Winter is here...

A preview of Christmas in WI which was held at Thanksgiving time. We will not be making the trip back to WI for Christmas. This time of year is pretty busy with the feedlot chores. Therefore, we made the decision to stay here for Christmas. The feedlot probably has around 800 head in addition to the cow herd. Wes of course would know the exact number.

Tessa opening her present from Grandma Hoppe, a fuzzy fleece blanket!
Audrey and cousin Olivia checking out a book I'm sure

The cows out on cropland for the winter

The cow herd

Making their way through the snow to come up and eat

Perhaps I should explain that Grandma Hoppe is my mom also known sometimes as Grandma Carol. The twins will request a call to my mom for her to sing "Hoppe," a Czech song that has been handed down through the family. So, to distinguish which Grandma they are talking about at time they often refer to her as Grandma Hoppe. My dad is often "Grandpa with the milk cows." I asked the twins where milk comes from the other day and they said, "from grandpa Gerard's dairy cows." It is hilarious how they make a point when they see a picture of a cow to indicate whether it is a "dairy cow" or a "beef cow."