He was so surprised. Not me!!!!! I told him I knew he could do it. Not only is it together and running but the three-point hitch arms are back on and operating for the first time since I have known the tractor. 
He got it together and then ran it around the farm. Then he and his buddy Phoenix had to try it out together. Phoenix helped him put the brakes together and the back tires on. Phoenix loves to help Jason. He was so proud when he got all greasy!
he really felt the need for the hard-hat when he found it sitting in the shop. So Mary-Kate took a picture of him sitting on his new favorite tractor.
Yesterday Jason tried it out by putting the disc bine on it and mowing the hay with it. It has more power than it ever had.
Now most of us like to go to a store of some kind to procure our fishing tackle. Imagine all the shelves neatly lined with sinkers, hooks, bobbers, and other delights designed to make any fisherman part with all his money. Not Matthew, his delight is in seeing a tree in the wilderness festooned with abandoned tackle that was once loved by some poor child who probably left in tears and frustration. 
Now, no effort sees to be too great for Matthew to bag that tackle so he can enjoy the great American sport of fishing. He will risk everything to get all the gear he needs to fish properly. Here he is hanging from a branch in persuit of a bobber of all things to round out his requirements.
Even Jason succommed to the lure (pardon the pun) of the free tackle hanging around and procured some of his own and took to fishing. (fear not folks he is properly licensed) He, however did not climb trees but kept to the ground and what was easily obtained on terra firma.
Matthew's camo hat became a casualty to his hanging upside down from the tree.
Not much sympathy from his father but much advice. I must reveal that the bobber stayed firmly attached to the branch of the tree.
Mary-Kate, in spite of her self did suffer a snag which Matthew did take time out to un-snag for her. (what a guy) I think he had designs on her gear at this point)
Of course he can't do it the easy way. He has to go out almost to the end of a partially submerged tree. Thankfully he brought a change of clothes in his bag of survival gear. That bag is starting to look pretty good to me.
Jason is still enjoying his easily gotten fishing tackle. No climbing skinny branches for him.
Ok, lets try this one more time. That bobber sure has to be worth it. He never did get it. And he finally gave up the whole fishing thing. He makes it look more like work than it really is. It's supposed to be a relaxing past-time. 
All the while this was going on more phone calls were made and we were blessed with the news that Kathy and the baby are apparantly fine and so are Mark and Mark Jr. Kathy's mother is bringing them home from the hospital so our trip their was unnecessary. 
Ryan feels bored by the inactivity that the army often forces on him and frustrated by what he feels he needs and wants to do for his men which he is often unable to do because of circumstances beyond his control. I assure him that he is in my prayers and that his are very important at times like these. I hope he can feel the effects of those prayers.
Adam had to tell us that he may be in Iraq for 6 months soon. I felt his hesitation at having to worry me that way. I guess that I will have to double my prayers (is that possible for a mother to do?). To any and all who may read this even if you don't let me know who you are, please pray for my sons. Their souls are of paramount importance to me. More than my own life.
Although it is early I was happily rewarded with these four. So homeward I came with a new science project.
Each day we bring them fresh milkweed leaves to feed on and empty the "poops" out of the fish bowl that they live in.
He's been smiling and surprising us ever since. Adam has been famous all of his life for his smile. 
Even when he is trying to be serious or pious it is lurking there ready to show itself at a moments notice.
Adam was very proud to have made his First Communion on his grandpa Pelicano's birthday. They have always had a special bond. Grandpa was always tolerant of Adam's constant questions. His favorite phrase when he was growing up was "Grandpa, guess what......"
Adam's energy level is phenomenal. Sometimes he would just drop in place he was so tired from going and going all day.
Out came the Coleman stove and the pot of chile and we were good to go. We sat around the fire and listened to Jason's stories of his exicting weekend.
What's better than a bowl of hot homemade chile, a slice of homemade bread and a campfire to finish off a great day. 
As usual Matthew ran up the mountain and ended up waiting for the rest of us at the top. Doug and I chose to take a more leaisurely pace so that Mary-Kate would have someone to walk with. It's hard to believe that she is 9 weeks post-op. She made it to the top and down without a complaint.
At the top the scenery was admired and the usual pictures were taken. Those of you who are usually in our party were sorely missed. Adam, we missed you being the first one up there. Ryan, we missed your dry comments about the lack of difficulty of the terrain. Me especially missed everyone's company. 
Here is Elizabeth learning to accessorize. It is very important to have the right jewelry for the outfit.
Right away he opened each little box, pulled out the piano bench and began to set up his little altar.
As you can see from the close-up each piece is beautiful and the attention to detail is quite nice. The kit contains everything that a boy needs to "play" mass and have his own little church. 
Even at 15 years-old Matthew still loves to practice what he needs to do when he is on the altar with Father each time he serves Mass.
Then this morning we took the time to pose in front of our hard work and take a picture of the graduate and what family we have at home.
Even Lupus gets into the picture. (she's part of the family too)
