The Darbyshires

NRJH Award Ceremony

2010-05-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Monday evening, Brett and Tyler had their Award Ceremony. They were both recoginzed for partcipating in Track, lettering in Football, lettering in Basketball, being on the Quiz Bowl team, winning 3rd in the regional Quiz Bowl, and being on Principal Honor Roll. Awesome job!!! I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work.

Reception

2010-05-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Kristen graduation reception was held in the basement of the Hartford Methodist Church. We had alot of help from family members setting up, bringing food, and cleaning up.

Graduation

2010-05-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Kristen graduated Hartford High School. Since she was the class president, she gave the speech passing the "Class Cane" to the Class of 2011 and presenting the "Class Composite" to Mr. Simons, the prinipal. We are all so proud of her.

Brett's Garden

2010-05-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Brett and Tyler planted the corn seed 6 inches apart and an inch deep.

Tyler covering up the corn seed after Brett plant it.

Brett and his garden after it is planted.

They planted potatoes, radishes, cucumbers, and corn.

Kristen's Last Day of High School

2010-05-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 14th was Kristen's last day of High School since she was able to opt out of all her finals. I take a "First Day of School" picture every year of Kristen, Brett, and Tyler....so of course I had to take picture of her last day of High School.

2010 Junior-Senior Prom

2010-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Kristen went to her "Senior" prom on Saturday evening. She was on a really tight schedule. Her hair appointment started @ 6:30 and finished up about 7:45. She had barely enough time to put on her dress and let me take a few pictures before being transported to the school in an Army Hummer for promade @ 8:00. Prom was 9:00 to 12:00 then it was on to the Burlington Rec Center for "After Prom".

Kristen turns "18"

2010-04-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 17th, Kristen turned "18" years old. I made chicken fajitas for lunch since that is what she requested. After lunch, we enjoyed ice cream cake and watched her open her presents.

Donkey Basketball

2010-04-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

On Monday, the After Prom @ Hartford High School had a Donkey Basketball game as a fund raiser. Kristen was one of the first 4 seniors to compete. It was the seniors vs juniors. She made four points while sitting on a donkey. The rule is you can only shoot or catch the ball while on a donkey. If the ball is on the floor, you can go get it but you have to take your donkey with you. The seniors won with a score of 24-22. It was a very entertaining evening.

Harlem Globetrotters

2010-04-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mike and I took Brett and Tyler to see the Harlem Globetrotters when they were performing in Topeka. "Big Easy" is the main Globetrotter. He had a microphone on and he would make hilarious comments the entire evening. They were all very entertaining. We all had a good time.

Senior Night

2010-03-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Friday evening was "Senior Night". This is the night that the parents of the seniors play them in volleyball and basketball. A meal was served from 5:00-6:00 for anyone who wanted to participate. First was the volleyball game, followed by the younger children performing a dance and cheers with the high school cheerleaders, and last but not least....basketball. It was so much fun and definitely entertaining for the spectators!!!

League Quiz Bowl @ Reading

2010-03-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

Brett and Tyler had the priviledge of being 2 of the 6 students on the League Quiz Bowl Team. The League was at Reading and it consisted of 12 teams from the surrounding areas. Their team placed first in their pool and went on to the finals. They played for 3rd and 4th place....just missing playing for 1st and 2nd place by 5 points. It was very exciting to watch. I am so proud of them!

Playing for 3rd and 4th Place

League team w/ their 3rd place medals

Quiz Bowl @ MdCV

2010-03-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Brett and Tyler traveled with the quiz bowl team to Melvern on Wednesday. They competed with teams representing MdCv, Olpe, and Reading. The Varsity team finished in 2nd place....way to go!!!

Last BB Game

2010-03-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Feb 26th, the HHS Girl Jaguars played in the second round of regionals. If they won, they would come back to play on Saturday. If they lost, their basketball season would be over. Sadly, they lost.

