We have 5 beautiful acres full of memories. We bought this property in Jan 1993, we moved on it in the summer of 93, moving our house (not just household, but the entire 2 story house) 70 miles.
We first moved the storage room which became our cabin while building, digging the well, putting in septic and plumbing, basement, etc. 10 of us in a 10x16 storage room! It was fun, because it was temporary.
So the memory's seem forever. Jon was born that year so Gina, Jon, Monica, Mark and James don't ever remember living anywhere else.
When we first bought the place, the trees, bushes and undergrowth were so thick, you couldn't walk through the forest. We horse logged one truck load of logs and Rick took a rototiller through to make a path while we all worked to smooth it out and clear a way to walk though to the back.
The service berry bushes were thick and had lots of berries. I canned some, but they really don't have much flavor.
Well over the years forests change, we had a cow that grazed our under brush, we took down the dead trees for fire wood. Children built one play/tree house after another. Dead branches now began to build up on the ground and we needed a major clean up for fire safety and looks.
But 5 acres is overwhelming.
Then I heard about a grant they put out for this area. They pay 90% of the cost to clean up and fire safe our property's out here.
So we did it. It was scary, because although each person in our area has 5 acres, we are in a neighborhood. I don't feel like we have neighbors since our trees give us privacy.
The guys doing the job were very kind as James told the story's of his "climbing tree" or the trees that Paul, Mark, Jon, James and Hans decided take down as lumberjacks.
After, front yard. You can see neighbors pond here.
Before
After
This is the machine, it would take down a tree and then mulch it into chips. Anything on the ground it ate and mulched.
BeforeI'm getting used to it. At first I could see the neighbors, but now I don't even think about it. It just looks clean.
Lee at the historical museum.
Tony has a parachute on his back. A little heavy!
The Mexican restaurant lunch
Hans, James, Tony, Lee
There were two rooms at the motel and so the kids could watch kids movies , while Martha and Monica watched house shows.
Monica, James, Hans and Lee
Ice skating
Monica's first time ever!
James
All of us girls went to Spokane to shop for the wedding. Gina is planning her wedding in Aug. We decided on a girls outing and planned ahead. We found a motel that was more like an apartment. 2 bedrooms, living room and kitchen. It was great! So fun to be together. 
We spent hours watching Gina try on dresses. They were all so pretty.
Mishael
Miriam
Monica
Monica, Gina, Nettie, Moriah
Eliza and Elina
Kendra and Eliza
Miriam
Paul, Mark and Jon
James taking a picture of himself.
Jon got a smart phone for his birthday from Maria. Pretty nice sister!
I made him a lemon cake. They all dug into it and enjoyed!
Mark eating cake too.
Mark playing the piano
James playing and singing
Moriah came up to see the kids
After, front yard. You can see neighbors pond here.
Before
After
This is the machine, it would take down a tree and then mulch it into chips. Anything on the ground it ate and mulched.
Before
Martha, Moriah, Gina and I (Plus Shawn) did our first trip for wedding dress shopping. Gina is engaged, but not planning the wedding for a couple of years. 
