laboring on labor day

We had a FULL three day weekend.  We started off with the lake on Saturday and then Jason's family came for a visit Sunday and Monday.  Their visit involved more than just hanging out and having fun, although we did lots of that too!

We had a big tree in our front yard that was practically dead.  I think its been slowly dying since the storms that accompanied the tornado.  A large limb finally broke off and we got a notice in the mail that we needed to cut the tree down or the city would and would charge us for it.  After asking around, we found out that it would cost $1000+ to have it cut down.  Needless to say, that's not do-able for us.  So Papa brought the big chainsaw and Uncle Jeffrey brought his truck.  This is after the first limb fell.

And here's the next limb.

We were all outside watching for a little while, but then things got a little tricky for the guys.  They spent some time contemplating how to get the limb down that was leaning toward the house.  Luckily there was only one of those.  The kids watched from inside.

We had a lot of fun inside.  The kids are getting good at playing together.  Teigan didn't seem to mind that Amos is 3 years younger than him.  He just treated him like he was another pal.

And Emma was smitten with Silas.  She would pat him and give him kisses and make him laugh.  He was loving all the attention.

 Teigan was a good helper too! He just knew that Silas wanted him to hold him.

The guys got it all cut down the first night and finally took a break for dinner.  We had a good evening eating and laughing together.

After breakfast was finished, they men got back to it.

 The start of the brush pile.

With the cooler weather, we headed outside with the kids while the men worked in the front yard.

 Emma taught Amos how to swing on his stomach.

Papa didn't take a break until it was all cut.  We celebrated with a big lunch!  We are so thankful for wonderful family that never hesitates to help out.  What a blessing for the Lord.

Here's what the tree looks like this morning.

 Anybody need some wood??