The last few days have been a flurry of ‘rush’.  A hurry, hurry-up, to cram in as much as we possibly can for the two little girls still with us.

Blade has already made the switch to being a Craig Middle School Bulldog…one of his practices had Bronco Great Rick Upchurch, helping with the training.  (How cool is THAT!!!?)  I looked for Bladen, he is Number 1, but I couldn’t find him amongst the others.  🙂

There was lots and lots of archery practice with Grandpa

Even Tally started to learn.

We had kids over to spend the night, and Linkin went to spend the night with her Best Friend Forever.  Tallin went with Aunt Shannon and Jason to trim horses hooves (15 horses…she even got to ride one!!!)

Gradually we had to start packing—the time was coming to an end.

Then Mom-mo arrived ready to pick up her kids, critters and all the stuff that went with them.

After Mom-mom packed the van full of suitcases, bikes, and pillows— the critters loaded–first the Guinea pigs, Hank Puff, who actually seemed as sad as Linkin. He even went around giving Fuzzy and Boomer kisses…who would have thought that.

The last to go in was the bunny, Snowball.

A flurry of kisses and hugs then the little girls were loaded.  Suddenly Linkin called out…her voice clogged with tears….”I love you! I’ll Miss You!  It was never supposed to be this way!”  Then we were all crying…huge silent tears.

The van pulled away…little hands waving frantically out the window.  We stayed and watched gradually the van became a just a white dot.

Today, as I write this, they are in school.  All of them.  A good thing.  Busy minds heal broken hearts.

Out in my garden I saw the beautiful cheerful California Poppies, that Jan sent to us after our horrible fire three years ago.  Bright, cheerful, signs of hope and regrowth.

We are all going to make it…But each of you already know that, many of you have sent words of encouragement and kindness.  I promise I will not belabor the fact they have journeyed onto a new adventure.  I will send them hope and love and good wishes.  I will not cry but look forward to visits!

I, too, will move forward!

Your farm friend,

Linda