Tractor Up & Running!

We mentioned in a previous post that Kevin and Cameron were working on our old Ford 651 (1959) tractor.  Today they finished rebuilding the carburetor and completed the tune up to get the tractor up and running again so we can get some clearing and grading done on the property.

The project included replacing the exhaust system including a new muffler and piping; a tune up that included points, plugs, and new distributor cap; and rebuilding the old carburetor.  The carburetor took the longest as some parts needed to be ordered to complete the project.

As the work was being done Cameron also learned how to make new sparkplug wires as one of the connections into the distributor was broken.

Here are some of the pictures from today and a short video clip - sorry the tractor is now running quieter than it ever has and is even quieter than the wind that started picking up while we were outside.

Carburetor rebuild.

Testing carb float valve.

Work on distributor.

Completing new points & condenser install.

New exhaust system, muffler, rebuilt carb and hoses!

Testing the system - she runs great!

Visit with "Baba" & GrandPa.

We took Lauren for her first visit to Lynda's parents house, our children refer to Lynda's mom as Baba (Russian name for grandmom) and of course Lynda' s dad as GrandPa.

During the visit Cameron helped with making both dinner last night and breakfast this morning.  Lynda's sister Anna and her two children Clara and Jared come over for dinner and some visiting which of course included the boys playing some video games!

We enjoyed the visit and look forward to the next time.

Hannah & Lauren watching Disney Cartoon.

Lauren w/ Baba (Grandmom)

Lauren w/ GrandPa

Cam helping with dinner.

Lynda going through her mom's craft supplies.

GrandPa with the Princesses!

Easter Sunday

Christos Anesti! We were reminded of the Greek Easter greeting today when Kevin received a nice text from one of our California family members (Glen).

Today, Lauren experienced her first easter basket, putting on a new easter dress, and going to a Easter Church service.  We do not give a bunch of candy, (as a matter of fact the eggs they found yesterday were all empty) so in their baskets this morning were just a few eggs filled with jelly beans or robins eggs (malted milk balls), and a few little toys.  The girls got some little dolls, puzzles, music for Lauren, a video for Hannah. Cameron got the milk chocolate bunny (as you can see in the photo below) and a new basketball.

This morning Kevin played drums for a local church that did not have a drummer for their Easter Services. Cameron's piano teacher is the worship leader at the church and was asking Cameron and Lynda two weeks ago if they knew any drummers and they told him about Kevin.  So Lauren also got to see her dad play drums with a worship team for the first time!  Another day of some great first experiences!

CHRISTOS ANESTI -  ALITHOS ANESTI!  Christ is Risen - He is Risen Indeed! 

Easter Weekend.

We started celebrating Easter early by having time together as a family, we were joined by Eddie, Amber, and Erika for a BBQ, Egg Hunt for Hannah & Lauren, toasting marshmallows, and a game of Apples to Apples (Disney).

All set - let the hunt begin!

Not charcoal - just Cam's well done
marshmallow!

Wow - this is GOOD!

Not to sure about this new treat!

Update for the Week - April 15th.

Well, since it was only $5 for 20 G of memory we decided we will keep this blog going.

We continue to be busy with project on the property, Cameron's Aqua/Hydroponics project is progressing, we will be starting our chicken coop this weekend, and weeding!

The girls (Hannah & Lauren) are continuing to learn how to live together, Lauren still has to get used to not grunting at her sister when she is mad at her and she still has to work on some sharing skills. Communication continues to get better as Lauren seems to pickup more words and skills everyday.

Cam and Hannah having tea in the Sunroom.
(Lauren was napping)

Kevin and Cameron will be working on the tractor as soon as some parts get in. Kevin will be teaching Cam how to rebuild a carburetor, doing points/plugs (tuneup), oil change, and replacing some old and rusting exhaust pipe. As soon as the tractor tuneup and repair is completed the side and rear yards are waiting as the weeds there have grown too large to do by hand tools.

Hydroponic Project

Side Yard Weeds.

Back yard weeds.

Ford 651 Tractor. (1959)

What to do with the Blog?

Sorry for not posting this past week, we have been really busy and are trying to decide about what to do with this blog.  We just ran out of space for posting pictures so do we pay the fee to add space or start a family blog?

We will post something about our decision soon!

Hannah's Birthday & Busy Weekend

Today we celebrated Hannah's 7th Birthday!

The day started with Eddie & Amber taking Hannah & Lauren to the movies then to a local park to play for a while. When they were out of the house Lynda took the time to get the cake baked (with some help from Cameron) and to put out the presents and some decorations.  Hannah also had requested Mexican food so we had taco's, enchilada's, and taquitos!

Also, while the girls were out we had the tractor tire fixed and Cameron finished installing and testing the drains on the planting beds for his Hydro/Aquaponics project.