On Sunday, the Smiths took a short trip to Neola, Iowa. Well, everyone except Sam. He spent the day with his aunt as a birthday present. Poor guy missed all the fun!

We have been considering adding a few hogs next year, and one of the breeds we're interested in getting is guinea hogs. They're smaller than many other types, and we found some people in our area who have a few. We arranged a time to visit, and our little pig trip turned into a farm party.

Our new friends Sherri and John have a wonderful farm and huge collection of animals. They really opened up their home to us, and we had a fantastic time. Sherri and Mike barbecued some of their chickens, other friends brought side salads, and we contributed a peach-and-raspberry cobbler and a summer bouquet. Jack and Comet helped crank the old-fashioned ice cream maker for dessert. Great food and new friends... a wonderful way to end the week!

Here are some highlights in pictures:

Jack bottle feeding a calf

Scottish Highland cattleNapoleon the black sheepBrian and guinea hogSummer bouquet

-Brian