Kristen in a stunt

'09-'10 HHS BB Cheerleaders

Kristen (the only senior cheerleader) and

the Senior Girl BB Players

Senior Night

2010-02-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Feb 16th was senior night for Kristen. It was the last home game of the regular basketball season. Kristen was the only high school senior cheerleader. The seniors and their accomplishments were announced betweeen the Girls Varsity and Boys Varsity games. As she was being announced, Mike, myself, and her Dad escorted her to the center of the gym. Jo and Fred (her dad's parents) and Connie (Mike's mom) were also there to show their support.

During the halftime of the Boys Varsity game the Cheerleaders performed a dance. They did a wonderful job. It is hard to believe that is the last time Kristen would dance as a high school cheerleader.

HHS Cheerleaders Compete @ Wichita Collegiate

2010-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Kristen and the rest of the Hartford High School Cheerleaders went to Wichita for a cheering competition. They performed a dance, cheer, and stunts. Kristen also performed individually in the "Jumps" category. She did an awesome job!! I am so proud of her. There were over 200 cheerleaders there to compete. It was quite an experience for us to watch so I can't imagine how the girls felt actually competing.

Quiz Bowl @ Waverly

2010-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Feb 3rd, Brett and Tyler traveled with rest of the Quiz Bowl Team to Waverly. They are both competing on the Varsity Team (the only seventh graders). The first round was against Waverly and the second round was against Hamilton. Our Varisty team won by only 10 points. The third round was another story. Brett and Tyler were both concerned going into the third round against Reading because Reading had won their rounds by an overwhelming score. The Varsity team won the round 80-30 and walked away with first place! Tyler and Brett answered all but one of the questions. Way to go Boys.

End of the Basketball Season

2010-01-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

The Junior High Jaguars finished their basketball season winning 4th in the tournament @ Burlingame. Brett was unable to play in the tournament due to tendonitis in his left foot so he helped keep stats. The boys really enjoyed playing for Coach Patrick Gardner and Coach Chuck Ewy. Overall, Tyler and Brett had a really good season.

New Years Day

2010-01-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Brett and Tyler spent New Years Day riding 4-wheelers with their friend Garrett. They had so much fun spinning donuts on the ice and riding over the hills of snow.

New Years Eve

2010-01-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mike and I spent New Years Eve with our friends: Pam, Shelly, and Jeff. We had a good time even though we didn't win the "Trip Give Away". Brett and Tyler had their friend, Garrett over. They had a good time playing the wii, riding 4wheelers, and watching movies.

Sledding

2010-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

It had snowed and was very cold, but that didn't stop Brett and Tyler from going sledding. They took turns on the sled while I (mom) pulled them with their 4-wheeler. We had so much fun.

Winter Formal

2009-12-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

On December 12th, Kristen had her "Winter Formal". It was at Hartford High School from 8:00-10:00.

Jr High Dance

2009-11-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Brett and Tyler had their first Junior High Dance. Normally at a junior high dance the girls are on one side and the boys on the other until the dance is almost over....definitely not the case on Saturday night. Mostly everyone was dancing as soon as the first song was played and it continued that way the entire evening.....no matter if fast or slow song.

Cheerleader Dancing

2009-11-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Kristen danced with the other cheerleaders between the girls and boys basketball scrimmage game. Go Kristen!!

Bean Harvest

2009-11-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

Kevin combines the beans while Mike and Darby takes them to Bunge in the semi trucks.

Jaguars v/s Flint Hills (Varsity BB)

2009-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Brett were able to play on the Varsity team against Flint Hills on Thursday, Nov 5th. Tyler went in with a minute left in the 1st quarter and subbed in and out for the entire game. Brett went in the beginning of the 4th quarter and played the entire quarter...scoring 2 of the 44 points for the Jaquars. Jaguars won 44-18.

Jaguars vs Flint Hills (JV BB)

2009-11-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Brett and Tyler's basketball season started on Thursday, Nov 5th @ home against Flint Hills. Tyler is #10 and Brett is #11. Tyler scored the first points of the season for either team. Brett also scored 2 points during the JV game. JV only plays 2 quarters due to the low number of players. The game ended in a tie 11-11. Way to go boys. You both played an awesome game.

