Graduation rehearsal and set up

Even with the little ones crawling around at our feet, we were still able to accomplish a rehearsal the night before the graduation. Daniel is a tad bit distracted from his banjo playing by a little climber...Amanda enjoys the background banjo music! Samuel-rehearsal The kids rehearsing the Mendelssohn sextet.

I've never heard of a piece with 2 violas and only 1 violin, but it was beautiful!

This group also included James on the piano.

After the rehearsal, we all went to Braums for ice cream.

The next day, we spent some time preparing the fellowship hall for the reception.

Charity kept us entertained.

Farewell party at Pastor Prigge's house

We have been enjoying the fellowship of the families from Grace Baptist Church. We were recently able to attend a farewell party for a young couple moving out of state.

We all gathered around the garage at Pastor John Prigge's home, where they had set up tables to serve a pot luck meal.

The event was a surprise to the couple. After the meal, there were 2 games of volleyball, some trampline jumping, lawn golf, baby kittens, visiting, and fun out in the open country air.

I'm not really sure what this game was. It started out as a young ladies volleyball game...

Then turned into a team sport which included waterfights!!! "Don't splash me with that, or I'll..." "Hey!!!" The "corner sneak" maneuverThe dads and young men enjoyed several rough vigorous games of volleyball

Samuel banged up his knee pretty good, but is much better now.
As darkness began to settle in, we were able to enjoy the cool breezes, fresh air and just relaxing with friends in the beautiful country setting.

The Merry Month of May

May was a busy month, and getting the things posted here on my blog has been a challenge. I'll just start with some photos taken by Hannah and Sarah of little Ruthie on a recent visit to Grandma's house. As she gets older, she gets cuter!
That is a sweet baby girl.
Sarah has spent some time on the sewing machine, working over a layered denim and crinkled skirt, adding a layer to the bottom.

She finally finished the hem! It's done and ready to wear.

Hannah, in order to make some extra spending money, washed the insides and outsides of all of the windows in our house. I've really enjoyed the bright sunshine through the clean glass!

We spent an evening with some old and dear friends in their home... eating pizza, playing croquet and having uplifting conversation. Wilferd and Gladys have been missionaries to Mexico for many years, and he is currently down there teaching a seminar. He is in our prayers.

Chris has installed the toilet and part of the shower in our "soon to be" bathroom.

The boys finished their finals, our school is finished for the summer, and we're busy with programs, CEF camp for Hannah, Samuel's graduation ceremony, lawn business, AC repairs and installations, and catching up on all that I didn't get done during the school year.

We travel down to Texas for Justin Massey's (Rick's) graduation this weekend. All in all, it has been a very profitable month, without a dull moment.

Dan and Dave turn 25

This past weekend, Dan's and Dave's joined us to celebrate their birthdays...which was May 25th. We all met at our house, loaded the kids into their car seats,And we treated the family to "Hog Wild Pit Barbecue". (that's what you eat when celebrating the birthdays of cattle ranchers...it's a guy thing) After the meal, the men went to play some tennis..."No Ethan, that doesn't include you yet!" Ethan stayed home and played...and from what we could tell, he had a great time! Click play to watch Ethan "dance!"

Sarah...playing with the kids... this game is "jumping for graham crackers." Ethan and Esther discovered another "fun game" to play together..."touch me...push you" click play to watch the "one year old antics". (beware, this isn't a quiet game! adjust volume on your computer accordingly)


Esther decided that finding a nice safe place to read a book was preferable.Jonathan got some special attention from Sarah, and it made him absolutely giddy! click play to watch the clip of Jonathan...the giggle box.

The moms kept busy with the babies most of the evening. Ruthy is sure growing up too. She smiles and gets so excited when someone talks to her! click play to see her active and smiling.

Once the guys returned, we had ice cream sundaes

Ethan could find a willing donor wherever he went!and more...
Esther didn't have much trouble finding donations either! She told us she wanted some "keem" (ice cream) with "daubbies" (strawberries) on top! Chris gave the guys some tools for their birthdays...he told them they were their new "hair clippers!" Haircuts may prove to be interesting at both Busenitz homes in the near future!Happy Birthday Dan and Dave. We love you both.

Prairie Rose Western Days

Yee Haw!!! We all sure had a rootin' tootin' good time out at the Prairie Rose Western Days! Ain't them some purdy cowgirls?Ride 'em Sarah!!! Riding the train- viewing the grounds

Charity ropin' cattle

Click here to watch Charity lasso that buckin' bronco!

Click to watch Chris...doing the same? Yip, that's the old cow hand himself!

Speakin' of purdy cowgirls!

Sarah find-um totem pole!

A tribe of great white hunters We must prepare for the hunt! The tribe dons their war paint, hides, bear claws and... hunts down a herd of ...uh..... What a strange herd!Now this is a strange looking creature! Doesn't look like good eatin' at all!

This one needs some fattening up!

After they return-um to teepee, war party celebrates the hunt with...Peace Pipe?

Me-um glad it just western demonstration! No smoke signals from this tribe!!!

This is the only photo of the guys. Their adventure wasn't nearly so interesting.

The day was filled with stories from the Santa Fe trail, wagon rides, demonstrations and crafts of the old west. It was a treat to be able to participate in this event. Thanks Prairie Rose. It was a very educationally profitable field trip.