Independence Week!

K6 likes to be comfortable while doing chores, such as milking Cinnamon. 

While S is out-of-town (delivering K4's newest baby and helping K3 with her upcoming wedding), K8 moved into the master bedroom and claimed ownership of my leather couch. This was taken about 12:30 - after he passed out while drawing pictures.

I had to check out some locations on a friend's ranch in preparation for our Boy Scout Camp next week. This gigantic sycamore tree had a massive nest. What kind of squirrel could possibly occupy it?

A dead squirrel since the nest had 2 juvenile eagles! One of them took off and circled around over head and landed on a branch near the nest. Neither has their distinctive white head yet, but still, what an awesome sight. I can't get enough of watching this magnificent creature. I'l spend my whole time at camp parked in a folding chair in the shade near this tree just waiting and watching. 

K7 is somewhere in this group shot. He accompanied S on her trip, partly in order to attend this Youth Pioneer Hand-cart Trek. The Church offers teenagers this physically demanding yet spiritually rewarding experience once every 4 years. K6 did the Trek last month and K7 was left behind because he was just shy of his 14th birthday. When this opportunity popped up, he hopped on it. Located in northeast Oklahoma. The temperature was 102. 

We have had two powerful thunderstorms the past few days. Broke a large branch from one of the walnut trees along driveway. Can't complain too much since we did get water and the temps are in the 80's while parts of country are too dry and too hot. One of the storms hit last night on the 4th of July, which delayed the boys from indulging in...

...lighting fuses and launching rockets.

Big beautiful rockets.

My cheap-o little camera does its best, but just can't always capture the real star burst.

But you get the idea. We had fun and no neighbors were bothered and no laws were broken. Love living in rural America. The only unhappy critters were some of the dogs. Poor Rose crawled into my lap shivering with fear. Good thing the boys ran out of money and rockets.

Happy Independence Day! I love America!