A HUGE breath of fresh air

Most of us hope we will never again face a pandemic. Every 100 years sounds good to us for sure. What year it has been.  

And yet, there has been so much beauty in this year. There are memories I feel like I will never forget. 

Like this picture above. Six friends (and a few more not pictured) that got to be together to surprise 14-year-old Ana on her birthday. With our COVID numbers down and a beautiful soon-to-be-Spring day upon us, we gathered at the Kotynski house and then carried over to my farm for some puppy and lamb love. 

They didn't even care that they wore their masks outside "just to be extra safe." What felt wonderful was to be ... together. For things to feel normal. 

Later that evening as I recounted the events of the day to JB who had to work, I found myself tearing up. "You know," I said. "I don't think Ana would have cared if there was a single present there. Or if it had even been a birthday present. It was the fact that the girls were there that brought such joy to her heart." Her friends! Together.

Here are some more pictures from our fun-filled day.

Yes, that's a sheep in the picture.

One of our bottle-fed lambs. Toni Kennel has been feeding it, but it was time to release him. It was an emotional day for Toni. Man did "Malfred" like this little guy.

Cigars. Pretzels. All the same. 

The only picture I snapped of Abigail! With little Erin!

Hannah, Kari, Aunt Hannah, and Allie

Friends: Cali, Hailey, Remi, and Ana. Beautiful introverted girls just loving to be together. 

Dear Toni and little Malfred. 

Gabe and the lovely Maryah. 

Nicole (Maryah's mom), Anni, and Erin (with her "special" little bottle baby)

Nicole's youngest daughter is an an ANIMAL fanatic. 

And here she is just moments after tearfully saying good bye to the farm!