Halloween

2009-10-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

This year Brett and Tyler think they are too old to go "trick-or-treating". Instead they needed costumes because they are going to a friends house to set up a maze and a haunted house. Tyler is the "devil" and Brett is the "skeleton".

Senior Night (Football)

2009-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, it was "Senior Night" at the last football game of the season. They annonuced each senior football player and cheerleader and their parents. As the names were announced, they walk onto the football field. Mike, Fritz (Kristen's dad), and myself were there for Kristen. Mike and Fritz received a box of candy each and I received a beautiful blue carnation. It was a tough night realizing that Kristen was done cheering for high school football. WOW!!!

Learning to Tie a Tie

2009-10-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Brett and Tyle start basketball season next week. For game days, they are required to "dress up". Mike and I took them to shopping for basketball shoes and dress clothes. They decided they wanted "real ties" not clip-ons. The deal was we would buy them "real ties" if they learn to tie them. So, last night Mike got out his "how to tie a tie card" and let each of the boys read it and then practice learning how to tie their ties. They had it mastered after only about 3 tries. Awesome job boys!!!! They were so proud.....especially since Mom can't tie a tie without Dad's instruction card.

Coed Softball Tournament

2009-10-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, there was a softball tournament held to raise money for "Breast Cancer". Brett and Tyler were asked to be on a coed team. Their first game was at 8:00 am and the last game was around 7:00 pm. Mike came in and also played on the same team as the boys because they were short players. Everyone had a really good time.

Brett was the catcher.

Good Catch Tyler!!

Mike hit a triple. Run Mike!!!

Cattle from Coffeyville

2009-10-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Mike, Brett, Tyler, and I went to Coffeyville for cattle. The cattle were ready to load when we got there but they weren't ready to come off the truck when we got them to the farm.

Jr High Jaguars @ Lebo

2009-10-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

The last football game of the Boys' season was at Lebo. The Jaguars only had 8 of their 13 players due to injury and sickness. Tyler was able to play after recovering from being sick for 5 days. Poor Brett was sent home from school the day of the game because he started running a fever. He was very disappointed because he was going to be 2nd string quarterback. My phone rang every few minutes with Brett wanting the updates of the game. Jaguars lost but they all played really hard. Awesome season Brett and Tyler!!!

Time for a water break.

Coach Dan Erb having his last "after game" talk with his team for this season. Tyler after playing a hard game.

"13th" Birthday

2009-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Oct 3rd, Brett and Tyler were officially teenagers. They began the day by opening presents from mom and dad. Brett spent the day hauling corn with dad and Tyler spent the day with mom at the ESU game. Both were given the choice what they wanted to do....and we weren't surprised by each of their answer. Around 6:30 in the evening, their guests for their birthday party started showing up. There were a total of 9 including Brett and Tyler. They all had a blast. They played the Wii, ate hotdogs and chips, sat around the campfire, played hide-n-seek (with adult supervision of course), played basketball, and then finally had s'mores. It got to be 10:00 (party was from 7:00-10:00) but nobody was ready to go home....so....we finally broke camp about 10:30. The boys had a great time....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Hartford Harvest Day

2009-09-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hartford had their annual Harvest Day on Saturday.

Tyler rode his and Brett's 4-wheeler (Skeeter) through the parade.

Brett rode the farm's Artic Cat through the parade.

Kristen danced to the Cotton Eye Joe.

Kristen's stunt during the dance.

HHS Jaguars @ Waverly

2009-09-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Kristen cheered on the HHS Jaguars when they played Waverly on Friday night. The Jaguars lost the game 50-48, which makes their record 3-1.

Jr High Jaguars vs Olpe

2009-09-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Jaguars hosted the Olpe Eagles on Thursday, Sept 24th. The score didn't reflect it, but the team played a really good game. I am really surprised the boys weren't sore after the game. Tyler was excited that he made 2 unassisted tackles. Brett had several assisted tackles. Way to go Boys!!!Brett and Ty on defense with the Jaguars trying to hold Olpe Eagles at the goal line.

One tired Brett after the game!!! Tyler proud as well as he should be!!!

