A HOT weekend in Kansas

Our family drove south to Kansas for the Labor Day weekend. In this case, south is code for hot. Hot like we haven't experienced for a long time - high temps like Charagua coupled with humidity like Santa Cruz. Not a great combination in my mind. It did confirm my love for Minnesota climes, though.

But, heat notwithstanding, we really did have a wonderful time. We got to David and Rachel's lovely new farm home on Saturday evening, and soon after went with Willmar to our alma mater (Bethel College) for their first football game of the season.

It was also the first football game (ever) for our kids. They did well, but were slightly less than impressed. The game was actually quite exciting, particularly the last quarter - but Bethel ultimately lost.

David and Rachel's new place is so very lovely. The porch is especially nice.

Here all the Harder girl cousins enjoy some watermelon,

and peaches.

Since we spent most of our time with David & Rachel's family this time, our kids began to really play together with the twins (who'll be 3 in December) for the first time.

The awesome toys helped, of course.

On Labor Day (and Ramont's 39th birthday), we spent a very hot and sticky afternoon at Willmar and Hannah's ranch.

I cannot even express how much this was like visiting my aunts' and uncles' "fenze" (ranches) in the Paraguayan Chaco when we were growing up. The same temps, vegetation and soil, and somehow just the very same feel.

Also terere, of course.

 One big difference was that the coals for the supper's meat were started before 9pm. In fact, Willmar got the meat grilled just in time - before a mighty wind and rain storm rolled in. It knocked down all kinds of trees in the area and the electricity in Hutchinson was out for a couple hours.

Tuesday morning we visited the clinic where David is a veterinarian, as well as the livestock auction where he inspects all the animals to be sold. We saw some horse and buggies, as well as livestock being brought in by tractor and trailer.

And then we got back in the saddle for the 10-hour drive home. The kids are such good travelers. For the first time I can say with confidence that they not only don't mind long car rides, I think they actually enjoy them! The drive really was fun.

Here we stopped in Iowa to stretch our legs and eat a bit of supper. And soak up some more reasonable (perfect, actually) weather.

And now we have a 39-year old on our hands. Happy birthday, Ramont!