, Dave, Jesse, Brent E, & Ben

Trevor fixed up Grandpa's tractor and bought some haying equipment to start a small haying business.

Kara didn't like that he had to destroy all the wildflowers. :-(

Checking to make sure it's baling right

Dad just HAD to try it out too. ;-)

His brothers helping him load the bales up

Best for last, right? This was deafanently the highlight of our July - getting to meet & hear the Wissmann Family in live concert! We had been waiting a long time for them to come to this part of KS.

We were able to go early and visit with the Stange Family before the concert.

Caroline S, Katherine S, & Me

All of the ladies and young ladies visiting on their grandmothers beautiful patio.

John holding a kid that Elizabeth was still bottle feeding.

Emily, Sara S. & John

Ready for the concert!

It was so sweet to see their joyful faces as they sang together.  They truly sang from their hearts.

Alaythia Wissmann, Lydia S, Ashley, & Sara S.

After the concert, we went out for ice-cream with some other families.