Jr High Jaquars @ MdCV Trojans

2009-09-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Jr High Jaquars traveled to Melvin to play McCV Trojans on Thursday. It just wasn't the Jaquars night. They lost the game 28-0. Brett took an horrible hit to his back but after sitting out a play, he was back in. Tyler had an awesome block.....he still blocked the opponent while getting poked in the eye. Way to hang tough guys!!!

Brett and Tyler going down field after the 1st kickoff. Brett and Tyler making a play.

Jr High Jaguars v/s Flint Hills Mustangs

2009-09-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

It was an awesome game. Brett caught the pass and ran in for a TOUCHDOWN!!! It was the first touchdown of the season for the team. The Jaguars were ahead at halftime then it was tied up (20-20) with 4o seconds left on the clock....Jaguars have the ball. Pass was throw and missed....then same play was made and the pass was caught and ran in for a touchdown!!!! The score is now 26-20....then they were successful on the 2 point conversion....winning with a score of 28-20. Exciting game with most of the crowd on its feet. The boys had their own cheering section with family and good friends!!

Brett and Tyler are ready for the kickoff

The Jaguars are ready to play some football!

The team is so excited....they won!!!

Uncle Kevin congratulating Brett after the game.

Mom and the girls congratulating Tyler after the game. FINAL SCORE!!!!

Dove Hunting

2009-09-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Brett went hunting for dove for the first time this year (with Dad supervising). They didn't get any doves but had lots of fun.

Jr High Jaquars @ Burlingame Wildcats

2009-09-05T15:11:00.001-07:00

Brett and Tyler's first Junior High Football game was in Burlingame. It was definitely a learning experience for them (lost 38-0). Brett plays left end and Tyler plays right end. Both boys had a lot of playing time. Brett had a completed pass, one tackle, and assisted with several other tackles. Tyler had several tackles that he helped in. They both did a wonderful.

HHS Homecoming Bonfire/Parade

2009-09-05T15:05:00.001-07:00

Kristen is the only "Senior" cheerleader.

Kristen is leading the senior class in the "Senior Battle Cry"!!! Class of 2010

The "Boys" and their Uniforms

2009-08-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Brett got their football uniforms. Tyler is #20 and Brett is #7. The red is for home games and white is for away games. I don't know who is more excited....the boys or Mike!! They had to tell us all about the different plays and exercises they have been doing in practices to get ready for their first game on Thursday.

Cheerleaders @ the HHS Scrimmage

2009-08-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

Well, it has offically started. Kristen danced for the school for the first time as a SENIOR on Friday, Aug 28th. The high school had a volleyball scrimmage game @ 5:00, tailgate @ 6:00, and a football scrimmage game @ 7:00. The cheerleaders danced on the football practice field before the football scrimmage began......Good job Sis!!!

Cutting Sileage @ Madison

2009-08-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Mike, Kevin, Darby, Windle, and Joel cut sileage in Madison on Wednesday, Aug 26th. Mike drives the cutter and rest of the crew are the truck drivers. It is really awesome to watch.

Mike is filling up the truck Kevin is driving. Awesome job guys!!!

Kevin is loaded and heading to the sileage pit to unload and get back in line for his turn to be loaded again.

Mike Windle and Joel are waiting patiently at the end of the field for their turn to drive beside the cutter.

First Day of School

2009-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school. Kristen is a senior and the boys are 7th graders. Brett and Tyler were so excited because they got to ride to school with Sissy...no more bus for them!!!

Basketball Shootout-Corporate Challenge

2009-08-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Basketball Shootout for the Corporate Challenge.

The Frontier Farm Credit Shootout team: Mike, Andrea, Shelly, Parry, and Tell.

Good job guys.

Tell and Mike waiting on the basketball.

Mudding-Brett, Tyler, and Garrett

2009-08-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Brett and Tyler had their friend Garrett out today to go 4-wheeler riding. They had a blast riding in all the mudd.

Tyler, Brett, and Garrett before mudding with their 4-wheelers.

