John Deere 60

This John Deere 60 pedal tractor came from great grandpa Leo Ochsner, who farmed in Sutton, Nebraska. It came from the tractor dealer in the early 1950s when grandpa bought his first John Deere 60.

Ezra's grandpa Lauren rode it, and then Brian rode it...then tore off one of the wheels in the 1980's (he claims he was trying to fix it). We recently brought it to a repair man in Pella who was able to restore the back end well enough to ride it.

He also gave us the advice that we shouldn't leave it outside, as they are pretty special to have.

Updating Portraits

One sunny morning this week I snapped some pictures in an effort to get some updated portraits of each child. I think it is normal to do them at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months. I have never been able to keep up with that schedule, and try not to feel guilty when I miss getting pictures taken. Rather than feeling guilty, I take the approach that my at home style photos have that improv feel.

Ezra is 3 years and 2 months. Elliot is 19 1/2 months. Zachary is 6 months, so at least his age is right!

This is Elliot's stink-eye. I was thankful I was able to capture this expression that he does every now and then.

December Fun

Here are a few photos that I haven't gotten around to posting that are from last month.

Two little boys showing off to two big boys at one of our friends' homes.

Elliot evaluating the swimming pool situation, while clinging to one of his Christmas presents.

Elijah, Anton, Ezra, Elliot and Zachary at the pool.


Ezra really loved swimming. He went down the slide over and over again. This picture shows that this wasn't just a slow-poke slide, either!