Galloway Farm

We got outside bright and early Saturday to beat the heat and plant our first pumpkin patch.  This fun project isn’t just for fun though.  We’re going to run it like a small 90 day business for the kids, keeping up with expenses and selling the pumpkins just in time for Halloween.  You can follow it at http://galloway6.com/ .

So far all of the turtles we’ve seen in our pond have been common harmless pond turtles.  But recently the kids came across this snapping turtle in a field next to the pond.  Let’s just say that turtle had our respect very quickly!

A great time was had by all at our first ever 4th of July party.  Lots of food, fishing, water fun, face painting, visiting with good friends and family, and our first ever fireworks show.

Three family members in attendance represented the Air Force, Army and Marines at our party.  One of the highlights of the night was the new tradition of everyone parading to the barn while waving their flags.  Once at the barn, everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then enjoyed a trumpet solo in front of the flag just before the fireworks show.

We had such a fun time together at our June Little People of America gathering as nearly 60 showed up for a hot summer afternoon of food and fun.  From the volcano water slide to the dunking booth to the abundance of good food, I think all would agree that the best part was being together with old friends and new ones.  For several attending, this was their first LPA meeting and for others it was the first in many years.  It was so good to be together and to see our kids having fun together. 

 The 13 year Cicadas began arriving at our farm a week or so ago.  They are everywhere!  Thankfully, they only stay around for a matter of weeks.  I actually like the sound of them singing for some reason…I think it reminds me of summers growing up.  And I chose the wrong year to plant six new apple saplings.  Cicadas love to lay eggs in the branches of young fruit trees which can kill them.

(turn up your speakers to hear what thousands of cicadas sound like)

Young Apple Tree Hiding From Cicadas Under Netting

I put the animal cam on the floor near a feed bag where I suspected some barn mice.  To my surprise, it wasn’t mice…it was an opossum.  These things are so nasty.  They look like giant rats.

  What a great spring day for a triple birthday party on the farm.  Charles turned 5, cousin Violet turned 4, and cousin Leyna turned 14.   We went all out with huge inflatable slides, bounce house, and obstacle course.  Everyone enjoyed being outside and celebrating together. 

Sidenote:  A big shout out to Steve Spain, owner of Notable Events.  The wind blew our 70 ft obstacle course over and one of our blowers went down.  Both times, he was on the scene super fast to get us back up and running.

While talking to my Dad, I saw something slowly moving toward us in the grass.  Turns out it we were Jack Boone’s prey.  ; )