Tyler after mudding. Brett after mudding 4-wheelers after mudding

1st Football Practice

2009-08-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today was the boys' first football practice. I had to take the picture before we left the yard so they wouldn't get embarrassed by mom taking pictures in front of the team. (understandable)

Tomatoes

2009-08-17T16:34:00.001-07:00

Brett was so excited....these tomatoes came out of his garden!!! We had them for lunch....yum!!!

Bowling-Corporate Challenge

2009-08-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

The next two weeks is Corporate Challenge. The first event I was on was bowling on Sunday, August 16th. Didn't come in first by no means, but had a blast. Your Frontier Farm Credit bowling team was Scott, Brenda, Shelly, and Tammy.

Softball Tournament

2009-08-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Aug 15th, there was a softball tournament held in Hartford to help raise money for football equipment. The boys were asked to be on a team. The team consists of 7th and 8th graders. They were the only team of that age. Even though they didn't win a game, they had a wonderful time. Their dad and I are really proud of them for helping raise money.

School Supplies

2009-08-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

The kids were excited about getting school supplies. Tyler, Kristen, and Brett made a pile on the floor and then sorted through to find the items they each picked out. It didn't take long to have their bookbags packed and ready for school on Thursday.

Wind Damage

2009-08-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday a storm blew through. Even though it was fast, it caused damage at our house. The kids trampoline was destroyed. The strong gusts of wind blew two trees limbs on their trampoline. The limbs crushed one side and tore the canvas.

Brett's Tomatoes

2009-08-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Brett's tomato plants. They are really growing. He has one vine climbing the fence. There are small groups all over the plant and a few big ones.

Brett's Corn

2009-08-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Brett went to his garden to check his corn. He came back to the house with a couple of ears and mom looked at them and said she thought they were ready but wanted a second opinion. He rode his 4 wheeler to PaPa and Ma's house and PaPa agreed so we all got busying picking corn. We had a total of 57 ears of corn ready.

Darby, Tyler, Mike, Brett, Tammy (taking the pic), and Connie (on the other side of Darby) helped shuck the corn.

Brett cut the ends and any bad spots off the ears.

Brett is very proud of his corn. It just so happened PaPa wanted some sweet corn for lunch next week.

Kristen Cheering @ Shrine Bowl

2009-07-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

Kristen left on Thursday with her cheer squad from last year to make the trip to Wichita of cheer and the Shrine Bowl. They stayed at the dorms at Wichita State. Kristen did a wonderful job cheering at the game on Saturday.

Kansas Shrine Bowl

2009-07-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

The Shrine Bowl was held in Wichita this year. The East Side v/s the West Side. The West Side won 14-7. It was awesome to watch all the good athletes from around Kansas. Mike, Brett, Tyler, Ben, and myself went becasuse sissy was cheering at the game.

Cattle off Grass

2009-07-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we loaded cattle from the pasture at Walts and trucks took them to the feedyard.

Walt and his helping hands gather the cattle from the pasture and move them to the catch pens where they will be loaded onto the trucks.

Darby, Mike, Kevin, and Emily push the cattle from the back of the catch pen to the front pen.

Mike, Darby, and Kevin push the cattle in the pen where the chute is located.

Darby and Mike are waiting for the truck to get backed up to the chute so they can load the cattle.

Brett is showing the truck driver how much farther he has to go to get to the chute.

Brett and Kevin are pushing the cattle up the chute into the cattle pot.

Camping Out

2009-07-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brett, Tyler, and Garrett wanted to camp out by the creek. They moved rock around to make it smooth on the rock bed so they could pitch a tent. They also made a fire whre they roasted hot dogs for supper. Later they rode 4-wheelers in the trails behind the house.

Worlds of Fun

2009-07-13T18:40:00.001-07:00

Mike and I took the family to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. The boys and I haven't been there before either. We rode rides and played games. It was an awesome day for everybody.

Tyler had the girl guess his weight. She guessed 90 pounds. He weighed 100 pounds so he won a prize. He picked out a panda bear for his sister.

Brett had the girl guess his birdthday. She guess July but it is in October so he won a prize. He picked a puppy that looked just like our dog "Rufus" that has passed away. He gave it to his mom. How sweet!!!

