the real tractor baby

It's that time of year to turn dirt. While we mostly watched from the house one or two days we hopped in the green machine and did our turn. Jake joined in. The carrier was critical to secure him and free my hands. 

He did well on my lap only adjusting the throttle on the arm rest near me a couple of times. No toes were burned in this outing. We have to be very aware of these fair skinned children that live in my house. 

Merle ready to ride. He is a patient rider who sits as long as the machines are on. He is also a very handy helper. When I would unearth a fence post he could get out and carry it out of the field. He's strong and cautious in his 6 year old body. I was very thankful for his help. 

Jake asleep tucked into the carrier with hat on head to prevent a sneaky tractor sunburn.

Trying to help. The neighbor has llamas Jake and Andrea thought those were pretty fun to watch while we worked near their fields. 

Each  year is a different situation. I haven't drove tractor with such a young baby before. I probably won't again. I'm thankful I still can. 

The days are beautiful and the season is calling my heart. Sitting with my favorite people in the big tractor, watching Greg planting seeds a ways away in the same field is truly a peaceful feeling. There is a lot of work ahead. There will be and are many prayers for pricing, fuel, safety, and protection. So many variables and big consequences with each day. Yet it is in the very weight of the opportunity that we grow and become. I hear my kids come in at night after long days. Days where I also hear the insults, the frustrations, and see the problems happening and being fixed. I hear them come in happy, confident and joking with each other. Even racing in the door. How do they do that after all the other things they did in the day? Youth is beautiful. But it is in those night time returns I know the work and all the differences that are us, are ok. We are abundantly blessed and so thankful for the life we are able to live.