Another driver!

We have another driver in the house as Claire passed her driving test!!! And then she asked Dani to drive home from the DMV. 

We're proud of her and excited that she has her license.

Crop Division doings

2021 was a great year for the Crop division! We had a great planting season, strong growing season, and very good harvest, and at the end of the year, after record-setting profits, the Crop Division was awarded the President's Cup for the division of the year at AFG.

This year, our managers meeting was at Hilton Head South Carolina. 

The hotel was right on the beach, which meant beach runs for Jared.

We went golfing a couple times,

and Jared led a group going paddle boarding.

In the harbor on the way back, we saw a manatee! Jared was so excited, especially after not seeing one in Florida.

Also very fun - the personal-sized Tabasco bottles at breakfast!

Spring time

We spent one Saturday morning at Bear Creek camp building a platform. It was good working with the Pratts, Dauns, and others from the ward.

Near the end, we let Liam use the reciprocating saw. He was pretty excited (he was definitely NOT excited most of the earlier day!). Dave narrowly averted disaster!

I love Torin's spelling! "Chrofe" = "Trophy"

Papa joined Jared and the younger boys for some reading time. Torin is doing a great job learning to read!

Dani joined Liam's class for a field trip to Pipkins.

Spring time is hammock season! It is so nice laying the hammock reading or just relaxing.

 

Kate especially loves the hammock. 

Liam continues to play well on the cello. We love hearing him play. He has so much potential.

Dani and I had a date night to a hot pot restaurant in Sharonville. We weren't sure what we were eating the whole time, but it was pretty tasty - and spicy!

The wings made for a very cool picture!

WE are happy to be back in the school not being required to wear masks for concerts!

Spring is also the time we can get outside for date nights. We didn't do much biking in 2022, and when we did, it was often close to the house. But it is always fun to get outside!

and finally... the pool is officially open!!! YAY!!!

 

Mother's Day

Celebrating Dani on her 17th Mother's Day as a mom!

On a beautiful sunny spring day, Jared had visions of a "sassy girls" picture - Claire is not a sassy girl at all though!

A few weeks ago, Dani joined Casey Stevens and some of her friends for a charcuterie board class. The instructor showed a few different principles and techniques, learning how to make a salami rose and how to display different elements. Dani came home with a beautiful board that weekend.

This weekend, she made her own board, and it turned out beautifully!

Jared decided to make a fancy meal - scallops with parmesan risotto, lemon roasted broccoli with roasted hazelnuts - and then a homemade shortbread strawberry shortcake. All very yummy!!!

In the evening, we had some strengths competitions doing some leg wrestling.

Jacob was feeling strong and challenged Dani

and got beaten - 

twice! Dani showing her youthful strength!

Our kids are so blessed to have Dani as their mother. She is loving. She supports them in all of their activities. She is encouraging. She is consistent in teaching gospel principles both by her words and actions. We love her and are blessed to have her in our lives.

An adventure challenge

Jared was given an "Adventure Challenge" book, so we decided to try one. This one was kind of like bobbing for apples, but instead, you use various vegetables and assign point values for each and try to get the most points.

 

Liam decided to go after it on top of the island - and shirtless!

Some of our still shots were a little gross!

This may have been the main cause of us needing to change the water out a few times!