Brett won a cap by guessing the speed he could throw a baseball. He guessed it right so he picked out a KC Chiefs cap. Way to go, Brett!!!

Kristen and Ben w/ Snoopy and his friends, Linus and Lucy.

Kristen and Ty played a game where the first one to raise the balloon to the top by shooting water in it wins. Kristen won while Ben and Brett watched.

Tyler and Brett had to have a slushy. Especially when they saw they could mix and match the different flavors. Ty go a plain cherry while Brett go Rock Chalk Thunder Hawk (blue raspberry and cherry)

The first ride we rode was the Spinning Dragon.

This a picture of the Mumba. We also rode this. It was a blast!!!

Tyler and his Hat!!!!!

Oceans of Fun

2009-07-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Mike and I took the family to Oceans of Fun. Everyone had a great time. The boys and I have never been there before.

Tyler, Mike, Brett, Kristen, and Ben at the entrance gate.

Mom and Kristen relaxing by the pool watching the "guys" wait for the waves.

Tyler, Mike, Brett, and Ben flexing their muscles!

Tyler, Brett, and Mike relaxing in the hotel room after a day at Oceans of Fun.

Cattle Panel Setup-Walliser

2009-07-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

Tyler and Brett are helping Mike tie the panels to the fence posts at Walliser Pasture to make the catch pen more sturdier. Good job boys!!!!

Cattle Pens Setup-Pasture by Kevin's

2009-07-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Mike and I loaded the panels on the spike (on the loader tractor) with Brett and Tyler's help. We went to the pen by Kevin's house to set the panels up so the cattle could be baiting into hopefully making them easier to catch off grass when it is time to take them to the feedyard.

Mike, Brett, and Tyler are setting up the panels.

Tyler is tying the panel to the post in the ground with baling wire to make sure it holds the cattle when they are caught.

Brett, Mike and Tyler are going around and making sure each panel is tied at the joints.

Royals-After Game

2009-07-06T19:14:00.001-07:00

After the Royals game on Sunday, they had any kid that wanted could meet down on the baseball field and run the bases. Of course, the boys wanted to do it. We waited our turn and when we got to the field, an employee asked them who was faster. That is all it took. They both took off!!

Brett ran the entire way. Here he is rounding third base.

Here is Tyler after he passed 3rd base and is heading to the home plate.

Royals Game

2009-07-06T19:00:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, Mike and I took the kids (including Ben, of course) to the Royals Game. The boys and I have never been before. It was awesome.

Kristen and Ben are playing a game with the boys on the way to the game to keep them occupied because they are so excited.

Ben, Kristen, Brett, Tyler, and Mike pose for a picture by the field. We had seats 11 rows up from the field. It was awesome.

Tyler, Mike, and Brett are in front of the pretty water fountains at the stadium.

Brett always had the #5 when he played baseball because of George Brett so of course he and Tyler had to take a picture with the monument of the Hall of Famer.

Tyler just had to have a foam finger.

Brett got 2 foul balls. The first won was from warm up and the second one was during the game. The ball boys threw them to the crowd when the players hit a foul ball and Brett made sure he was down by the fence when one was thrown. It definitely payed off. Way to go Brett!! DeJeus is the player that hit the foul ball that Brett caught. Brett and Tyler are singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" with the crowd. Royals beat the White Sox 6-3!!!!!

4th of July

2009-07-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Every year it is a tradition for us to go to Connie and Darby's house for the 4th. We eat lunch and then watch the boys shoot fireworks all afternoon. This year was no different.

Tyler loves rockets. Here he is trying to get a rocket lit in the wind. Of course, he finally managed to get it done.

Brett has lit this semi truck once already. He and Tyler came up with the idea to attach a rocket to the semi and see what happens. The truck was blown into tiny pieces. Lacy loves fireworks. Mike is teasing her by pretending to light a firework. Poor Lacy.

Darby, Brett, and Mike decided to take a break and relax for a while.

Kristen decided to try to ride the "Branson Car". I think she finally got the hang of it.

