Lumberjack Day 2014: Less Work - More Fun!

With all the hubbub of the recent noTTafarm wedding, the thought of a full-fledged, get-dirty, work-hard, chop-down-trees, lumber-jacking session didn't seem that appealing. So we took it down a notch, and instead celebrated a sunny autumn Saturday (October 11) with good food and plenty of great friends and family. Needless to say, a good time was had by all!

Arriving to noTTafarm first for the third year in a row:  the Kupzyks (of The New People!) Baby Bennett is no longer a baby ~ he turned two today (October 13th).

Since Sarah's parents and grandmother were in town for Bennett's birthday, they came along for a hotdog and s'mores lunch.

 Hey, Look! Meredith is here!

Our favorite 10 year-old and her awesome mommy, Leigh Anne, came over at lunchtime. Can you tell they're rooting for the Royals during this exciting post season? It's always great to have these two visit (all the way from Papillion!)

Another Lumberjack Days First: dogs in attendance! Our friends Kevin and Christine brought their new puppy, Marley Mae, along to help her get used to lots of people. Such a sweetie!

Another Lumberjack Days First:  Wilson - well, not Wilson but . . .

 . . . Wilson killed a mouse (or maybe it's a mole?!) Though he spends quite a bit of time outdoors, we've never seen him hunt anything so this was "interesting." Poor mouse.

My brother Mark swears I told him to bring his own beer so, of course, he had to be a show-off and bring along his favorite Alaskan Amber.

Another Lumberjack Days First:  Kitra! Our youngest great niece is such a happy 10-month-old and, clearly, the apple of her daddy Tyler's eye.

The platform used for the wedding ceremony last month was moved to a patch under trees near the house. It made an irresistible stage for some fancy footwork by Meredith.

Bennett took to the stage for a rousing rendition of the Teddy Bear song.

Meredith, a superfan of all things kitty cat, greeted Bibbers near the barn.

New friendships are always forged at Lumberjack Days! Our friend Lisa, visiting noTTafarm for the first time, brought along her 4 year old daughter, Lauren who in turn became fast friends with Brenna, Amy and Monte's 5 year old. They zoomed all over on Brenna's 4-wheeler, sat in the hammock together, went on a nature hike, and taught Auntie Kristin the meaning of that high-pitched scream only girls this age can create. (There is no meaning. . .they just can't help themselves.)

Scott increased his popularity by giving the kids rides in the Ranger.

A pennant string hanging from the wedding arch made a colorful backdrop for photos. Tyler, Monica, and Kitra were picture perfect! (Please note Kitra's adorable Scottie dog shirt and Monica's lumberjack inspired plaid!)

Mark and LuAnn are always in fashion. 

 Ah, yes! The tradition continues:  Mr. and Mrs. Ward smooching for the camera.

Brenna and Tripp mistake daddy Monte and buddy Gary for jungle gyms. This is Tripp's third Lumberjack Day and he's not even three yet! (We like to start out our Superfans really young so they have a lifetime of noTTafarm activities to look forward to.)

I was soooo happy that Megan returned to Omaha for the day! She and Amy had much to catch up on since Megan and Scott's move to Lincoln last spring.

Another Lumberjack Days First:  another dog! Emma is Pat and Kathleen's beautiful husky. She's such a good pup and was very well-behaved.  Good job, Emma! (p.s. Isn't Kathleen beautiful? Getting married at noTTafarm has magical powers.)

A few of my former co-workers also happen to be a few of my very best friends: Marie, Megan, Amy, and Gary.

As with all big noTTafarm events, my one regret (other than yelling at innocent people that are trying to help me) is that I didn't take enough photos! I neglected to capture the following:
1.) my sister, Karolyn, and her husband, Alan, visiting from Meeker, Colo;
2.) our nephew Joe, his girlfriend Sara, and his buddy Anthony ~ all students at UNL;
3.) our niece Chelsie, always such a good helper and wonderful sport;
4.) Carl and Marita, who brought along their out-of-town guests, Becky and Bob (it was so nice to meet them!) Marita also shared two of her famous pecan pies which were sooo good!;
5.) our friend Sonya and friend, Mark (making one of his first public appearances as Sonya's special someone);
6.) my brother Tim and his wife Teresa who I owe $$$ for the ice they purchased. Tim stayed after everyone had left for the night and washed all my dishes.  Thank You, Timmy!;
7.) my friend and former OWH co-worker, Lisa ~ visiting noTTafarm for the first time with her precocious 4 year old daughter Lauren;
8.) my adorable friend Christine who accompanied her beau Kevin and pup Marley Mae but had to dash off to Des Moines shortly after noon;
9.) our sweet niece Karli, home late to Omaha after celebrating Dakota Days at USD;
10.) our nephew Pat ~ the recently wed lucky husband of Kathleen;
11.) our friend Mary (Gary's wife) who brought along a super delicious peanut butter dip with vanilla wafers and kept us entertained in the kitchen;
12.) Kathleen's mama Liz and brother Dan ~ who I hope will come and visit us often;
13.) and very special visitors:  Doris and Janis who toured the finished house for the first time. We were so happy that noTTafarm's previous residents stopped by and are so glad to call them friends;
14.) and my Mommy and Daddy who had to miss this year's party due to Dad's recent knee replacement. We'll see you here next year, Ray and Jolene! Don't forget your chainsaw!

Another wonderful noTTafarm celebration is in the books. Now we can sit back and relax . . . oh, wait. The holidays are just around the corner!

Stay Tuned for Our Next Adventure!