A Summer of Fun at the Farm

In the midst of many summer farm projects, thousands of orders being shipped to homes across the country each month, and normal "life" highs and lows, our family has gotten together for some F-U-N times and fellowship this summer.

And you know what? I'm actually really proud of that.

The truth is that it takes intentional commitment to foster friendships and love, and getting together to be with each other in the same space is an unmatched way to do just that.

As you know, we value transparency in caring for and raising animals and producing food. But we are also happy to give you a deeper glimpse into our family—your farmers, too.

With that, here's a quick recap and some pictures of what we've been doing this summer.
 

1950s Drive-in Movie Night

Some of our time together required a little more coordination than others, and my sister-in-law Katrina helped lead one such event, a throwback drive-in movie night at the farm.

We dressed the part, had delicious "theater" snackables, and watched a number of Andy Griffith episodes on a big screen projected against the barn. 

Brandt (the 7th son) and his wife, Marissa, nailed their costumes and enjoyed the movie in their Dune Buggy.

Blake (the 1st son) and his wife, Kim, also showed up in style in Blake's old green pickup you may have seen a time or two on our Instagram stories.

Below, Bruce (the 6th son) looked pretty dapper while he gathered snacks for himself and his young family.

Last but not least, the "late night" crew of my dad, Brandt & Marissa, Brock & Katrina and a few of my neices and nephews stayed up til 2 am watching Star Wars episode 2.

Blaine's son, Bryton, was looking 1950s cool as a cucumber...

When you have Seven Sons and 16 grandkids, you have A LOT OF CHAIRS at your homemade drive-in:

We have to give a special shoutout to our hostress, Katrina Hitzfield (pictured below), for organizing such an awesome event.

Fireworks as a Family

The weekend before the 4th of July many of us got together at a local church for a fireworks display that absolutely knocked our socks off. The show lasted over 30 minutes in its entirely, with the grand finale lasting close to five minutes or so.

It was a pretty late night for my wife, Charis and I, and our family of six...but the memories were worth every minutesand the tiredness we felt the next day. We were happy to be joined by Brock his family, as well as Bruce and his wife Alyssa (pictured below) and their three little ones.

Independence Day Parade

For many years my father-in-law has invited us to participate in the Warren, IN 4th of July parade. This is the we surprised him and made it happen. 😁

It sure was great to get Mom, so many of us brothers, and our families involved at the last minute. I know my wife, Charis, was proud to have all of us represent the farm in the small town she grew up in.

Team Party at my House

Last but not least my sister-in-law Catherine (Brooks, the 5th son's wife) was instrumental in putting together one of our biggest events of the year.

We hosted the family and farm team at my house on July 6th for more fireworks, delicious farm food, cornhole, buggy and ATV rides, swimming in the pond and lots of laughs.

The truth is that Seven Sons is so much more than just my brothers and I and our families, and connecting off-site with the incredible team we lock arms with and their families is one of the most important and fulfilling things we get to do a few times throughout the year.

Last Saturday was one of those fun days. :)

A trip to the Zoo

Several of us got together for some zoo time on an overcast June day...our little Hitzfield animals were impressed!