14th Wedding Anniversary

2009-07-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Mike and I went to Legions in Kansas City with my teammates from work on Friday, June 26th. We ate at Granite City, went to a Stanford Comedy Club, and had drinks at the Wild Fire. This is Mike and me outside the Wild Fire. We told my teammates we were celebrating our anniversary with them. Mike and I went to Bruff's on Tuesday, June 30th to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. It was just the two of us.

Tyler Helps w/ T-ball

2009-07-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Tyler loves to help with Regan and Bailey's games. Here is helping pitch for the other (cousin Dana's ) t-ball team. He had a great time. Regan is in the pitcher's circle.

Planting Beans at the South 80

2009-07-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Ford and Seed Tender

Brett loading beans with Dad surpervising

Mike and Darby making sure they are ready to continue.

Father's Day

2009-06-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Aunt Em went to their house and brought back balloons because Brett, Tyler, Bailey, and Regan wanted a water balloon fight. What a wonderful way to cool off on such a hot day! Before it was over, I don't know who had more fun, the four kids or the adults.

Tyler goes into the mudroom of Connie's house to fill up his balloons. You can't see it but he has a bucket in the sink that he is putting his balloons in after he fills and ties them.

Brett must have lost his bucket. He was very difficult for him to hold on to this big water balloons.Mike is on the run. He had Brett and Tyler come at him from one side and Bailey and Regan from the other. Regan snuck up on Grandpa through the garage and really let him have it. Surprise! She thought that was soooo funny. Grandpa took it really well.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Brett, Tyler, Kristen, and Ben watch as Mike opens his Father's Day Cards. Each card reflects each child's personality. Everyone wanted Dad to open their card first. Of course, Kristen had to give Grandpa his card as Tyler, Bailey, and Brett watched. Regan was off on the sidelines somewhere.

Emily grilled some awesome steaks! She also brought her famous baked beans. Tammy brought the pea salad and Connie made fries. There was a total of 14 for lunch. Good thing Connie has a big table. It is great to get along so well.

Connie, Floyd, Marilyn, and Emily can be seen on the far side. Ben, Kristen, Bailey, and Regan are on the other side of the table.

Last but not least is Kevin, Brett, and Mike. I am not sure where Tyler and Darby snuck off to. Happy Father's Day: Kevin, Mike, and Darby.

Stormy Evening

2009-06-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of the storm coming in on Saturday evening. These were taken outside our house about 5:00pm. The last one really looks wicked but thank goodness we didn't get the weather that Manhattan, Alma, and the surrounding area got.

Veteran's Memorial

2009-06-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

After our tour at the zoo on Saturday, we decided to go across the street for the boys to check out the tank, helicopter, and the different memorials dedicated to the men and women who fought for our country.

Emporia Zoo

2009-06-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, it was looking like it could rain so Mike and rest of the crew took the day off. We decided to head to the zoo in Emporia. It just goes to show, the zoo is for all ages!!! Brett and Tyler really like watching the Mountain Lion. It liked watching them too. You can see it up on the tree branch. Tyler and Brett decided to check out their "Wing Span".

Mike, Tyler, and Brett watched in facination at the ostrich. They were amazed my the way she moved her eggs toward her with her mouth and position them just right so she could sit on them.

Trampoline Party

2009-06-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Kristen had some friends show up. It is nice having them at our house so mom knows what is going on. Kristen, Ben, Megan, Corry, and Tyler S decided to jump on the trampoline. Brett took advantage of all of them jumping. Ride 'em Cowboy!!!!

Tyler was in the middle of all the teenagers until his mom got nervous. Brave Tyler!!!!!

Ben in his High Flying Act!!!!

Sibling Bonding while Rocking Out

2009-06-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Kristen is babysitting this summer. She used her own money to buy RockBand. Something her and her brothers have been wanting for a long time. It has been a little noisy at our house for the last few evenings.Kristen is playing the drums and Brett is playing the guitar. Play it Guys!!!!

The next song Kristen is playing the drums again and Tyler is singing. The family's own Rock Stars!!!!!

Trimming Trees

2009-06-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Mike is in the bucket of the BobCat with Brett running it. He is on his way up to trim some trees that have needed trimming for a long time.

