26 Weeks- Iyla

On our way home from Aunt Cari's and Uncle Ryan's house. A stop at the Worlds Largest Truck Stop. 

Smiles for Momma and Daddy are now a frequent thing. In the last few weeks she's started smiling for her Daddy, all the smiles before that were for just Momma. Daddy is a happy camper now that he's in the club. 

While Momma writes, Iyla naps or plays.

She does pretty well for the most part when left to her own devices.... as long as she can see Momma. :/ There are places all over the house that are "Iyla Spots" where she can see me while I clean or cook. Sweet girl.

Helping Momma do laundry, by playing in her crib and singing.

Getting pretty good at babbling and cooing now! LOTS of sweet noises from those sweet lips.

Tampering with the Mail is a Federal Offence

See below, the world's most adorable criminals. These small, furry creatures had taken up residence in our previously unoccupied mailbox. We were waiting for our first check to arrive once we moved in and were surprised to find that someone had torn the envelope open on one side. After a few moments of wondering who to take the issue up with, we came to realize that the pile of straw and dirt in the mailbox was there on purpose. This picture is one Ryan took the next day while cleaning out the mailbox. 

The good news is that they didn't chew on the check at all! YAY! They are still being a bother and chewing up some mail, and Ryan says that he will have to put some *treats* in there for them to go away- I agree, but under protest. They are way too cute and I kinda like them. :)

We had an excellent trip to see Cari, Ryan and the kids. We did the Jelly Belly Factory tour and visited the Cheese Castle while there.

It's always a good time with the Siegers. We were missing them and were glad to get to spend time with them.

Love from us,
M, R, and I

The Adventures of Huck... the pup

The Huckster has been living in hog heaven since arriving down south. He gets to roam free for the most part, and he gets to spend most days with his best buddy, Dad.

Break time 

Ryan is cleaning out the barns and the equipment this week, the weather is starting to really get nice! Iyla and I went to visit our two best boys, after a trip to town to get them treats from the gas station. 

Ryan and Huck at the Barns

He seems more inclined to behave out here, I'm sure it's because of all this Dad time. 

We cleaned our cars along with the equipment, as we are getting ready for a trip to the Siegers tomorrow afternoon! Yay! More to come soon! Love to you all, M, R and I

Around the Farm

Since we have arrived, we have had a few requests to share our area and stories of our everyday.

Here goes:

The following is our area:

Right out side the house, the car is parked to the right, that's where the front door is. 

Behind the car, the view from all front facing windows.

The silos.

The front of the house.

  

Our road, left of the house.

Our road, front of the house.

Our road, right of the house. See our neighbors way out yonder?

An old silo, to the right of the house, on the property. We plan to use it for housing of one pet or another. :)

Side view.

The old silo I have plans for.

The right side of the house, back door.

This is the lane I was standing in to take the above picture. Also, the view of our back yard, and the field there after. 

Huck's house next t the small barn.

Some of the usual sights.

Back yard, grain silos and Ryan shooting.

And we come full circle to the car.

Seen below, we have Ryan working! He has been busy this last week or so, filling that truck with grain and taking it to the grain place about 1/2 hour away from the house. Load, empty, repeat.

He has been LOVING it here. So have I, really. He spends his days in the barns or hauling loads to the grain place, comes in for lunch, goes back, comes in for dinner. I love it because he's right outside! I haven't really had time to go visit him while he's at work, even if it is 30 steps away. Mostly because I'm STILL unpacking and trying to make the house feel as close to home as I can (while Angel Wrangling). Well, that, and it was so cold, every time I would stick my face outside, the mucus in my nose would instantly freeze.

I decided that I would abstain from the out of doors as long as that was a "thing".

We are so blessed! This spring has a lot in store for us Iowan Collins. The weather is warming up and we have great plans for our garden. Along with our garden, we are looking forward to adopting a few feathered babies soon. We are excited at the prospect of so much life blooming all around us. We are especially thankful for Iyla's blooming, she is becoming more and more aware of her surroundings and becoming so vocal! More to share soon on that subject! But as for now, we send love and hugs to you all! Missing you.
Love,
M, R, & I