A Winter Wheat Tradition

Happy Pioneer Day! It was July 24th and Winter Wheat was ready to celebrate. It was three years ago that we started our Pioneer Day tradition, this year was the biggest yet. Attendees: Harrell, Lemke, Dobson, Francis, Benham, Erickson and Newby families.
This year we set up tables between our house and the Dobson's. It made for great shade. The men dragged out a few grills and fired them up. Everyone brought their best side dishes. Jack and Hank claimed Laurie Lemke's pasta salad was the "the best pasta salad ever". Lynne made a miracle...a salad with cookies in it. And there, in a great huge bowl, was my personal favorite...Lyn's potato salad. Dana treated us with brownies and rice crispy treats.
Matt and Rick jammed some tunes. All the boys crowded around starry eyed.
Ahh.... I LOVE ALL OF THESE FACES!



AND THESE FACES...

AND THESE FACES! ....EVERYONE!

We filled 450 water balloons and had a big ol' fight. Gavin was in the middle minding his own business. Only fighting against the balloon that would not stay in his hands. Jack and Trent decided to gang up on Ricky. And when balloons weren't enough, they went for coolers. Jerry looked all innocent until he hit me with a big one. I tried to use the "hey! I got a camera" shield. Seemed to work. He left for Jack and Hank. And you say, who cleaned up all those popped balloons? Everyone. I did find a red one a week later hidden in a bush!

We then cleared off the food and set to some crafts. The kids painted t-shirts with glow in the dark paint. And then put the same paint to tennis balls that we later added twine to. They were flying asteroids!

The men (big boys) then set up the arsenal and began blowing things up. Oh...I meant...setting off fireworks.

Here's a shot of a bunch of very happy kids. Happy because they live on..... THE BEST STREET EVER!!!

Thanks ladies! It was an awesome day.

Rumors are, there will be a 8/8/08 party to celebrate the Opening Olympics. Chinese anyone?