Mike is trimming trees so we don't get be-headed when we are mowing. Thanks Mike!!!!! Mike is done trimming so Brett is bringing him down. If you look, Tyler is in the background mowing. Family day of yardwork!!!!

2009-06-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Brett helped by helping pull up all the old rock, spreading the lava rock, placing the stones, and putting up the fence. Thanks Brett!!!

Tyler helped by helping cut and lay the black paper underneath the rock, spreading the lava rock, and laying the stones. Thanks Tyler!!!!! Here is another project we did. The boys and Mike helped Tammy lay the black plasic under the gravel, roll the barb wire onto the gravel, position the wagon wheels, and lay out the stone. Ben and Kristen got to help position the barb wire and stone wheels. It only had to be repositioned a couple of times. Thanks everyone!!!

Brett's 1st Tomato

2009-06-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Brett was so excited. He had his 1st tomato on his tomato plant!!!! He brought it to so his mom and then was like "Crap, I shouldn't have picked it!!!" He had to text Grandpa, Dad, and his friend, Garrett.

Brett's Garden Update

2009-06-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

There is a fence around Brett's garden. This was PaPa's (Darby) idea to keep the rabbits and other animals away from Brett's crops. PaPa, Ma (Connie), Tyler, and Brett put the fence up along with help from mom. Brett is weeding his garden with a new hoe dad got him from the surplus store in Topeka. He really takes good care of his garden. His corn and beans seemed to have come up over night!!! Brett's 2 tomato plants are really growing.

The Boys' 4-Wheeler

2009-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 7th, Mike and Tammy took Brett and Tyler to look at a 4-wheeler the boys wanted in Springville, MO. The boys saved up enough money working at the farm and mowing yards to pay for their own 4-wheeler. Brett is counting out the money after a price was negoiated and agreed upon. Tyler and Brett helped Dad load the 4-wheeler in the back of dad's truck. So excited!!!Tyler won the privilege to ride the 4-wheeler home from the farm after showing it to Ma and PaPa. He had to take it straight to the shed because it was raining and lightning. So sad!!!Brett finally got his 1st ride on their 4-wheeler about 10:00 at night after it stopped raining and lightning. Of course, Tyler got to take a turn riding also. It was 11:00 before they finally settled down from all the excitement. Dad, Tyler, and Brett before they had to put the 4-wheeler up for the night. I am not sure who is more proud, Brett and Tyler or Mike!!!!!!!!!!!

Brett's Garden

2009-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Brett planted a garden. He has 3 rows of corn, 2 rows of green beans, peas, and 2 tomato plants.

He mulched his garden to keep the weeds down.

So proud.....Way to go Brett!!!!

HHS Graduation

2009-06-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

Kristen was junior class president so she accepted the school cane at the graduation. Way to go sis!!!Joe graduated. He was the boys' babysitter until they got old enough stay on their own.

6th Grade Party

2009-06-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Miss Zogleman interview each 6th grader on the Tigger Show at their "Party/Graduation". Brett talked about farming, of course.

Then there is Tyler the Comedian. I don't how many times he made the entire room laugh during his interview.

Mrs. Walker is a wonderful teacher. She had the class for 2 years because she was their student teacher in the 5th grade. The boys are going to miss her!!!!

Watch out Junior High, here is your next seventh graders!!!!!

Field Day

2009-06-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Brett was so excited about this race. He wants to do track in Junior High.

Tyler did an awesome job until he jumped over the mat. He had a nasty bruise on his shoulder.

This is the crew: Issaac, Trevor, Isaish, Mason, Tyler (after he was hurt), and Brett.

Prom

2009-05-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Kristen is all dressed up to go out for dinner at Bruffs before the Prom. All dressed for the Prom. So excited. Sissy and Daddy at the After Prom Party.

TN Trip

2009-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Brett and Tyler at the gym where their mom went to school. (Lake County High School)

Grass Cattle to Walts

2009-05-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

Mike unloading the cattle off the truck

Spring Program

2009-05-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Brett is plays the saxophone and Tyler plays the drums at their Spring Program.