Farm Life...

As in our day together on the farm. Best friends, sisters, sister in laws, cousins, friends...family.  That's what we are is family.  Some of us may not technically be related but that doesn't matter.

On July 17th my best best friend Marie Wallwork (below on right) came to town with her three kids.  We've been anticipating this trip for months.  From morning until night we were a go, go, go.  The night she got here we went to a party.  From there it's somewhat a blur with visions of a visit to the beach and the Exploritorium in the city of San Francisco.  I can't put all of our trip in order-it was non-stop...but the most fun ever!

During one of the days she was here we went to see Marie's sister Margo.  Margo and Al live on a small ranch/farm in Oakley California, off the 580.  My kids said it was their favorite day spent with the Wallworks.

And...I actually brought the nice camera and took picture after picture.  I have been editing these pictures ever since they left.  Finally- our story about Farm Life.

Once upon a time there were two girls who met at church.  The one on the right needed some help one evening and was brave enough to come calling for help.  The girl on the left felt an instant love for the girl on the right and said, "I'll do anything to help you."  And so was the start of their friendship, bond, love, sisterhood, best friends forever.

We had our first babies around the same time, they are only a couple of months apart.  We had our second babies a couple of weeks apart and off she moved to Temecula, CA.  I'll never forget when she moved, it was a loss for me.

But, as true friends would, we kept our long distance relationship alive!  We talked on the phone, sent monthly letters with tried and true recipes nestled inside.  We visited one another on occasion but never texted or talked to each other on a cell phone because neither of us had one until...about a year ago.  We have much in common.  :)

And then something miraculous happened.  We both got email accounts.  This was about three years ago.  And we started keeping in touch over email!  It was amazing!!!  And then...we started blogging!!!!  Even more amazing!  Miracles do happen for Shauna and Marie....

So through years of distant love and bonding...fast forward to July 24th and we've got some great memories on her sisters' farm.

Marie is a woman companion to me.  When we are together our hearts are in sync.  She may have come into town thinking there would be more down time, that there would be more time to talk and visit, and relax.  Regardless, we had a blast, we got to live together for nine days, watch each other handle children and life.  She helped me in my home, she got a peek into what life is like at the Klippel home.  We were all sad to see them leave and my kids are still waking up saying, "it's so lonely without the Wallworks."  And I respond by saying, "how can it ever be lonely here, there are seven of you...for Pete's Sake."  :)

Marie and I have something special, and I am so thankful to have her in my life.  We have a connection but it didn't come without effort, and work.  We've put in the time and we have something so amazing...just like Farm Life.  :)

 

Speaking of farm life, taking pictures at this place was so fun.  Everywhere your eye looks is a great picture.  Old fences, slated trucks, little boys, little girls, chickens, barns, horse stalls, dirt roads, I could not put my camera down.   

This is Thira (Marie's sister in law), and her son Raith.

 

Gwyneth and Reece riding.
 

Emry Glenn Wallwork and her epic photoshoot...
 

 

Two of these boys are cousins and one is a friend.  But they are going to grow up together and be there for one another.  I love it.
 

 

Lila Glenn Wallwork...and her epic photoshoot.  What's epic is that headband that was being passed around.  It was homemade and they wear it so well.  It really makes the pictures.  :)
 

Just for the record this is my youngest daughter, Summer.  With a name like that you would think her to be happy all the time, like a ray of sunshine.  But, alas, no she is most often looking like this.  And because I'm her mother I think it's so cute.  Others probably find her a little crazy, sour, difficult-granted she may be these things :), but she's so dear to my heart.
 

This pour chicken was poked, prodded, handled and man handled some more.  It didn't stand a chance.  I was sure one of my kids smuggled into my car as we were leaving...along with some other animals...
 

This is Marie with her only and youngest son, Ethan.
 

Sisters...  Margo and Marie


Sisters...Emry and Lila

 

 

Do you see the complete love my daughter has for this chicken below?  That's why I thought I might find it in my car...they couldn't part ways, at least she couldn't. :)
 

 

Friends and family are the best.

 

This was our day and life on the farm.  Thank you Margo for having us and until next time Marie...I love you forever.